Tampa Florida Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Craig H. Nowicke

7531 TOWER BRIDGE DR, ZEPHYRHILLS 33545

Sat, 19 May 2012 20:29:00 GMT

SHORT SALE. GREAT 4 BEDROOM FLOOR PLAN on an EXTRA LARGE CORNER LOT on a cul-de-sac with NO REAR NEIGBORS!! Yes the whole side yard goes to this property perfect for tossing a football or kicking a soccer ball! Popular living room/dining room combo is light and bright and leads into huge kitchen. All appliances included side-by-side refrigerator, built-in microwave, glasstop range, dishwasher and loads of wood cabinets! You'll love the built-in desk with additional cabinet space overhead. Interior laundry room includes washer & dryer. Large master suite tucked at the rear of the home opens to the covered lanai. Additional 3 bedrooms share a full bath. Carpets need to be cleaned. Bring your green thumb as the yard is waiting for you! Fire hydrant in front reduces home owner's insurance!

Tampa FL Foreclosure Trends - April 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:22:00 GMT

There were 7,212 Tampa FL foreclosure homes in April 2012, according to RealtyTrac.com. 1 in every 287 housing units received a foreclosure filing. The average sales price of a Tampa FL home was $137,133. The average sales price of a foreclosure home was $84,120, a $53,012 savings.

Tampa FL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage was 3.91% in April. The number of foreclosures rose from 996 in March to 1,113 in April.

Foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings – default notice, foreclosure auction notice or bank repossession – each month. Interest rate is based on the average 30-year fixed rate from Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

Tampa FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Tampa FL foreclosures were 0.21% above national statistics, 0.08% above Florida figures and 0.01% below Hillsborough numbers in April.

Tampa FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

Tampa FL 6 month foreclosure trend is rising. The number of Bank-owned properties increased from 216 in March to 352 in April, while the number of Auctions rose from 221 to 329. Pre-foreclosure activity dropped from 559 to 452.

Are you or someone you know behind on mortgage payments and facing a Tampa FL foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. I am a short sale and foreclosure specialist. Give me a call for a private consultation.

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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.

WELL, WELL, WELL!!

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:24:00 GMT

WELL, WELL, WELL!! Well-located, well-built, and well-maintained! Looking for a move-in ready home under $125,000 in a great location? You've found it!! Not a blade of grass out of place in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1-story home complete with a covered 2-car carport! Energy savings galore with newer A/C, new dual pane energy efficient windows & newer roof!! You'll love the extra space to spread out in this 1,826 sf ranch-style home. The completely updated kitchen makes every square inch count & features new cabinets complete with pantry, newer appliances & updated canned lighting! All appliances included! Open floor plan includes living room/dining room combo, breakfast nook, family room, home office space and large indoor laundry room!! Huge master bedrooom offers master bath with convenient shower. Guest bath is completely updated & features tub & shower combo. Large covered & screened lanai overlooks a wide expanse of brick pavers perfect for entertaining so no rear yard to mow! Backyard is completely fenced & boasts a large utility shed. Gorgeous landscape in the front yard provides tremendous curb appeal and is a breeze to maintain with the automatic sprinkler system on a timer. This home has been meticulously maintained and pride of ownership shows inside & out. Why rent when you can own? FHA & VA buyers welcome!! Enjoy a quiet street that is Close to EVERYTHING!!

Tampa FL Homes For Sale: 6005 Cresthill Dr

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:58:00 GMT

Tampa FL Homes For Sale:

6005 Cresthill Drive, Tampa FL 33615
MLS# T2518038

WELL, WELL, WELL!!

Well-located, well-built, and well-maintained! Looking for a move-in ready home under $125,000 in a great location? You've found it!! Not a blade of grass out of place in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1-story home complete with a covered 2-car carport! Energy savings galore with newer A/C, new dual pane energy efficient windows & newer roof!! You'll love the extra space to spread out in this 1,826 single family ranch-style home. The completely updated kitchen makes every square inch count & features new cabinets complete with pantry, newer appliances & updated canned lighting! All appliances included! Open floor plan includes living room/dining room combo, breakfast nook, family room, home office space and large indoor laundry room!! Huge master bedroom offers master bath with convenient shower. Guest bath is completely updated & features tub & shower combo. Large covered & screened lanai overlooks a wide expanse of brick pavers perfect for entertaining so no rear yard to mow! Backyard is completely fenced & boasts a large utility shed. Gorgeous landscape in the front yard provides tremendous curb appeal and is a breeze to maintain with the automatic sprinkler system on a timer. This home has been meticulously maintained and pride of ownership shows inside & out. Why rent when you can own? FHA & VA buyers welcome!! Enjoy a quiet street that is Close to EVERYTHING!!

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Simple and Inexpensive Ideas To Add Value To Your Tampa FL Real Estate

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:10:00 GMT

If you are one of the millions of Americans whose home has lost value in recent years, despair not. Whether you’re trying to spiff up your Tampa FL real estate for resale, to raise its appraisal, or just to keep current with updating and maintaining what you currently have, there are many relatively easy and budget-worthy steps you can take. Some of these minor projects designed to increase value are quick fixes while others may require a weekend’s worth of work, but all will certainly revive the look of your property.

Exterior improvements:

Keep shrubs and trees neatly pruned. Plant new trees for energy savings and aesthetic value.
Add low-voltage lighting for pathways
Pay attention to the front door of your Tampa FL real estate. Does it need new weather stripping? A fresh coat of paint? Updated (or at least polished) hardware—knockers, knobs, hinges, and light fixtures?
Spend $10 to test your lawn for needed nutrients.
Attend to the garage door. Use a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water and a soft-bristled brush to give it a thorough cleaning. Still dirty or stained? Rent a power washer for about $60.
Check for faded or peeling paint. Sand and apply a fresh coat.

Interior improvements:

If you can’t replace the water heater in your Tampa FL real estate with a tankless model, wrap the one you have in fireproof insulation.
Install modern light switches and outlets throughout your home. Add dimmer switches.
Insulate windows. (Easy-to-follow instructions.)
In bathrooms replace dated towel racks, light fixtures, sinks, toilet seats, and hardware. Purchase a low flow toilet. Re-grout where needed. Display matching towels. If the floor is in poor shape, consider putting easy-to-install vinyl tiles right over the old one.
Add crown moldings, wood trim, and/or cornices to give room a look of quality.
Update your kitchen inexpensively by replacing fixtures, faucets, and hardware. Consider pendant lighting. Refinish cabinets rather than replacing them.
Clean and organize all closets.

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Money-Saving Tips For Tampa FL Homeowners

Fri, 04 May 2012 03:00:00 GMT

As our nation’s economic woes continue, millions of Americans are looking for ways to tighten their belts and reduce their monthly expenses. As a result of this widespread desire, articles in newspapers, magazines, and on the web are filled with suggestions from financial gurus, service organizations, and even Tampa FL homeowners like you on how best to economize in simple but effective ways. Some of these tips may be familiar to you, but others may provide you with fresh and helpful ideas.

Household:

Sharpen scissors by cutting through three layers of foil 10 times or by cutting a sheet of fine sandpaper into small pieces.
Reuse fabric softener sheets to polish chrome fixtures and appliances,
Prepare an all-purpose cleaner by mixing equal parts of pine cleaner, ammonia, and water.
Here is a very informative article about cutting electricity costs.

Groceries:

Plan a “Meatless Day” once a week.
Make a list of needed supplies and stick to it when you go shopping. Resist impulse buying.
Stock up on frequently used items that are on sale.
Try generic brands. You may refuse to give up Hellman’s mayonnaise, but many store brands of other items are just as good as expensive brand names. Read labels to compare ingredients,

Auto insurance:

Go on-line to compare rates. Progressive, Esurance, and www.insurance.com/ each have sites for this purpose.

Entertainment:

Utilize the public library to borrow, rather than buy, books to read in your Tampa FL home.
Analyze your cable plan to see where you might make some cuts.
Visit www.livingsocial.com/ for local entertainment deals.

Couponing:

Despite the fact that couponing has become very trendy in today’s society, the truth is that it is an effective way to save. For a list of 80+ sites offering discounts, deals, and free coupons, click here. Http://www.shopathome.com/ is a similar source.

Sources other than retail stores:

Don’t pass up thrift stores or garage sales when you are shopping for a particular item.
Other non-store bargains can be found on www.eBay.com, www.Freestyle.org, and www.Angieslist.com.

Planning ahead:

Consolidate errands so that you can do many in just one trip.
Institute a “30 day wait period” before making a large purchase. Use that time to research the best prices, investigate special deals, and re-access your real need for the item.
If you haven’t already done so, establish a budget for your Tampa FL home—and stick to it! Here is an easy-to-use worksheet and helpful articles about budgeting.

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HARP 2 Refinance Program

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:52:00 GMT

The HARP 2.0 refinance program is up and running at full force and is expected to help millions of homeowners whose homes have lost a significant percentage of their values.

The program is a less-restrictive mortgage refinance program that offers homeowners fixed interest rates and fixed payments on primary homes, investment properties and second homes.

HARP 2.0 lets you refinance no matter how underwater you are on your loan. Homeowners with Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans could see interest rates drop to as low as four percent.

"It will have a significant impact on their monthly budget [and] give them more cash-flow," he said. "It could possibly give them more cash-flow to pay more toward their mortgage each month to pay down the mortgage balance quicker."

Watch the video explaining how HARP 2.0 can help you!

Find out if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns your loan!

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Bidding Wars Are Back

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:33:00 GMT

The Wall Street Journal reports a new development is catching home buyers off guard as the spring sales season gets under way: Bidding wars are back.

From California to Florida, many buyers are increasingly competing for the same house. Unlike the bidding wars that typified the go-go years and largely reflected surging sales, today's are a result of supply shortages.

Read the the whole story.

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Carefree Living Can Be Yours At Solana Bay!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 21:54:00 GMT

CAREFREE LIVING CAN BE YOURS AT SOLANA BAY! GORGEOUS 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 1-Car Garage town home features wrap around waterfront views from the large, screened lanai! Well-kept, gated community of Solana Bay offers this beautifully decorated town home on the largest corner home site in the community! Photo opportunities galore of the turtles, fish & birds that enjoy the pond as much as you do! Great room plan offers huge living room/dining room combination with sliders that opens to a screened lanai that expands the living space! Efficiently designed kitchen with ample storage & counter space offers all appliances including refrigerator, range, built-in microwave & closet pantry! You'll love the solid wood Maple cabinets, breakfast nook & stainless sink. Convenient half bath is located just off the garage entry. Spacious master bedroom offers wrap around water views, a walk-in closet and volume ceilings complete with ceiling fan. Master bath boasts a garden tub & shower combination, dual sinks & wood vanities! Laundry closet, conveniently located upstairs, offers enough room for a full size washer & dryer! Two additional bedrooms share a full bath. The monthly maintenance includes cable, water & sewer, basic cable (Brighthouse), building exterior maintenance, escrow reserves, ground maintenance, building insurance, roof escrows, community pool, gate maintenance & trash removal!! This lovely end unit is just steps to the pool & additional guest parking. Solana Bay is close to EVERYTHING!!

Tampe FL Real Estate: 8447 Sandy Beach Street Tampa, FL 33634

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:00:00 GMT

Tampe FL Real Estate:

8447 Sandy Beach Street Tampa, FL 33634

MLS#T2515580

GORGEOUS 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 1-Car Garage town home features wrap around waterfront views from the large, screened lanai! Well-kept, gated community of Solana Bay offers this beautifully decorated town home on the largest corner home site in the community! Photo opportunities galore of the turtles, fish and birds that enjoy the pond as much as you do! Great room plan offers huge living and dining room combination with sliders that opens to a screened lanai that expands the living space! Efficiently designed kitchen with ample storage and counter space offers all appliances including refrigerator, range, built-in microwave and closet pantry! You'll love the solid wood Maple cabinets, breakfast nook and stainless sink. Convenient half bath is located just off the garage entry. Spacious master bedroom offers wrap around water views, a walk-in closet and volume ceilings complete with ceiling fan. Master bath boasts a garden tub and shower combination, dual sinks and wood vanities! Laundry closet, conveniently located upstairs, offers enough room for a full size washer & dryer! Two additional bedrooms share a full bath. The monthly maintenance includes cable, water and sewer, basic cable (Brighthouse), building exterior maintenance, escrow reserves, ground maintenance, building insurance, roof escrows, community pool, gate maintenance and trash removal!! This lovely end unit is just steps to the pool and additional guest parking. Solana Bay is close to EVERYTHING!!

Tampa FL Real Estate Market Trends - March 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:00:00 GMT

The increases in FHA mortgage guarantee costs that took effect on April 1 have many home buyers asking, "What do these increases mean to me when I get an FHA loan?" Megan Booth and Rob Freedman with Realtor.tv break down the facts in this informative video.

Lets take a look at March figures.

Hillsborough County real estate sales statistics for March 2012 show the average sales price increased by 12% to $162,199 when compared to March 2011. The number of homes sold decreased by 8% in March 2012. The median sales prices increased by 17%, and market times decreased 4% or 4 days.

Hillsborough County	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Median Sales Price	Average Market Times
March 2012	1,530	$ 162,199	$ 119,000	98
March 2011	1,665	$ 142,466	$ 99,000	102

Pasco County real estate sales statistics for March 2012 show that the number of homes sold remained consisitant when compared to March 2011. The average sales price decreased by 1% to $106,646 when compared to March 2011. The median sales prices decreased by 2%, and market times increased 8% or 11 days.

Pasco County	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Median Sales Price	Average Market Times
March 2012	799	$ 106,646	$ 84,000	125
March 2011	798	$ 107,185	$ 85,950	114

Pinellas County real estate sales statistics for March 2012 show that the median sales price increased by 5% to $ 110,6500, while the number of homes sold decreased by 1% when compared to March 2011. The average sales price increased by 6% to $173,155, and market times increased 18% or 20 days.

Pinellas County	Homes Sold	Average Sales Price	Median Sales Price	Average Market Times
March 2012	1,556	$ 173,155	$ 110,650	112
March 2011	1,567	$ 162,255	$ 105,000	92

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Tampa FL Real Estate: 20761 Amanda Oak Ct Land O Lakes FL

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:00:00 GMT

20761 Amanda Oak Court, Land O Lakes FL 34638
MLS# T2514796

BETTER THAN A FURNISHED BUILDERS MODEL!

This popular Ascot model features an open great room plan with interior designer furnishings & décor…and its all included! Absolute turn-key villa in upscale, gated Devonwood featuring an impressive Aquatic & Social Center. Stir up something yummy in this GORGEOUS kitchen complete with dark spice 42" Maple wood cabinets, all upgraded STAINLESS appliances including gas cooktop, range, refrigerator, GRANITE counter tops, snack bar & pantry!! Dining room features upscale lighting and tray ceiling. Master bedroom features unique ceiling fan & walk-in closet. Master bath with Corian counter tops, dual sinks, walk-in doorless shower with Listello accents & wood vanities! Guest Bedroom has its own full bath. Den offers 3rd bedroom option. Seller is willing to install the closet or give a credit at closing. Generous 2-car garage with automatic opener features windows for plenty of natural light & extra storage. ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED! Respected builder, Southern Crafted, offers transferable builder's warranty. Extended lanai provides extra space to screen or leave open to the tropical breezes. Unit comes COMPLETELY FURNISHED with gorgeous, brand new furnishings with the exception of some art pieces near and dear to the seller. Feels just like a builder's model and is move-in ready! Relax & meet new friends in the sparkling community pool & social center. Devonwood is a gated community in Land O Lakes close to new shopping centers, restaurants and medical centers!

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Tampa Condo For Sale: 14905 Arbor Springs Circle #315

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:22:00 GMT

Tampa Condo For Sale:

14905 Arbor Springs Circle #315, Tampa FL 33624
MLS# T2515114

Resort-Style Condo Pleases The Senses!

ARBORS OF CARROLLWOOD offers this popular, open floor plan featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 full bath PLUS LOFT & balcony with storage closet!! Great room plan features soaring ceilings and includes a dining area, built-in entertainment center & ceiling fan. Kitchen features ALL APPLIANCES including full size WASHER & DRYER!! Handy pass through to living room is perfect for entertaining! Master bedroom will accommodate a king size bed & features 2 closets--one is a large walk-in! Spacious master full bath features garden tub with ceramic tile tub surround! Guest bedroom features its own full tub & shower combination with ceramic tub surround. Loft area is accessed via a spiral staircase and overlooks the living/dining area below. This space makes a great home office or extra guest space. Monthly maintenance includes building exterior maintenance, escrow reserves, ground Maintenance, building insurance, manager, roof, water/sewer & trash removal! Resort style Arbors of Carrollwood offers a huge infinity edge pool, separate hot tub/spa, fitness center, screened grill room complete with gas grills for residents use, tennis courts, car wash station, brick paver sun deck & doggie park! Close to EVERYTHING--walk to shopping & post office and just 10 minutes to the airport or USF!!

Tampa Fl Foreclosure Trends - March 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 06:48:00 GMT

There were 6,662 Tampa FL foreclosure homes in March 2012, according to RealtyTrac.com. 1 in every 327 housing units received a foreclosure filing. The average sales price of a Tampa FL home was $127,476. The average sales price of a foreclosure home was $87,520, a $39,956 savings.

Tampa FL Foreclosure Activity and 30 Year Interest Rate

The interest rate on a 30 year mortgage was 3.95% in March. The number of foreclosures dropped from 1,158 in February to 996 in March.

Tampa FL Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Tampa FL foreclosures were 0.16% above national statistics, 0.01% above Florida figures and 0.01% below Hillsborough numbers in March.

Tampa FL Foreclosure Activity by Month

Tampa FL 6 month foreclosure trend is rising. The number of Bank-owned properties decreased from 419 in February to 216 in March while the number of Auctions dropped from 290 to 221. Pre-foreclosure activity rose from 449 to 559.

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BETTER THAN A FURNISHED BUILDERS MODEL!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 20:47:00 GMT

BETTER THAN A FURNISHED BUILDERS MODEL! This popular Ascot model features an open great room plan with interior designer furnishings & decor & its all included! Absolute turn key villa in upscale, gated Devonwood features impressive Aquatic & Social Center. Stir up something yummy in this GORGEOUS kitchen complete with dark spice 42" Maple wood cabinets, all upgraded STAINLESS appliances incl gas cooktop, range, refrigerator, GRANITE counter tops, snack bar & pantry!! Dining room features upscale lighting and tray ceiling. Master bedroom features unique ceiling fan & walk-in closet. Master bath features Corian counter tops, dual sinks, walk-in doorless shower with Listello accents & wood vanities! Guest Bedroom has its own full bath. Den offers 3rd bedroom option. Seller is willing to install the closet or give a credit at closing. Generous 2-car garage with automatic opener features windows for plenty of natural light & extra storage. ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED! Respected builder Southern Crafted offers transferable builder's warranty. Extended lanai provides extra space to screen or leave open to the tropical breezes. Unit comes COMPLETELY FURNISHED with gorgeous, brand new furnishings with the exception of some art pieces near and dear to the seller. Feels just like a builder's model and is move-in ready! Relax & meet new friends in the sparkling community pool & social center. Devonwood is a gated community in Land O Lakes close to new shopping centers, restaurants and medical centers!

Updating The Bathroom In Your Tampa FL Home

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:00:00 GMT

If you’re thinking of selling your house in the near future, you need to know that updated bathrooms are one feature greatly desired—or sometimes demanded--by potential buyers. Renovated bathrooms are extremely popular in today’s market, but they can also become an expensive undertaking. However, depending on your willingness to take an active role in the updating process, you can make the bathroom a major plus when selling your Tampa FL home--without breaking the bank. Take advantage of free or inexpensive classes or seminars given by home improvement stores—far-reaching in topics and easy to follow in technique—or search the web for instructional videos, such as this one from YouTube about applying grout.

Before you even begin your physical efforts, you should explore popular new trends in bathroom function, among which are wall-mounted toilets, recessed tubs, offbeat sinks, heated towel racks, and the use of stone. A tour of model homes in your area will give you a good idea of what’s “hot” and what you might like to include in your own bathroom. Websites such as Better Homes and Gardens and EHOW can provide inspiration, design assistance, and decorating ideas which are both clever and inexpensive, and free design software allows you to plan an entire layout and create an online model for the renovated bathroom of your Tampa FL home. Worried that you may be spending too much money on your project? Get a cost estimate of your anticipated improvements.

If you aren’t up for a large-scale remodel or even an extensive renovation, there are many simple--and inexpensive-- steps you can take to upgrade the function and appearance of your bathroom. Consider doing the following:

Repaint in neutral colors. If all walls are tiled, paint the ceiling.
Replace the sink if it’s an outdated color and change the faucet to a more modern one.
Install a new medicine cabinet, light fixture, and/or mirror.
Re-glaze the tub in your Tampa FL home and replace caulking as needed.
Deep scrub or reapply grout.
Change window treatments. Think about bamboo blinds rather than curtains.
Use “earthy” and green materials for a more natural look.
Purchase a new shower curtain.
Paint old cabinets. White is quite popular right now.
Add shelving for storage.
Hang an unusual piece of art.
Display attractive towels and throw rugs.
Remember to feature simple accessories such as a waste can, hooks, a soap dish, a toothbrush holder, towel racks, and eye-catching containers.

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5580 BAYWATER DR 5580, TAMPA 33615

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 20:24:00 GMT

Short Sale. Active with Contract. C-U-T-E & spotlessly clean 1 BR Plus Den ground level,end unit condo close to the water, airport and downtown Tampa! You'll LOVE the gorgeous easy care wood laminate floors throughout--they look like the real thing but will hold up much better! Chef's kitchen includes GRANITE, STAINLESS appliances, wood cabinets, snack bar, closet pantry, walk-in pantry & task lighting! Living room/great room plan complete with dining space opens to a covered, screened lanai. Full-size laundry room includes washer & dryer! Guest bath AND master bath both have GRANITE counter tops & wood vanities! Guest bath has a full tub and shower--the master bath has a convenient walk-in shower. The master bedroom has a very large walk-in closet!! This GATED complex is GORGEOUS with an olympic-size pool surrounded by brick pavers, a Nautilus fitness center, club room, gas grills, & a Tiki Hut Cabana that overlooks a picture postcard view adjacent to the pool--great for entertaining! Also enjoy Tennis courts and a canal seawall where you can drop in a fishing line! Assigned Parking in front of the condo with plenty of guest parking nearby. Maintenance fee pays for water/sewer, trash removal, building exterior, escrow reserves, ground maintenance, recreational facilities, roof, tennis courts & community pool! You'll love the location close to lots of shops & restaurants & just 10 minutes north of Tampa International!! Truly a maintenance-free, resort-like atmosphere that you will be proud to own!

Swim Suit Required—Black Tie Optional!

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:44:00 GMT

Active with contract. Swim Suit Required?Black Tie Optional. Enjoy panoramic lake views, tropical breezes & incredible sunsets from the privacy of your own back yard pool & spa. Distinctive Bordeaux model features 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms plus a Bonus room situated on a generous .25 acres! This home offers an open floor plan designed for entertaining with spacious living, dining & family rooms. Experience the joy of cooking in this fully equipped kitchen that offers wood cabinets, island, built-in desk, walk-in pantry & breakfast nook. Extra large family room opens to huge 2-story screened lanai with impressive views of lake, pool & spa. Guest bedroom on the first floor boasts a full bath convenient to the pool. Spacious master suite offers a sweeping balcony that overlooks the sparkling lake, pool & spa. The Ritz Carlton-style master bath offers dual vanities, garden tub, dual walk-in closets & separate shower. Three additional bedrooms on the second floor share 2 full baths. Extra large bonus room is perfect for your own fitness center or media room. This serene, park-like setting bordering Brooker Creek Nature Preserve is just minutes from the Veteran's Expressway with easy access to the airport, business district and downtown Tampa. Top-rated schools include McKitrick Elem, Martinez Middle & Steinbrenner HS. Gated Cheval offers championship golf, Har-tru tennis courts, exercise studio, restaurant & lounge, golf leagues, youth programs, childcare & more! TPC of Tampa Bay & Equestrian Cntr nearby.

