Real Estate Information

Generally, most landlords appreciate good tenants and deal with them in a timely and reasonable.  There may be times, however, when the owner of your Tampa FL home is unresponsive to your request for necessary repairs, and you know you need to take action of some sort.

Where to start?  First, familiarize yourself with the Residential Landlord / Tenant Act of 1973, RCW 59.18 which clearly details your rights, responsibilities, and legal remedies   You should also carefully you’re your lease and research your state and municipal laws governing tenant-landlord relations before taking any kind of action against the landlord of your Tampa FL home.  Free legal advice is available to you at Just Answer.com or other similar online sites.

It is important that you ignore suggestions from well-meaning friends who advise you to withhold rent, have the repair done by a professional and either charge it to the landlord or deduct the cost from your rent, or break your lease.  Each of these options may well be viable, but only if done in a manner prescribed by law and thoroughly documented.

Once you have done your research and are knowledgeable about your rights, create a plan and follow it carefully.   

• Make your request for a repair to your Tampa FL home in writing, unless it's an emergency that requires immediate action. Detail the problem, how it affects you, and what you want done and when.
• If your landlord fails to remedy the problem, build your case. Take pictures. Have a professional assess the problem and estimate repair costs.
• Consider calling state and local building or health inspectors if repeated requests are ignored.
• File a lawsuit. Suing your landlord should be a last resort action. However, if the need arises, you should not hesitate. Contact your county court clerk to briefly describe your problem and identify the proper venue for filing a lawsuit. Your state may also require arbitration or mediation before allowing the lawsuit to be heard. Bring witnesses to the trial if they will strengthen your case. Present an organized case with all of your documentation. Do not stray off topic or let your anger and frustration control your actions in court.
• While it is comforting to know that you have rights as a tenant, do not forget that you also have a responsibility to follow federal, state, and local ordinances in your quest for a solution to your problem.

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When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.

Tampa FL Home For Sale:

17425 Cricket Chirp Loop, Land O Lakes FL 34638
MLS# T2569891

Waterfront Home With Eye-Popping Décor!

PARADISE & PRIVACY GALORE!! Enjoy terrific curb appeal in this lovely 4 bedroom, 2 bath POOL home situated on the most beautiful waterfront home site in the community! Eye-popping décor & enhancements throughout includes lustrous wide-plank neutral wood floors that welcome you into the spacious living, dining & family rooms! Stir up something sensational in a kitchen that looks like a page from House Beautiful with glossy black granite counter tops, solid wood cabinets, high-end Stainless appliances & amazing slate like tile floors! Kitchen boasts large island, tile back splash, built-in desk & closet pantry that opens to the family room -- a great space for entertaining! Master bedroom offers large walk-in closet, volume ceilings, glossy wood floors & plenty of space for a large bed, dresser & armoire! Spa-like master bath features dual sinks, wood vanities, garden tub & separate large walk-in shower. Upgraded lighting, ceiling fans & decorator paint throughout. The attention to detail will 'WOW' you. Three large guest bedrooms with volume ceilings share a full bath complete with dual sinks & a wood vanity! You'll love the front load washer & dryer & additional cabinets in the laundry room! Huge screened & covered lanai features a sparkling in ground pool with plenty of space to soak up the sun or sit in the shade of the covered lanai & enjoy the tropical breezes & expansive views of the pond.  Suncoast Meadows is close to the Vet's X-way, restaurants, shopping, the Suncoast Trail & top-rated schools!

Search all Tampa FL homes for sale.

When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.

Maybe you elected to leave your job to take care of your children or an ailing relative, or perhaps you are a victim of a job layoff or downsizing.  Whatever the cause for your current unemployed status, you should plan ahead for the day when you’ll be able to consider purchasing a Tampa FL home.  The following information should be of help to you in your quest for a mortgage after a period of unemployment.

• Potential lenders often review your employment history when considering your loan application, and relatively recent gaps in employment can hurt your chances for approval. Mortgage lenders typically like to see you've had continuous employment, preferably with the same employer, for the previous two years. Lenders equate job stability with personal stability, which is an indicator you'll be able to continue making payments over time.

•  Based on current guidelines, which are subject to change, most lenders require that a gap of employment longer than three months be followed up by at least six months of employment before your income can be considered toward qualifying for the Tampa FL home loan.

• Most lenders have a two-year "same line of work" requirement; the employment gap doesn't disqualify your  income from counting so long as you’ve been in the same line of work for at least two years.  Even then, the lender will likely use only your base salary to count toward your loan qualifications. Commissions, overtime, bonuses and other employment compensation beyond the base salary cannot be counted toward your ability to repay your mortgage without a two-year paper trail documenting the extra income.

• If you are looking to change lines of work, you will need to prove that you’ve been in the field for two years before your income will count. Time spent enrolled in an educational course does count toward the two-year "same line of work" requirement

• Obtaining a home mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration is a meticulous process, so it pays to familiarize yourself with its policy on employment gaps before applying for a purchase or refinance loan for your Tampa FL home. The FHA underwriter evaluates the "four Cs" of borrower credit: credit history, capacity to repay, cash assets, and collateral. To determine whether you are capable of making monthly payments on-time, the underwriter analyzes your employment history and the income it generates, also known as effective income.

