Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: This is a Windstar Homes masterpiece built to the highest industry standards with the finest craftsmanship & technological advances available today. This 7000+ sq. ft. residence features 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, a magnificent entryway courtyard leading into the grand foyer, formal living room, family room, formal dining room with climate controlled wine room, beamed ceilings, Spanish tiled details, elevator, 4 fireplaces, low voltage lighting, whole house surround sound system, smart house technology, impact windows, up/down laundry rooms, kids retreat, outdoor kitchen, dock, boat lift, double jet ski lift, & protected sailboat depth water, and so much more!


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

A: The St Pete home is best described as Spanish Mediterranean. Architectually, the home is designed with the warmth & elegance of a bespoke Mediterranean villa within the walls of fortress.

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

A: The property is located in St. Petersburg‘s Snell Isle on one of the most exclusive boulevards in all of Tampa Bay.  From Casa de Encanto one can walk or bike into downtown St. Petersburg via one of the city’s finest waterfront promenades and by boat one will enjoy direct unobstructed access out to Tampa Bay from the property.

Q: Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?

A: Each Windstar Home is a custom designed masterpiece. Casa de Encanto features a separate and hidden guest casita that rivals any luxury hotel suite.  The home also features a fantastic climate controlled wine room that will please the most discriminating of wine collectors.

This luxurious Mediterranean Villa at 851 Brightwaters Blvd NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 is like none other in the area.  Contact The Malowany Group for a view inside the fortress-esq walls.

About The Malowany Group:

From waterfront estates in Snell Isle, the Old Northeast, Tierra Verde, and Belleair Bluffs to multi-million dollar luxury condominiums in downtown St. Petersburg, Clearwater and St. Pete Beach, The Malowany Group’s knowledge of the area’s finest neighborhoods is unmatched.  With over 38 years of combined real estate experience, a proven track record as one of the leading sales teams in the St. Petersburg area and an unyielding dedication to all of their clients, Frank Malowany and Rebecca Lemmon are the clear choice when selling or buying a property.

On Friday, October 14th, the Chihuly Exhibit closed it’s doors to the public from 6-8pm, allowing for a private more intimate atmosphere open to only the Signature residents and their guests.  While the museum was closed, that doesn’t mean it was empty;  The event summoned up an amazing turnout with upwards of 140 in attendance.  Guests enjoyed great company, food & wine as well as a documentary on Dale Chihuly and a private tour of his installations & works residing in the St. Petersburg exhibit.  Many attendees have already visited the museum but loved the opportunity to visit again with friends & neighbors.  According to feedback from Scott Allen, “Those that visited the museum for the first time were thrilled and impressed.”

While the Newman & Allen Team continues grow their market share in the Bay area, they will never cease to take care of their community and the Signature residents.  Scott claimed that “The Morean Arts Center’s relationship with [Smith & Associates Real Estate President/CEO] Bob Glaser (pictured above middle) was key to this event’s success”.  However, we know that not only the event’s success but St. Petersburg as a whole would not be the same without he & Debbie either.  The Newman & Allen Team is one of the top producing collaborations in the area, yet their humbleness is always present and genuine.

To see more photos from the event, click here.  Have you attended one of the Newman/Allen events?  What did you think?

When decorating for fall, what better to use than pumpkins: the most versatile little (or big) squash of all?  There is just so much you can do with this fabulous food!   After spending the morning researching cheap & easy DIY ways to decorate my St. Petersburg home , I wanted to share my findings with you.

Fall decorations don’t have to be difficult, which it is a huge relief when attempting to cram seasonal decorating into an already busy schedule.  Prepping your Tampa home for Autumn can be as easy as filling your unused fireplace with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes (above), placing candles & lantern glass on top of mini pumpkins to be used as centerpieces, carving out the insides (baking the delicious seeds of course) & creating environmentally friendly flower pots and candle holders, or paint them shiny fall colors and add a few twigs and berries for an out-of-this-world front porch decoration (below).

If you want to make amazing and colorful fall foods, pumpkin ingredients are also a MUST in my book.  (Did I mention baked pumpkin seeds yet?) You can easily edit your stuffed pepper recipe to read stuffed pumpkin,  and how about these adorable bite-sized pies for your fall get together? (below)  For a little extra fun, blend a slice of pie with a cup of milk (or milk replacement) & vanilla ice-cream then top it off with a pumpkin pie mini for a fantastic milkshake to share with friends. (recipe found here)

When it comes to pumpkins, pies and fall decor, whichever route you choose, you can’t go wrong.  The beautiful colors pared with the breezy weather and a handful of pumpkin seeds make for the perfect start to an amazing season.

