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Chihuly Collection Coming to St. Petersburg July 8, 2010
By David B Moyer
 

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is spirited in the ARTS and excited for the arrival of Dale Chihuly and his wonderful collection. As the world and nation now look to St. Petersburg as a destination for art, the locals are ready to embrace this label and showcase the beautiful area that is the city’s downtown and waterfront.  The schedule of events is as follows:

July 3, 2010: First Gather: A Community Celebration. 10am – 4pm at the Morean Arts Center. Admission is FREE. “First Gather” is the beginning process of glass-blowing, and will be an opening to the community of the Morean Arts Glass Studio & Hot Shop. There will be tours of the facility, music, food, crafts, glass artists, demonstrations, and an appearance by the Ray’s mascot.

July 10, 2010: Dale Chihuly Lecture and Book Signing. 2pm-4pm at the Renaissance Vinoy. $150 per ticket. Dale Chihuly will present a lecture in the ballroom, and all guests will receive a complimentary Chihuly book which he will be sign following the lecture. Desserts and champagne will be served.

July 10, 2010: The Chihuly Collection’s Carnivale of Glass. 7pm -11pm at the Chihuly Collection and 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House. $200 ticket. This is a “can’t miss” event, and the first opportunity for the public to view the collection. Signature cocktails, appetizers, beer, and wine will be selected by the 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House for this magical evening. Entertainment and Dale Chihuly will be available to cap off the night.

July 11, 2010: Premier Tour of the Chihuly Collection. 1pm-6pm. $125 ticket. This will be the first time to tour the Chihuly Collection, and the official opening day. A limited amount of tickets are available and guests will be greeted with champagne. There will be a guided tour and guests will receive either a Chihuly book or DVD.

Not that we’re at all suprised, since we already knew what a gem St. Petersburg is…but American Style Magazine recently raved about the city!  Smith & Associates is proud that the home we know and love is getting such fantastic attention on the national level. To read the article, please click here.

Information on the schedule of events was provided by the Morean Arts Center.

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Smith & Associates Paint Splatter Event June 28, 2010
By David B Moyer
 

St. Petersburg Downtown Splatter Paint ShoesOn Wednesday evening (June 23, 2010), Smith & Associates Real Estate hosted a splatter painting event in its Downtown St. Petersburg real estate office.  The event was held to benefit the Morean Arts Center, the organization which is responsible for bringing the Chihuly Collection to St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg Splatter Paint ShoesAbout 60 people took part in the event, which was inspired by Dale Chihuly.  For those who may not be aware, he’s not only revered for his glass work!  Chihuly is also known for splatter painting, where he lays a canvas on the ground and splatters paint on it.  The artist wears special orthopedic shoes which are always covered in splattered paint, and which he’s been known to wear to formal events.  So, to be sure he feels a warm Tampa Bay welcome when he comes to town, the residents of St. Petersburg have taken to splattering their shoes as well!

St. Petersburg Splatter Paint ShoesChihuly will be making public appearances in St. Petersburg on July 10th for his lecture and book signing, and July 11th when the Chihuly Collection exhibit opens at 400 Beach Drive, just steps from our office’s front door.

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Everyday Solar Power Possibilities June 16, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

Solar power is unfortunately often thought of as something that’s not practical for mainstream usage.  But, there’s good news!  Companies like Lennox Industries are creating attainable everyday systems for harnessing this free green energy source.  The creation of practical systems for average home owners will assist in bridging the gap between green-friendly and green-affordable.

Lennox Industries has introduced a solar powered central heating and cooling system called SunSource.  The main platform of the system consists of a solar ready air conditioning system, heat pump, and roof-installed solar modules.  The best news regarding SunSoure is that the system can be phased into an existing home gradually.  Anywhere from 1 to 15 solar modules can be installed, and both the panels and A/C or heat systems can be added separately.  This will allow St Petersburg home owners to convert to the system at their own pace and, more importantly, according to their own budget.

In addition to powering heating and cooling, SunSource also has the potential to provide electricity to power appliances and the lights in your St Petersburg home.  The more panels added, the more power available.   Another great feature of the product is the communication panel, which allows a home owner to view the performance of the system and its various elements.  A curious home owner can easily track home much energy their solar panels are producing with 24/7 access, and also see carbon offsets.

Interesting in learning more about SunSource for your St Petersburg home?  See a sample home setup and view an informational video from Lennox here.

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Downtown St. Petersburg Creative Revival May 27, 2010
By David B Moyer
 

In 2005, the real estate boom had the 600th block of Central Ave in downtown St. Petersburg ready for the next big new construction tower.