Homes for Sale:

5911 Magnolia St N St Petersburg FL 33703
MLS# T2559586

Charming Mid-Century Bungalow

NORTH ST. PETERSBURG OFFERS A CHARMING MID-CENTURY Block Bungalow-style home that features 3 Bedrooms & 1 Full Bath!  Brand new blinds let in plenty of natural light.  Fresh new neutral interior paint gives the home a fresh, clean move-in feel!   You'll love the narrow plank hardwood floors throughout the main living areas & bedrooms!  Stir up something special in the updated kitchen that features loads of solid wood cabinets and ALL appliances!!  Updated full bath has a fresh, clean look and features tub with shower, new wood vanity & fixtures.  Most rooms have an upgraded ceiling fan!   The garage has been tastefully converted to a Bonus Room with vaulted ceilings and makes a great game or media room OR home office with its separate entrance and offers easy care ceramic tile floors.  All existing appliances convey.  Relax and enjoy a cookout in the screened and covered lanai complete with charming brick floor.  Interior laundry room is ready for your washer & dryer!  The spacious yard measures 58' x 135' and is completely fenced in back & offers fruit trees!   Roof is 3 years new.  A/C new in 2005. This home is charming and is move-in ready!!!  Central location where you can walk to shops, restaurants, the bank & more!!  Close to bus route!

Search all Tampa FL homes for sale.

When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.

Before you sign on the dotted line to purchase a single-family home, townhouse, or condo that has a homeowners association, you should be aware of the particulars of that governing board in terms of covenants, restrictions, services, fees, assessments, and fines.  The purpose of this organization is to provide a common basis for preserving, maintaining, and enhancing homes and property.  Since most homeowners' associations are non-profit corporations, they are subject to state statutes that govern such groups.

Covenants, conditions, and restrictions:  The HOA sets down covenants, conditions, and restrictions (also known as CC&Rs) that govern the use of property within the community. A wide variety of items can be controlled by these restrictions, including exterior paint color, the number of vehicles that may be parked at the residence, the age of the residents, and the use of common property.  Since CC&Rs vary greatly, especially in terms of scope, strictness, and enforcement from one community to another, it is important that you are familiar with (and accepting of) them before agreeing to buy a particular Tampa FL home.

Fees and assessments:

• HOAs charge a monthly fee that must be paid by property owners. HOA fees are almost always levied on condominium owners, but they may also apply in some single family neighborhoods. The fees each unit pays are applied to annual operations such as landscaping, water, insurance, property management, pool maintenance, and the like.  Any excess HOA fees that exist after paying for pertinent services as described above are stored in an account and are called reserve funds.  HOA fees can vary widely depending on factors such as community amenities and how effectively the reserve fund is managed.
• Occasionally, homeowners associations need to levy what are called special assessments. Special assessments are a one-time required expense to pay for significant maintenance or repairs (i.e. a new roof for the building, façade brick repainting, etc.). Low monthly HOA fees, or inadequate reserve funds, have the potential to lead the owners of Tampa FL homes into a situation where a special assessment is necessary to cover large expenses.
• Failure to pay the required fees and/or assessment will most likely result in fines, liens, or even, in extreme cases, foreclosure.

It is important that you know how HOA restrictions and fees will impact your finances and your life. Click here for tips on dealing with such organizations.

Tampa FL Home For Sale:

19308 Weymouth Dr, Land O Lakes FL 34638
MLS# T2566628

Lovely Pond-Front Home!

WEYMOUTH AT OAKSTEAD OFFERS A LOVELY POND FRONT 2 bedroom, 2 bath, PLUS DEN, 2-car garage, 1-story villa!! The extended screened lanai & charming white picket fence in the backyard is the perfect place to relax & enjoy the views! Great room plan welcomes you complete with professionally installed easy care laminate floors & ceiling fan. Spacious den off living room makes perfect home office or media room! Too many cooks in the kitchen? Not in this efficient kitchen complete with loads of wood cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, gas range, built-in microwave, task lighting, dishwasher & neutral easy-care Corian counter tops! Convenient laundry closet off the kitchen comes complete with full size washer & dryer! The large master suite at the back offers scenic pond views & brand new carpet. The master bath features dual sinks, wood cabinets, a walk-in shower with ceramic tile & a very impressive walk-in closet! At the opposite end of the villa you will find an additional bedroom complete with ceiling fan that has its own full bath with tub/shower & a linen closet! Villa is pre-wired for security. Enjoy a cool beverage or a Bar-B-Q on the extended screened & covered lanai! Brand new dual pane slider! New exterior paint! Fresh new interior paint including doors & trim! Bedroom carpets are brand new! Oakstead offers plenty of swimming, tennis, fitness, biking & more within this well-kept gated community. Just 5 minutes to Super Walmart, Target & Publix & just 15 min to golf courses & Tampa International Airport!

Search all Tampa FL homes for sale.

When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.

