Tampa Home « Smith and Associates Blog

Great News…We’re Moving! October 21, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

We have some exciting news & we want our followers to be the first to know….

You may have noticed that we have been going through some great changes & improvements on our web space thanks to our amazing developers at Active Website. Of course, we wouldn’t leave the blog out of those changes! While we have had a great run on www.smithblogonline.com, we are moving to a new Tampa home within our site, www.smithandassociates.com.

Be sure to visit us at our new domain www.smithandassociates.com/blog/ where you will find updates on the current Tampa Bay market as well as community happenings, local vendors and much more. Keep an eye out for more changes to come; We think you will like them.

Thanks for being such great followers & we can’t wait to see you there!

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for upcoming changes & additions? What would you like to see?

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How One Local Builder is Improving South Tampa October 20, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

In an effort to improve South Tampa homes, Tampa Realtor, BG Holmberg has teamed up with Martin Ryan, a 3rd generation spec builder of almost 30 years and founder of M. Ryan Homes. These two have known each other for nearly 7 years now, however, 2 years ago, they came up with a concept and started a plan that would keep growing families in the area they love.

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?

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Mortgage Minute: What’s my home worth? October 13, 2011
By Amy Seeks

After speaking with one of our Tampa New Penn Financial reps, Bobbie Nader (pictured), about the current mortgage market and frequently asked questions, she filled us in on some amazingly helpful information…

With rates still at their all time low, many clients are interested in refinancing their home, or purchasing a home. The question of what their home is worth comes up almost immediately. It usually becomes a long conversation. Although, I am not an appraiser, I do give a few suggestions to my clients if they are concerned with value:

1) If you are refinancing it may be a good idea to contact your Realtor that assisted you when you purchased the home. Your agent can provide you with a current updated market analysis.
2) If you are purchasing a home your lender will require an appraisal, should there be a concern with a value up front, I also suggest having the seller pay for an initial appraisal. Your lender will not be able to use the same appraisal, however your agents can provide this to the lenders appraiser so they have additional information to consider.
3) Also keep in mind if you are going to your local tax authority website, the market value that is reflected on that site typically is not a true market value of the property.

The best way to go about refinancing or purchasing is to utilize your local Realtors when you are inquiring about the value of your current Tampa home or a new home. We are also here as a lender to assist you with qualifying and determining the perfect and most comfortable financing options available to you.

Have you ever found yourself debating refinancing? What are some of the questions you would like to see answered by our Mortgage Team?

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Let’s Talk Facebook for iPad… October 12, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

The networking monster we call Facebook has completely changed the Social Media game. With over 750 million monthly active users world-wide, they seem to be ahead of the times when it comes to technology, except for in one area…the iPad. If you are anything like the majority of the Apple loving Social Media population, you have been (ever so patiently) waiting to work (possibly read lurk) on Facebook via iPad. Well, my friends, the day has come. Say goodbye to all of those 3rd party Facebook applications and the anti-touch screen capable website because today is a new day and you are getting the Facebook app for iPad right from the comfort of your Tampa home.

While this app looks very similar to the one that was previewed a few months back, to many it is new and absolutely fabulous. It is built in layers to keep everything clean and prevent the need to navigate away to an external source so users can watch videos, play games, browse photos and chat all at the same time without leaving the comfort of the application. There is also a swipe-down feature (similar to the iPhone app) that allows you to refresh your feed without much effort at all and a nifty little “nearby” section that actually pulls up a google map showing all of your closest friends…in the most literal sense possible. Not to mention, photo functionality is superb and you can now experience everything in HD.

Due to the longstanding anti-Flash view Apple has, this new exciting new Facebook app was developed in HTML5. What does that mean to all of us non-tech savvy folks? According to an article on Arctic Startup, “HTML5 allows the game play to continue across devices in a seamless fashion as users don’t need to install any specific apps. More concretely, you can play a game in the office, continue on your mobile as you walk towards the bus and take out your iPad and continue where you left off.” Not that I am promoting gaming at work but for those of you that have a little “free time” every now and then and a passion for Facebook games, this app is for you. Apparently having this HTML5 platform is quite revolutionary so keep an eye out for new games to come!

Of course there are always going to be things that need improvement. After all, it is only version 1. For us newbies, the layers can be a bit confusing. It is difficult to navigate at first use, however once you get the hang of it, it sticks. (we all know Facebook is ever changing though, so don’t go getting too attached). My personal biggest peeve is the inability to quickly share links and posts that you have seen on other users’ pages but in all honesty, it has been my only true complaint so far, making it an over all success in my book.

Have you tried the new Facebook iPad app yet? What did you like or dis-like? Would you benefit from an app that made it easier to find your next Tampa home?

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Morning Meetings Just Aren’t What They Used to Be. October 11, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

When thinking about a top of the morning sales meeting, the first sound you probably hear is a groan and attendance is often forced. At Smith & Associates Real Estate, however, we try to stand out from the crowd by making our Tuesday morning rituals a bit more entertaining while still delving into “the facts”. Being October, this month will feature a few exciting Tuesdays with a “Reality TV” costumed meeting and a pumpkin carving contest but we can talk about (and share fun pictures of) those later. A re-cap of today’s meeting is a good place to start…

Community involvement plays a huge role in Real Estate. Not necessarily because your community is filled with potential clients but because it is great to give back. With October not only comes fun meetings, but it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well. We have several agents participating in runs, walks and golf tournaments, but today we got to see the fruits of a particularly spectacular fundraiser…a bra decorating contest! Yes, you heard correctly. Two of our Tampa Realtors, Laurie Garrett and Janet Mendez (pictured right) modeled bras that they recently decorated at an event to honor all of the birthdays that have passed due to breast cancer research made possible by grants, donations and fundraisers nationwide. BRA-vo to them on their creative skills.

