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Category Archives: Good Things

Government, Bank’s Mistake your Gain (Still)

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florida foreclosureAs the summer months wind down and the chillier winds roll in through the fall months and into early winter, many Americans look out their windows at their cold and dismal hometowns. Their neighborhoods, strewn with fallen leaves or dirty snow, strongly fortify dreams of a second—or a first—homes in paradise. But with Florida real estate inventory, and subsequently prices, as conducive as ever to a buyer’s market the dream is as achievable as ever.

 
We all know the story of the early-2000’s housing bubble. Inflated by banks selling to the subprime mortgage market, a brand new segment in 2002, the bubble got bigger and bigger until it finally popped in 2007. But five years was long enough to do plenty of damage to markets across the country, particularly in Sun Belt areas. And right under the bubble was southwest and the west coast of Florida.

 
A tool to increase buyer confidence, writing bad mortgages actually didn’t start with the banks. Rather it started with the administration taking initiative to combat the fallout from the 2001 terrorist attacks. And many consumers took the bait in the name of achieving the American dream. The issue with this is many didn’t have the income to support mortgage payments, nor did they have to prove it. This was thanks to a brand new tool called the ‘No Doc’ loan, short for ‘no documented proof required.’

 
Needless to say, many of these mortgages were foreclosed on, left as bank-owned properties. As a matter of fact, in 2006 right before the bubble burst, 21% of subprime mortgages went into default. This compares to the prime loan statistic of less than 1%. Of these, most were in Florida– where statewide there were nearly 325,000 subprime mortgages issued.

 
Fast forward to 2015, and Florida still has the highest rate of late mortgages. Statewide, over 18% mortgage holders are late or about to face foreclosure. And when banks foreclose, they are not looking forward to sitting on excessive supply; they want to turn and burn to the highest bidder. And with an inventory glut the highest bidder typically isn’t bidding too high lately.

4 Tips for a No-Stress Move

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Moving can lead to new, exciting possibilities, but it also means leaving behind the people and places you love. While some sentimental items can be taken to your new place, many memories just aren’t transportable. To ensure your treasured belongings arrive safely to your new home, be prepared with these no-stress tips.

1. Make Room for New Memories

Taking every item of sentimental value with you to your new home is not always possible. Moving is the perfect opportunity to organize and purge items you don’t need or won’t use in your new home. To lessen the load on moving day, hold a garage sale or donate unwanted items to a local charity. If you’re trying to sell your current home, the less clutter the better.

Once you’ve determined which objects will make the move, decide where they’ll go in your new place. Make the unpacking process simpler by creating a plan for your new space in advance and pack according to where things will go, not by where they’ve been.

2. Organize, Don’t Agonize

Starting the process early can help avoid nerve-wracking, last-minute packing, and give you time to be a bit nostalgic. Before you begin boxing things up, take videos and photos of each room to preserve your memories of that space. Don’t forget to include outdoor areas like a backyard tree house or handprints in the patio cement.

Then, make a checklist of everything you need to accomplish before moving—packing, cleaning, cancelling and restarting utilities, registering the kids for school—and set a timeline for completing each step. Once you’re ready to start packing, work room by room to make the task seem more manageable. Start with decorative pieces that you can go without for a month or so, keeping items you use daily for last.

3. Protect Delicate Possessions

To ensure your belongings arrive safely, it’s essential to pack possessions with extra care. Safeguard breakables with wrapping materials designed to protect fragile goods, such as bubble wrap cushioning, for the best protection.

Next, pack items in clean, sturdy containers in a variety of sizes. Use large boxes for bulky, yet lighter furnishings, such as pillows and blankets, and place heavier objects in smaller boxes to avoid unnecessary strain. Seal boxes securely with a durable packaging tape.

Be sure to label boxes clearly, marking them on the sides of the boxes, not the top. This step makes it obvious what’s inside, even if they’re stacked. You also can use different colored or printed packaging tapes to color code each room—red for the bedroom, blue for the kitchen, and so on.

4. Have Help on Hand

If you’re moving to a location close to your old home, recruit friends and family to help with packing and unloading on moving day. You’ll love showing off your new place, and it’ll help with the transition to see that loved ones aren’t too far away to make the trip.

Put together an “open me first” box with the gear you’ll need immediately, such as tools to assemble furniture, cleaning supplies and shelf liner for drawers, closets and kitchen cabinets.

20 Perfect Florida Picnic Spots!

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We’re pretty spoiled here in Florida with our year-round picnicking weather, so kick off your flip-flops, spread out, and enjoy a day at one (or all!) of these charming spots. Local Realtors® submitted many of these picnic picks — Local Realtors always know where all the best stuff is!

Why not take the family or meet up with friends and enjoy one of these great spots this weekend!

Gemini Springs County Park

Where: DeBary (West Volusia County)

Cost: Free

Picnic under old oaks, stroll the arched footbridges and rent a canoe or kayak. Oh, and you can bring your pup!

