Tampa Real Estate « Smith and Associates Blog

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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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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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!

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Introducing Grand Central at Kennedy September 27, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

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!

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Feature Friday: 814 South Willow Avenue September 16, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna

814 S Willow Avenue is a fabulous 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath traditional home located in desirable Hyde Park. This 2,796 SF Tampa home for sale features a Master suite with walk-in closet and over-sized tub, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a detached 3-car garage with a 594 SF apartment above. Tampa Realtor, Rick Miller shared some insider information with us about this fabulous listing:

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!

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Tuesday Morning Market: Introducing the Mortgage Team September 13, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

It’s official! All of our favorite Smith & Associates Mortgage Brokers have switched to New Penn Financial. I sat down with them to find out the scoop & why New Penn was the right choice & here’s what I found out:

– 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?

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Celebrities Call Tampa Bay Home Too! September 7, 2011
By Kortney Gentry

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?

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Featured Property: 821 Seddon Cove Way #821 August 29, 2011
By Alexis Bentivegna

Today’s featured home for sale is offered by Tampa Realtor Elaine Weiner. Located in the highly sought-after development of Seddon Cove, 821 Seddon Cove Way #821 is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condominium in impeccable condition. We asked Elaine to share with us some of the features that make this South Tampa treasure such an exceptional value:

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.

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