Tampa FL Home For Sale:

11518 Forest Hills Dr, Tampa FL 33612
MLS# T2566998

Waterski From Your Own Backyard!

SKI-SIZED LAKE ECKLES OFFERS TOTALLY UPDATED 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH waterfront home with 130' of lake frontage! Spacious living room boasts brand new carpet, a ceiling fan & open views of the lake. BRAND NEW KITCHEN features glossy, thick GRANITE, loads of brand new cabinets, ceramic tile & ALL APPLIANCES including new stainless sink & upgraded faucet! Split bedroom plan boasts brand new neutral carpets, ceiling fans & new custom window blinds! Two BRAND NEW baths: Bath 1 features rich Black Granite, new cabinets, new shower enclosure, fixtures & low flow toilet! Bath 2 offers new ceramic tile floor & enclosure, new vanity, fixtures, lighting & mirror! Enjoy entertaining family & friends on the huge covered & screened lanai complete with brick pavers! Use your own private & newly redone dock to launch your boat, jet skis, canoe or kayak!! LOADS of curb appeal with the new striped awnings, lush green sod & newly redone landscape complete with circular drive for extra parking! Situated on just under 1/2 acre, this pool-sized yard boasts plenty of room to park your boat or RV in your own fenced backyard—no deed restrictions!! Boating not your thing? Walk to the famous & popular Babe Zaharias Golf Course where you can enjoy 18 holes of golf complete with an updated on site restaurant!! The 30-year shingle roof is 2-years new! A/C was replaced in 2008! Verizon FIOS or Brighthouse available. Lake is maintained by the City of Tampa. Close to everything-just 15 min north of downtown & 1 mile to I-275!!

Search all Tampa FL homes for sale.

When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.

Tampa FL Real Estate:

3253 Keswick Ct, Land O Lakes FL 34638
MLS# T2565601

Paradise and Privacy!

PARADISE & PRIVACY!! OAKSTEAD offers this lovely 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in a gated community situated near the end of quiet, tree-lined street with loads of curb appeal! Spacious living room / dining room combination with lots of space for ALL of your furniture--great for entertaining! You'll love the neutral, easy-care ceramic tile throughout the main living areas! Whip up something yummy in the spacious kitchen complete with NEW STAINLESS appliances including a French-style refrigerator, convection oven & built-in microwave/quick oven combination! The kitchen boasts GRANITE counter tops, wood cabinets, built-in desk, breakfast nook & closet pantry! Kitchen opens to family room with volume ceilings! Master bedroom offers glossy wood laminate floors & plenty of space for a large bed, dresser & armoire! Master bath features dual sinks, wood vanities, garden tub, separate walk-in shower and a large, walk-in closet! Never run out of hot water with the gas TANKLESS S HOT WATER HEATER! Three guest bedrooms all feature wood floors and share a full bath! You'll love the LG front load washer & dryer! Huge 19 x 19' screened & covered lanai offers plenty of room for a hot tub or hammock! Enjoy tropical breezes and conservation views in the backyard complete with new PVC fencing! A/C was just replaced & includes UV/Electronic filtration! Reclaimed water for unlimited watering & natural gas is available. Popular Oakstead offers a clubhouse, community pool, tennis courts, basketball & playground!!

Search all Tampa FL homes for sale.

When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.

The 1968 Fair Housing Act prohibited housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. Every April, REALTORS® celebrate Fair Housing Month to reaffirm their continuing commitment to fair and equitable treatment and a professional level of service for all in their search for real property.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for March 2013.

Hillsborough County real estate sales statistics for March 2013 show the average sales price increased by 14% to $189,022 for the month when compared to March 2012. The number of homes sold increased by 11% in March 2013. The median sales prices increased by 20%, and market times decreased 17% or 26 days.

Pasco County real estate sales statistics for March 2013 show that the number of homes sold increased by 11% for the month when compared to March 2012. The average sales price increased by 12% to $121,239 when compared to March 2012. The median sales prices increased by 16% from 2012, and market times decreased 23% or 40 days.

Pinellas County real estate sales statistics for March 2013 show that the median sales price increased by 13% to $ 128,075, and the number of homes sold increased by 9% when compared to March 2012. The average sales price increased by 5% for the month to $182,623, and market times decreased by 26 day or 16%.

Search all Tampa FL homes for sale.    

When buying or selling property in today's real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your Tampa FL real estate professional!  In order to be the best, I have earned the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) designations.  I have also been awarded a National Award of Excellency by Realtor.com.  This demonstrates my desire to stay on the cutting edge of the Tampa Bay real estate market. My commitment as your Tampa area REALTOR® is to provide you with the customized real estate service you need!

I AM A SHORT SALE & FORECLOSURE SPECIALIST

As an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime! That's why my goal is to KEEP YOU INFORMED on trends in the Tampa FL real estate market using the latest sales statistics in Tampa.  With prices and interest rates at historic lows, now is the right time to buy real estate in the Tampa market!

Let me know what you need and I will email you a list of properties INCLUDING BANK-OWNED, SHORT SALE & HUD PROPERTIES that suits your location and fits your budget. Please call, 813,728-3880, or email me at any time.