Lake Eola

Where: Downtown Orlando

Cost: You might have to pay for parking if you can’t find freebie

You knew this park was going to be on the list, right? Of course it is! We love Lake Eola.

Mead Botanical Garden

Where: Winter Park (Orange County)

Cost: Free

This park is a gem nestled in a quiet Winter Park neighborhood. There’s a lovely boardwalk trail, butterfly garden and native plant demonstrations. Howell Creek runs along the back of the park. Dogs are allowed.

Oakland Nature Preserve

Where: Oakland (Between Winter Garden and Clermont)

Cost: Free, donations encouraged

ONP is a 128-acre preserve on the southern shore of Lake Apopka. You’ll likely spot gopher tortoises. There are live animal exhibits, gardens, boardwalk trails and a visitor center with delightful rocking chairs out front.

Lake Louisa State Park

Where: Clermont (Lake County)

Cost: $5

Canoe and kayak rentals available, pristine lakes. Bring your bicycle — there are extensive paved and unpaved bike trails.

The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve

Where: Kissimmee/Poinciana Area

Cost: Free, donations encouraged

A national model for wetland restoration, DWP has more than 1000 species of plants and animals. Hike a one-mile trail to the shore of Lake Russell.

Kissimmee Lakefront Park

Where: Downtown Kissimmee

Cost: Free

Paved trail, boat ramp, bait shop that rents fishing gear. Free movies!

Bok Tower Gardens

Where: Lake Wales (Polk County)

Cost: Adults/teens $12 | Kids $3 (free under 5yrs old)

Gorgeous gardens and a unique singing tower with a wonderful Koi pond.

“Public events include concerts under the stars, where you are encouraged to picnic with friends (and there are even contests for the best-dressed picnic table!) … I love it!!” –Lynne H.

Anclote Key Preserve

Where: Anclote Island (Near Tarpon Springs)

Cost: There are fees for ferry service (call to inquire)

Picnic on an island for the day — you live in Florida so it’s totally doable! Ferries leave from the Sponge Docks at Tarpon Springs.

“Forget the Bahamas, come to our Island, Anclote Island!” –Yvy P.

The Tampa River Walk

Where: Downtown Tampa

Cost: Parks are free, but plan to pay for parking and other attractions

Picnic at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and watch boats cruise by and the buildings light up at night. The Tampa River Walk has enough to do to fill a weekend, let alone an afternoon. Enjoy!

Old McMicky’s Farm

Where: Odessa (north of Tampa)

Cost: Adults/teens $12 | Kids $10 (free under 2yrs old)

Educational guided tours, lunch spots by the lake.

Zephyrhills Veterans Memorial Park

Where: Zephyrhills (Pasco County, north of Tampa)

Cost: Free

“Beautiful, wide-open park. Nice walking path, lush green grass, and plenty of shade trees!” –Adam G.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Where: Dunedin (Tampa area)

Cost: $8

The name says it all! Seriously, it’s a breathtaking beach. There’s a dog beach, too.

“Honeymoon is friendly to critters, offering a dog beach that is a half-mile hike off the main road.” –Joe P.

Bradenton Riverwalk

Where: Downtown Bradenton

Cost: Free

Features outdoor living rooms and a Tidal Discovery Zone.

Polo at Lakewood Ranch

Where: Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota area)

Cost: Adults/teens $12 | Free for kids

Enjoy the “Sport of Kings”! Dogs okay on a leash.

Fort De Soto Park

Where: Tierra Verde (St. Pete area)

Cost: $5 parking fee

Historic fort, fishing and one of the few beaches you can take your dog to.

“This park has an incredible amount of things to do. It’s like going on vacation.”

–Pat R.

Heritage Village

Where: Largo (Clearwater area)

Cost: Free, donations encouraged

21-acre living history museum with dozens of historic structures.

Englewood Beach

Where: Englewood (Southwest Fla.)

Cost: Parking is 75 cents per hour

Volleyball! Boardwalk trails.

“This great beach in our lovely town sits right on the Gulf of Mexico. It is lovely because it’s not overly commercially developed.” –Pamela C.

Centennial Park

Where: Downtown Venice (Southwest Fla.)

Cost: Free

Free concerts happen often here.

“Under a Golden Rain tree … it’s the best spot around.” –Kimberly G.

Babcock Ranch Preserve

Where: Punta Gorda (Southwest Fla.)

Cost: Varies, contact to confirm

In rural SW Fla., this place is truly wild! Eco-tours are available. Wildlife viewing is practically guaranteed.