What’s your favorite simple ways to decorate for fall?  Do you have a secret pumpkin pie recipe you’d like to share?

The letters that make up the stores well-known name are actually an acronym of the founder’s name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm he grew up on (Elmtaryd), and his home parish (Agunnaryd, in Småland, South Sweden).  * Fun Fact: Småland is directly translated “small land” in Swedish.  Hence, why the “kiddy-land” section in many of the stores don this name.

In 1951, eight years after IKEA was founded, the first catalog was published (see amazing vintage cover pictured right).  Then in 1958 the very first store opened it’s doors.  There are now over 270 some odd locations open worldwide (including a Tampa location, visible from the Crosstown Expressway).  Talk about company growth!

Decorating my St. Petersburg home is not all IKEA has done for the world.  They have partnered with several other non-profit organizations including World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) and UNICEF.  According to their website “The IKEA Group, in co-operation with UNICEF, initiates a broad community program in northern India to address the root causes of child labor. The project includes 500 villages and will benefit more than 1 million people, providing more than 80,000 children with an opportunity for an education. At, present, the project covers a range of initiatives, such as providing alternative learning centers, health and nutrition, education, empowering women and forming women’s self-help groups”

If that is not reason enough to absolutely love this place (read: go on an immediate interior design spree), then I don’t know what is.  We should all learn a lesson from them.  Looking for something to do in Tampa today?  See you at IKEA in 10…

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:

Angi 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, Closer
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.

Aureann 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- Closer
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?

After an intense pondering session, I decided on 5 tips to maximizing small spaces.  Here goes nothing:

Be flexible. Don’t define every room to a specific purpose, give purpose to every room!
Be functional. Just because it is called a “walk-in closet”, doesn’t men that’s all its good for.  Make use of every corner and bare walls by adding an art studio or office.
Scale down. Why have a family room AND a sitting room (that no one actually sits in) with TVs in both?  Designate one area for congregating, TV watching and video game playing.  This will maximize family time as well!
Divide it up. Maximize large rooms by dividing them into sections for designated purposes.  Use 3-fold room dividers or fancy curtains to really give it a “room-y” feel. (vintage room divider found on Amazon pictured right)
Bring it outside. If you have a porch, patio or yard, ad a grill, tables, tents and out door games.  You now have the perfect place to entertain!

Still not convinced that small space living is fabulous living?  Need an incentive to decorate a small space?  A website titled Apartment Therapy actually hosts an annual “Small/Cool” Contest (yes, that is the name) for homes under 1,000 SqFt.  The categories are (absolutely adorable) “Teeny-Tiny”, “Tiny”, “Little”, “Small” and “International”.  Thousands of entries are received and there is one Grand Prize winner as well as one finalist picked per category.

This year’s winner was an amazing 460 SQFT, well lit apartment in Brooklyn (pictured thanks to www.apartmenttherapy.com).  This teeny space has been completely maximized, allowing for a section for a bedroom (top left), living room (left), office, kitchen (bottom right) and bathroom.  I am in love!

According to the contest rules “The home can be designed by a professional, weekend hobbyist or design enthusiast” so everyone is invited to participate & the prizes are pretty swell!  Check them out for even more ideas on how to maximize your small space.

Whether you opt for small space living out of necessity or desire, there are so many ways to maximize the area and make it just as fabulous as an over-sized mansion!  Not to mention how green you can be, reducing your carbon footprint by using less emissions to keep a small space functioning.

How have you maximized space in your Tampa Bay home?  Do you have any small space decorating tips?

– Since the company does not have any other lines of businesses, unlike most banks or insurance companies, it can focus all of its resources to residential mortgage financing.
– New Penn Financial has a local operation in the Greater Tampa Bay area with processors, underwriters, managers and regional executives located in our office to provide fast decisions and closing turn times. Smith & Associates Real Estate can now routinely close loans within 21 days or less while our competitors struggle to close loans in 30-45 days!
– Aligning themselves with local experts, they have created a nominated appraisal panel that comprises of the most adept, professional, and knowledgeable appraisers in the area. You never have to lose another deal due to a sub-par or out of area appraiser!
– By working with one of the Smith & Associates/New Penn Financial Mortgage brokers, clients have program options such as Super Jumbo, Asset for Income Qualification, High Debt to Income Qualification, Foreign National, Investors, & Non-Warrantable Condos.