In 2007, Crisip Arcade was an empty space in St Petersburg, home to no tower – another hole created by a slow market.

In 2010, the rejuvenated block is home to studios and creative businesses that have inspired the Arts District.

The Crislip Arcade is a rebirth of a 1920′s shopping block which provides shades and shops along Central Avenue. Nestled between bars, restaurants, and businesses, artists who call St Petersburg home now have a space to showcase their poetry, song, art, and photography. It took a lot of like minds to create such an amazing turn of events including inspired artists, a willing landlord, a creative city council, and cooperative code/city departments. A major change in real estate focus also allowed an opportunity for all of this to take place.

The property changed hands from a developer who envisioned a high rise to an owner willing to take the investment at a lower price and wait out the market. The city stepped in and offered to renovate the property and give it a new use while the new owner also upgraded the block.  “It is a much more realistic world,” says Bob Glaser, President/CEO of Smith & Associates Real Estate.  “People are starting to own property at the right price range.   (Rents) are almost equal to the debt service. There are probably other sites in the Bay area that would qualify.”

This is a great example of how you can take advantage of what is existing and use it to improve the downtown area. What an amazing thing for the city and for all to be a part of.  For the many artists and creatives who call St Petersburg home, there is now an all-new place to flourish.

What’s there?  The businesses in Crislip Arcade are:  Gallery Woo, Kimberly White Gallery, Rex A Million Gallery, MQC Fine Art Gallery, Croatian Naive Art Gallery, Vivian Knot Thompson Studio and Gallery, Art on Central, Elwell Gallery,All Sewn Up Boutique, Misred Outfitters, Dazzio Art Experience, Donna Gordon Gallery & Studio, Robinson Brand Builders, The Sebastian Thomas Gallery, The Department – Design, Branding, Environment, Vitale Art Studio, Blue Lucy, Sleeperwoods, Rhino Film Studios, Studio@620 Annex,  and 1 of 1 Customs.

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Keeping Your Home Healthy May 24, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

St Petersburg HomeWe all take a deep breath of relief when we come home after a hard day – but what if that air isn’t healthy?  There are a few things which you can easily control in order to make sure the air in your St Petersburg home is as healthy as possible.

First things first, take a look at your furniture.  What it’s made of can have a big effect on the air you breathe.  Pressed woods, which are used in certain types of furniture can have a very unhealthy affect on the air in your home.  Products containing particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF) contain a material which releases formaldehyde into the air.  Formaldehyde, along with being a suspected carcinogen, is also known to cause headaches and skin rashes.  Choosing furnishings which avoid these materials will start you on your way to cleaner air.

Paints and other finishes can also have negative effects on your St Petersburg home‘s indoor air quality.  These products emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), which can cause breathing problems and increase asthma rates in children.  Most companies now produce products which have low VOC content or none at all, which has no affect on the durability or quality of the product.  Those types of products are a much better choice for homeowners concerned about the air quality in their home.

Also, be aware of the products your bring into your St Petersburg home for everyday activity like cleaning.  Household cleaners can contain harsh chemical which pollute the air in your home.  If the product has a serious warning or danger level, chances are it’s not good for the health of your family – or your home.  Choosing plant-based or natural cleaning products or methods will help to improve your indoor air quality.

To learn more about indoor air quality, visit the EPA’s web page on the topic by clicking here.

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Costly Mistakes For First-Time Buyers April 23, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

St Petersburg homePurchasing your first St Petersburg home can be an intimidating process.  Knowing where potential problems can pop up along the way can help make the process a little easier.  Below are some things to keep in mind which can sometimes cause hardship for first-time buyers.

Low Credit Woes. Poor scores can cause damage even if a potential home buyer qualifies for a loan.  Borrowers who have low credit scores can end up paying thousands more in increased interest over the term of a mortgage.  Knowing your score and working to build it up over time can save lots of money in the long run.

Superficial Inspections. As a new home buyer, it’s important to be able to keep a tight reign on your finances.  Nothing can be more devastating than being faced with unexpected and expensive repairs after closing.  Make sure a thorough inspection is completed in order to assure your ability to plan repairs and/or upgrades according to your own budget and timeline.

Skipping Contingencies. Talk to your Realtor about adding contingencies to the offer on your new St Petersburg home.  A contingency gives you a potential ‘out’ if the completion of an inspection should return unexpected, deal-breaking results or if financing should for some reason fall through.

Underestimating Insurance. Buyers should be careful about including the cost of homeowner’s insurance when determining whether or not they can afford a property.  Insurance, especially in Florida, can be surprisingly more than one would expect.  To avoid a potential pitfall, be realistic about the numbers.