This Tuesday also gave us a chance to meet one of our newest staff members (whom you will be hearing from on the blog as well), our talented Relocation Director, Jane Gowarty (pictured left). Jane has been in Real Estate for the past 19 years, starting in land development and has spent the past 10 years focused on relocation. She will be the first point of contact for out of towners looking to call Tampa Bay home, introducing the city and learning about clients’ stories in order to match them up with a like-minded realtor. You may have seen Jane speak at several Leading Real Estate or Relocation conventions and we are excited to stand by her side as she continues to educate others on the importance of her department.

All in all, this has been a successful Tuesday. What are your favorite things about meeting with your colleagues and what kind of community involvement would you like to see from Smith in the future?

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Davis Islands, It’s Elementary, My Dear. October 10, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

At the mouth of the Hillsborough River, you will find one of the most sought after places to build a Tampa home, Davis Island. While many now know the area for the quaint, pet-friendly business district and the reported future 7 bedroom, 9 bath waterfront home of baseball phenomenon, Derek Jeter, among other celebrities, Davis Island possesses quite the historical back drop.

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)

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Featured Friday: 636 Geneva Place October 7, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna

Enjoy the best of urban living at 636 Geneva Pl on desirable Davis Island. This immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow features over 1,300 sqft of amazing details and upgrades; Sit fireside while reading a book from your built in library casings or relax by the pool with friends amidst the lush tropical setting. Tampa Realtor, Elaine Weiner shared a few more of the luxuries you will enjoy from this fabulous Tampa home for sale.

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.

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Tampa Bay Just Got Awesome October 5, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

And we mean that in the most literal way possible. According to their website, “the Awesome Foundation for the Arts and Sciences is an ever-growing, worldwide network of people devoted to forwarding the interest of awesomeness in the universe”. What does this mean exactly?

Well, there are several different chapters of the Awesome Foundation in cities all over the world including: Boston, New York, Montreal, Seattle, Sydney, DC, Berlin, San Francisco and our very own Tampa Bay. Ten different chair people local to the specific city will get together to form a board. Each month, the board members will donate $100 per person (in the name of awesomeness, of course) which makes up a $1,000 grant. Local residents will submit applications for awesome ideas they have to improve their city and the board members will vote on who gets the grant based off of the applications. Awesome, right?!

Some of the awesome ideas that have been funded in other cities are a monstrous colorful graffiti mural on the wall of a Boston school, a live re-inactment of the Indianna Jones and the Alley of Doom scene where locals get to play the role of Mr. Jones running from the gigantic boulder in DC (see photo to the right for a visual courtesy of the Awesome Foundation blog), polka-dots painted on top of San Francisco buildings to create the worlds largest game of connect the dots (picked up by Google Map satellites), and a winter Warmth project dedicated to keeping the homeless warm in Melbourne through backpacks filled with food, gloves, toothbrushes and information on assistance organizations.

The Awesome Tampa Bay chapter is brand spanking new, so they haven’t funded anything yet, however they are currently taking applications and eager to make our Tampa home more awesome than ever $1,000 at a time. For more information or to submit your ideas, visit their website at www.AwesomeTampaBay.org.

What awesome ideas do you have to improve Tampa Bay?

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Smart Phone, Smarter House October 4, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

Living in the age of smart phones, we have become accustom to having nearly everything at our fingertips. I always find myself in deep thought, wondering “what can I do with my handy little iPhone next?” Well now I know…

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…

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Feature Friday: 3101 West Fair Oaks Avenue September 30, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna

Today’s featured property is a beautiful Spanish Mediterranean home located at 3101 W Fair Oaks Ave. This spacious 3,651 sqft South Tampa home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a 2 car garage and sits just one block away from Tampa‘s infamous Bayshore Boulevard. St. Pete Realtors Debbie Newman & Scott Allen shared a few details on this beautiful house:

Q: What distinctive features set this home apart?

A: The expansive great room and kitchen makes this the ideal home for entertaining and cooking. Custom surround sound acoustics and scene lighting will make you feel like you’re in a movie theater on family movie night!

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

A: This Tampa home is a classic Mediterranean style perfected by builder Devonshire Custom Homes. Enjoy of clean lines, open spaces and lot’s of light.

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

A: The home is located in the heart of South Tampa, just a block from Bayshore Blvd. Downtown Tampa is minutes away and a commute to downtown St. Petersburg is under 30 minutes!

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

A: Grocery shopping, restaurants and the local YMCA are less than 5 minutes away – some restaurants within walking distance! The annual Gasparilla parade, Children’s parade and fireworks show all within quick walking distance.

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

A: This is an ideal home for “man’s best friend”! The current owners have installed electronic “doggie” doors that are controlled by remote sensor in dog’s collar so they can access the gated side yard on their own!

If you are looking for a family (and pet) friendly home in the Bay area, look no further than 3101 W Fair Oaks Ave, Tampa FL 33611. Contact the Newman/Allen Team to take a personal tour!

About The Newman/Allen Team:

Known for their integrity, discretion and the complete sell out of Signature Place, one of downtown St. Pete‘s luxury high-rises, St. Pete Realtors Debbie Newman & Scott Allen are quite the dynamic duo. The two joined forces in 2003 and and have experience working with all sides of the industry from investors and developers to maintaining relationships with past clients and local residents. Whether you are looking to buy, sell or learn more about the Bay area, The Newman/Allen Team are here to help!