So…What does all of this mean??  More qualified homebuyers achieving the dream of homeownership!

Smith & Associates Real Estate is equipped to assist in the entire home buying experience from the initial search with a Realtor, attaining a lender all the way to having Smith Title at your closing (which we will talk about next week!)  Now to meet our fabulous Mortgage Brokers that make all of this possible:

Bobbie Nader
Smith & Associates’ Tampa Office

With over 20 years experience in the banking Real Estate Industry, consisting of operations, underwriting, closing, marketing, and originating loans, Bobbie Nader is well versed to say the least!  She is a great asset to Smith & Associates and has been recognized as a Top Producer in the field. When asking Bobbie how she feels about her job, she said “I enjoy helping clients with their home financing needs. I love what I do, and meeting wonderful people in the process. I am also excited to work along David Donaldson, my future husband.”

David Donaldson
Smith & Associates’ South Tampa Office

After working with First Union for over 10 years, Dave Donaldson came to Smith & Associates and took over the mortgage department. Not long after, he moved to the Bank of Tampa for 12 years, then eventually ended up partnering with soon to be wife, Bobbie Nader back at Smith. They have happily landed that partnership back where they first met.  A little inside scoop on Dave according to Bobbie, “David loves to cook, plan our vacations (a year in advance!), and spend time with the family.”

Steve Stapleton
Smith & Associates’ Downtown St. Pete Office

Florida licensed mortgage broker, Steve Stapleton has been a loan officer for the past 14 years and is well known throughout the Tampa Bay real estate & lending community as an honest and reputable mortgage banker. Steve has worked hand in hand with his borrowers, lenders, realtors and title companies to make sure all his transactions run smoothly and all those involved are completely satisfied.  He has lived in Tampa Bay area since 1990 & enjoys all the pleasures of the Gulf Coast, including boating, fishing, golfing, and of course…home ownership. He is very active within the community and served four years in the United States Air Force before being honorably discharged as a Senior Airman.

Amanda Stapleton
Smith & Associates’ Belleair Bluffs Office

Amanda L Stapleton is a Licensed Mortgage Broker that has been in the mortgage industry since 2001.  Starting her career as a Mortgage Processor then progressing to Processing Manager and Operations Manager Amanda knows the mortgage process from start to finish.  On her free time you may find her spending time with her husband Steve Stapleton & their dogs or volunteering for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure!

Whether you are looking for Tampa Real Estate, a new St. Pete home or a Belleair home for sale, Smith & Associates has you covered!

Have you ever worked with our Mortgage team?  Which office did you visit and hat did you think?

Q: 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?

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!

About 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.

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 distinctive features set this home apart?

A: The magnificent panoramic waterview of sparkling Tampa Bay will capture you from the moment you enter this beautiful residence. You will have a front row seat to all the happenings in fabulous downtown St. Petersburg!

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

A: The vibrancy and atmosphere of downtown is right out your front door.  Enjoy fine restaurants and outdoor cafes, museums galore including the new Dali, shopping, waterfront parks and the theatre all within easy walking distance.

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

A: This home for sale in St. Pete is a rare find in one of downtown’s most desirable luxury condo towers.  Built by renowned JMC communities in 2000, the gorgeous Florencia is a much sought after address.

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

A: This home has been spectacularly customized with fine finishes throughout. If someone is considering downtown luxury living this home should not be be missed!

Live out your dreams of luxury living at 100 Beach Dr NE #1002, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.  Contact Debbie & Lee to ask about a private tour of the home.

About Lee & Debbie:

With the motto “sisters by chance & Real Estate partners by choice”, you can’t help by want to know more about St. Pete Realtors Lee Stratton and Debbie Momberg.  Growing up and raising families of their own in Pinellas county, the two have gained knowledge on the area and are valuable resources when looking for a home centered around schooling, organizations or the best places to dine!  With a combined 25 years in the industry, Lee & Debbie have become one of St. Petersburg‘s top teams; whether buying or selling, they are the perfect choice!