Congratulations home buyers & sellers in Pinellas

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March was a Big month for the price Group!
Congratulstions to the follow clients who purchase and sold homes with the Price Group in the month of March:

Ken & Traci who purchase 775 28th Ave. N. St Pete FL “Crescent Heights”
Cat & Adam who purchase 2635 3rd Ave N St. Pete FL ‘Historic Kenwood”
Thomas Griggs who purchase 4318 28th Ave N. St. Pete FL
Michael & Ashley who purchase 4420 Bayshore Dr St. Petersburg “Shore Acres”
Mark who purchased 9198 Sun Isle Dr. NE St. Pete “Riviera Bay”
Spephanie who purchase 911 Moss Ave Clearwater FL
Roger & Suzanne who purchase 111 14th Ave N St. Pete FL “Old NE”
Krista who purchased 2005 Carolina Ave NE St. Pete FL ” Venetian Isles”
Molly who purchased 210 25th Ave S St. Pete FL
Perry & Michelle who purchased 4631 Laurel Oak Ln St. Pete “Placido Bayou”
Peter who purchased 9788 1st St. N St. Pete FL “Riviera Bay”
Jonathan who purchase 1812 Bayou Grande Blvd NE St. Pete “Shore Acres”

Stephen who sold  9788 1st St. N St. Pete FL “Riviera Bay”
Jonathan who sold 2214 Caesar Way S St Pete FL
Steve who sold 9198 Sun Isle Dr. NE St. Pete “Riviera Bay”
Kori who sold 2635 3rd Ave N St. Pete FL ‘Historic Kenwood”
John & Jean Ann who sold 111 14th Ave N St. Pete FL “Old NE”
Courtney who sold 4945 34th Ave N St. Pete FL

Totals sales volume $5.5 million

Firestone Grand Prix this weekend in St Pete

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It has been a decade since the Grand Prix first took over downtown, bringing thousands of fans to St Pete.

A series of races along a picturesque 14 turn, 1.8 mile temporary track, featuring the IndyCar, Firestone Indy Lights, Pro Mazda Championship, USF2000 National Championship, Pirelli World Challenge Championships, Expanded Bright House Speed Zone, Yacht Club, Indy Fan Village, autograph sessions, Ferris Wheel, Stadium Supertrucks, go cart racing, celebrity sightings and more!

New this year, the HERO ZONE, a free, interactive military obstacle course, lets kids of all ages test their skills on some of the same obstacles faced by our troops in basic training. The HERO ZONE is deployed by Wish for Our Heroes and is located inside Gate 1, next to the Bright House Speed Zone. Inside the Speed Zone, get physical with rock climbing, power jumping, mechanical bull rides, a pit stop challenge, or gyroscope.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. there is a FREE shuttle service from Tropicana Field to the race course. Parking at Tropicana Field will be $10. The shuttle will pick passengers up on 10th St. S. and drop off passengers near the Hilton on Fourth Ave. S. between Second and Third Streets. There will be a two-block walk to the race entry gate 5. The shuttle will operate all three race days from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

March 28th-30th

http://www.gpstpete.com/

This weekend in St Petersburg, 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr Day Parade

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On November 3rd 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the Federal King Holiday Bill, making the third Monday of every January, the Federal King Holiday.

On January 20, 1986 he first, oldest, and largest MLK National Parade, Battle of Bands and Drum Line Extravaganza was held For the first time in American History, White marching bands and African American Marching Bands marched together in Salute and Tribute to the first Martin Luther King, Jr. National Parade in St Petersburg Florida.

Monday, January 20th, 2014 11am-3pm

National Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Parade begins at Third Ave. South and Martin Luther King St., goes north to Central Ave, east to Bayshore Drive and finally north to Fifth Ave. North, finishing at Vinoy Park.

 

 

 

Fla. will gain about 175,000 new jobs in 2014

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an independent, non-partisan research and public policy organization, projected expected employment growth for each U.S. state, and overall, Florida ranked fifth in expected job growth in 2014.

Since jobs and home sales go hand in hand, the growth could benefit Florida’s real estate buyers and sellers.

To compare states with different populations, the study compared the anticipated percentage of job growth. In Florida, Pew estimates that the state will see 176,423 new jobs for a 2.34 percent increase.

The top state for jobs? North Dakota with an expected growth rate of 3.56 percent, though that translates into only 15,902 jobs due to the state’s smaller population. At the bottom of the list, Washington, D.C., is expected to grow jobs by only 0.75 percent in 2014.

View an an interactive U.S. map with state-by-state forecasts is posted online click the link  below:

http://www.pewstates.org/research/data-visualizations/top-states-for-job-creation-in-2014-85899531089

The 36th Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat show this weekend

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The 36th Annual St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show, the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast, is set to sail into the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg from Thursday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 8

The show will feature an impressive selection of power boats and sailboats in water and on land, including a 40,000-square-foot clearspan tent housing all types of marine gear. Show-goers will find hundreds of power boats and sailboats including family cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, magnificent sailing yachts, personal watercraft and much more.  – See more here

 

6th Annual Chillounge Night Saturday 23rd November

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Straub Park will transform again into a magnificent outdoor lounge, tomorrow evening, with 6 trucks of beautiful lounge furniture. The 6th Annual Chillounge night  is the most highly anticipated event in November.

Sipping cocktails under the stars makes an ideal venue for socializing with friends or an intimate, romantic evening. Enjoy live music from local bands, fashion shows and fireworks on the spectacular lounge seating areas throughout the park.

Tickets include complementary food and drinks from Parkshore Grill and 400 Beach.