Tampa FL Homes For Sale: 6113 Chene Ct Lutz FL 33558

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:42:00 GMT

Tampa FL Homes For Sale:

6113 Chene Ct, Lutz FL 33558
MLS# T2513193

Swim Suit Required - Black Tie Optional!

Enjoy panoramic lake views, tropical breezes & incredible sunsets from the privacy of your own back yard pool & spa. Distinctive Bordeaux model features 5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms plus a Bonus room situated on a generous .25 acres! Located on a cul-de-sac, this home offers an open floor plan designed for entertaining with spacious living, dining & family rooms. Experience the joy of cooking in this fully equipped kitchen that offers wood cabinets, island, built-in desk, walk-in pantry & breakfast nook. Extra-large family room opens to huge 2-story screened lanai with impressive views of lake, pool & spa. Guest bedroom on the first floor boasts a full bath convenient to the pool. Spacious master suite offers a sweeping balcony that overlooks the sparkling lake, pool & spa. The Ritz Carlton-style master bath offers dual vanities, garden tub, dual walk-in closets & separate shower. Three additional bedrooms on the second floor share 2 full baths. Extra-large bonus room is perfect for your own fitness center or media room. This serene, park-like setting bordering Brooker Creek Nature Preserve is just minutes from the Veteran's Expressway with easy access to the airport, business district and downtown Tampa. Top-rated schools include McKitrick Elementary, Martinez Middle & Steinbrenner HS. Gated Cheval offers championship golf, Har-tru tennis courts, exercise studio, restaurant & lounge, golf leagues, youth programs, childcare & more! TPC of Tampa Bay & Equestrian Center nearby.

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Do-It-Yourself Tips To Protect Your Tampa FL Home

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:13:00 GMT

Even if you don’t actually have a home security surveillance system for your Tampa FL home, there are some simple things you can do to deter a burglar. According to a group of convicted burglars, things like good exterior lighting, dogs inside the house, and knowledge of weapons on the premises are inexpensive but reasonably effective deterrents. However, don’t bother with things like timed interior lights, dead bolt locks, and burglar alarms that make noise but don’t actually call the police. The latter is only effective in a heavily populated area where neighbors actively call police if a local alarm is heard. The following list—arranged from least effective to most effective—provides a range of burglary deterring methods.

Burglary deterring methods

Timed interior lights, televisions, etc. Professional crooks case the place first and know that you have installed such devices.
Deadbolt locks; crooks don’t use the most obvious entry places, so extra locks on the door are meaningless.
Local burglar alarms—the type that just makes a lot of noise, but doesn't call the police
Safes/strong boxes: If it's small enough, they'll take the whole box. If not, there will be plenty of items that aren't in the box.
Neighborhood watch programs: these tend to be effective at first, but over time people tend to relax their vigilance.
Better exterior lighting; important if you live in a rural area where people could prowl around at night without being seen
Guardhouses protecting homes; expensive—not generally used except at homes of very wealthy or high profile individuals
Weapons in the home; not much good if you aren't home
Dog in your Tampa FL home (outdoor dogs are less threatening than indoor ones)
Private security patrols
Electronic sensors in windows

You can also perform common sense actions such as:

Cutting back shrubs and trees that hide your house from view
Keeping all doors and windows—including those in your garage-- locked at all times
Adding motion-detector lights.
Installing a hidden safe in your Tampa FL home
If you must hide a door key outside, leave it in a most unusual location
Securing sliding doors by placing some type of rod in the back groove
Keeping valuables out of sight
Making arrangements with neighbors to pick up mail and newspapers while you’re away, keep the lawn mowed, and shovel any snow in your driveway.
Have phone messages forwarded when you’re on vacation
Consider joining or organizing a Neighborhood Watch Program

And of course, it goes without saying that you should periodically update the insurance policy for the possessions in your Tampa FL home--just in case the tips suggested above prove ineffective!

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