Overspending Extravaganzas. Lenders continue to check your credit right up until the time you close on your new St Petersburg home – not just when you originally apply for a mortgage.  Be careful about your spending both before and after you apply for a loan.  Too much spending could cause issues with your ability to complete the financing process.

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Better Windows & Insulation Mean Better Returns April 2, 2010
By Stephanie Streeter
 

St Petersburg HomeWith April 15th approaching quickly, our tax returns are fresh in our minds.  Many of us may be wishing that we would have done more to gain possible credits during 2009.  While it’s too late to help with the possible pain inflicted by this year’s Form 1040, it isn’t too late to start planning what you can do in 2010 to make next year’s better.  Improvements to your St Petersburg home, for example, could result in some relief.

Saving energy doesn’t only help the environment.  It also helps your checkbook when those monthly bills come in, and could possibly mean a helpful deduction come next April.  Yes, there are tax credits available for saving energy that could be good for up to $1,500 – and some possibly beyond that.

Part of a federal stimulus package passed last year, The Existing Home Retrofit Tax Credit covers a wide variety of options in regards to home-improvement projects resulting in energy savings.  Installing certain types of windows in your St Petersburg home could make you eligible.  Upgrading your air conditioning system or switching to alternative energy sources could mean even higher potential tax credits.

The available credit for upgrading to approved energy efficient products like insulation, siding, doors, windows, roofing, etc. is 30% of the cost (excluding installation) up to $1,500.  For example, if an owner replaced windows and insulation in their St Petersburg home for a total materials cost of $4,000, the tax credit could reduce the cost to $2,800. 

Please keep in mind – this is tax law.  There are always details and exclusions.  To make sure you get the most out of the available credits, contact your tax professional before embarking on a project.  To get more information on these available credits, please visit EnergyStar.gov, or NAHB.org/efficiencytaxcredit.

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Steps For First-Time Home Buyers March 11, 2010
By Smith & Associates
 

St Petersburg HomeOkay, you got a promotion, you’re getting married, you just won the lottery, or you’ve been squirreling away money since you were fifteen and you’re ready to move out of your parent’s basement. You could rent, but that seems like a waste. So you think it might be a good time to buy a St Petersburg home, or maybe a house in Tampa. But, where do you start? First you have to ask yourself some questions. The trick is which questions, and in what order.

“What do I want in a home?”

This is a great question to ask. Unfortunately it presupposes an idealistic reality where you can afford whatever house you see, and unless you’re the aforementioned lottery winner that’s probably not going to be the case. Asking this question first will leave most buyers with a sense of hopeless negativism, which leads to a defeatist remorse and ultimately settling on a house rather than finding the house they really want. Buying a home should be exciting, but don’t overwhelm your senses. Everyone wants the house on the beach, or the manor on the hill, and it’s beautiful to always have those goals, but for now let’s plant ourselves in reality.

“How much can I afford on a house?”

Hey, good question! There are plenty of houses you can afford which will live up to your dreams. You’re going to want to figure out how much you can save over X amount of time. Set a goal and do some simple math. How much can you have saved after six months? How about after a year? This will help you figure out how much of a down payment you can put together (most lenders require 20% down) for your new St Petersburg home, or house in Tampa. These first numbers will help you yield a budget for monthly mortgage, but also for your utilities and other living expenses. Over estimate these numbers to be safe.

“Okay, I have my budget… now what?”

With these numbers in mind start thinking about where you might want to live. Google is the most efficient way to find anything these days, so start there. Try searches like “St Petersburg home” or “Tampa homes for sale”. From here you will find a catalogue of houses and communities that display details and price ranges on individual properties. You’ll want to get in touch with a realtor and find out when you can take a tour of the some of the houses.

“What do I look for when I’m on a tour?”

First you have to develop a rating system. It can be a scale of 1 to 10, 1 to 5, or whichever suits your particular ability to scrutinize and note differences honestly. Give each home an overall score based on your system. You will also want to take plenty of pictures and take notes. Since these notes are based on your vision they can encompass any aspect of the property you’d like to remember later. But there are a few points you will always want to be mindful of: 1) Neighboring areas, 2) Sunlight or lack thereof, 3) overall feel of the area. With these criteria, your notes, pictures, and rating system you will have the information enough to make a wise decision. Also, remember that your rating system is probably the most honest of these factors since it is based on your overall opinion of a particular property.

“Where do I look?”

While great properties for first time home buyers can be found in nearly all the fantastic communities that the Tampa Bay area has to offer, here are some suggestions for areas to start looking.  For more information of these neighborhoods, just click on the community name.

Tampa area:

St Pete area: