Home Buyer Series: How to take the headaches out of buying a Home by a Hudson Florida Realtor::: Part I Alright people.  You do not want to waste your time, and I doubt you want to waste your Realtors times either.  So how do you start the Home buying process.   When a lot of people think of buying a home they do 1 of 2 things.  The latest trend is to go online and start looking around at what is out there.  The other, tried and true method, is to contact a Realtor.   Both of these are a mistake, unless you are calling your Trusted Realtor to get a referral to a Mortgage Broker/Banker.  That is right folks, if you want to avoid a headache in the home buying process begins with a mortgage specialist.  Why you may ask?  Because they first thing that needs to be done is to have ones credit... 08/16/2009

Best Automotive Service Station and tune up in Hudson Florida is Randy and Sons If you are looking for the best car service at the lowest prices, its Randy and Sons Automotive located on SR 52 just West of Little Road (CR-1).       How did i come across this outfit?  Well that is a fair question.  A member of my staff needed new tires a few years ago.  She had made many many many phone calls shopping around.  And lo and behold it turned out that the lowest price she could find was at our neighbor Randy & Sons.  Not only did they have the best price mounted and out the door, but over time they showed themselves to be a company of integrity that only did what was needed. Randy and Sons has established itself over the years as a trusted local automotive car service station.   Obviously it ... 08/12/2009

Best Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant in Hudson or Port Richey Florida is Leo & Joe's New Jersey Are you dying for a delicious slice of pizza, or maybe the whole pie, cooked right every time.  Leo & Joe's is the place you have been looking for in Port Richey & Hudson.  This Fabulous New Jersey Style Pizzeria joint is a real restaurant actually.  It has a split dining room so you can actually have a large party there.  It has a spectacular Italian style Mural along the Entire Wall, and of course it has Italian music playing in the background. While waiting for your order you can keep your kids busy with the place mats that have map of Italy and interesting facts about the wonderful country All Americans have to thank  for so much modestly priced delicious food. Would you like to enjoy a bit... 08/12/2009

Spectacular Views from Pasco County's Only Gulf-front Restaurant & Bar is in Hudson, Florida It doesn't get any better than this!  It may not be 5 Star cuisine, but its good food and good times at Sam's Waterfront Restaurant in Hudson Florida.  You have 180* of panoramic views of the Gulf Of Mexico, which at sunset is breath-taking.  The Food is good, the drinks are even better,but the views are priceless.  And what could be better on a hot Florida day than cocktails gulf-front watching dolphins, ray's or manatee's swimming by This Gulf-front Restaurant and Bar features modest prices for food and drink.  All of the seating is outdoors, with about half of that covered.  We some times have showers spring up out of nowhere, but the party keeps going at Sam's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in ... 08/09/2009

Where is the Best Meats found in Hudson and Port Richey areas of Pasco County Florida Why its got to be Sigmone's Acropolis Meats & Deli.  This family owned and operated business has been pleasing the Pasco County area and beyond for over 30 years.  I have personally been there in line waiting to have my order taken (don't forget to take a number) I heard a lady talk about how she drives down from Citrus County for the quality meats and great prices.  Citrus is 2 counties away, and a good hours drive. But the fact of the matter is, the meat is of the highest quality, and they also feature Boar's Head Cold Cuts and Cheeses.  I was surprised that not only does their meat quality surpass all the local markets, they also undercut the prices. One of my favorite things about Sigmone's Acropol... 08/06/2009

If you're thinking Hudson, Florida You must be Thinking Golf at The Links Since The Links in Hudson Florida is one of my favorite Golf courses, and they do not have a web presence, at least as far as I can tell, I figured they deserved to be highlighted.  I had included them in a previous blog post here: http://tinyurl.com/poxro9 I know of no other course where you get so much bang for so little buck.  Want to take a quick break from everyday life, but can not put in a full 4 hours on the Golf Course?  Get a bucket of Balls for just $5 and drive away your stresses on the Driving Range for a nice diversion. And since I am talking about the Driving Range I want to remind you to keep it in the back of your mind as you go after your drive on the 9th hole because the driving range parallels ... 08/04/2009

July's Hudson Real Estate Market Snapshot by a Hudson Florida Realtor For the month of July in Hudson Florida there are currently 704 properties on the market, as well as 133 Homes under contract.   But only 51 made it to closing for the month.  That equates to a 14 month inventory on the market which is an increase from last month. Of the 704 homes for sale, 127 are in some stage of foreclosure (18%) And of the 133 homes under contract, 59 are in some stage of foreclosure (44%) and of the 51 closings, 15 of them were in some stage of foreclosure (29%) There are presently 75 Condo's for sale, with only 4 under contract and only 2 being sold the entire month of July  That would make for almost 3+ years inventory levels. Of the 75 condos for sale 5 are in some stage of foreclosure (6.7%) ... 08/02/2009

Tasty Ice Cream Treats and more in the Hudson and Port Richey Florida Area are at Twistee Treat Are you looking for a delicious Ice Cream Treat or some snacks to cool off from the oppressive Florida Heat?  Well take the family down to Twistee Treat In Hudson, on the border of Port Richey Florida.  I had to get down there early in the day to get an unobstructed picture of the Unique structure.  Usually it is overflowing with people, particularly at night, and vehicles park where ever they can find space. Twistee Treats is a favorite among locals & visitors alike, and yet has very modest prices for its delicious treats.  And in case you can not read the signs, on top of Ice Cream they also sell All Beef Foot-long Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, Corn dogs along with fresh made Hamburgers and Cheeseb... 08/02/2009

Hudson, Florida magnificient Cloud formations. While driving the other day I noticed so spectacular cloud formations and how the setting Sun was dancing fantastic colors on the clouds. Usually I take sunset/cloud photos from Hudson Beach, Florida, but this time I felt i might miss out if I waited, so I snapped from where I was at, than headed to Hudson Beach Florida for the rest of Sunset 08/01/2009

 Waterfront Gulf Access Leisure Beach, Hudson, Florida Real Estate is so affordable now. One of Hudson, Florida Premier Waterfront Gulf Access communities is one of my favorite communities.  And as a result of the Subprime mortgage meltdown prices have become very attractive.  As you will see in the map below, the charming Community of Leisure Beach is only made up of 7 Streets and is minutes from the gulf. Nautical Isle Leeside Isle 1st Isle 2nd Isle 3rd Isle 4th Isle 5th Isle Every street, save 3rd Isle, is a cul-de-sac so it is also a very quiet neighborhood making it easier to enjoy the serene lifestyle of Florida Waterfront Gufl Access in paradise.  Back before the crash you could not buy a waterfront gulf access lot for under $300,000 in most communities.   The most recent sales w... 08/01/2009

Best Bagels, Sandwiches & Catering in Hudson & Port Richey Florida are at Bagels Galore.    Whether you are looking for a great bagel and lox and/or cream cheese, a tasty hot or cold sub, a healthy salad, or a stuffed potato Bagels Galore is the place for you. Bagels Galore 7303 State Road 52Hudson, FL 34667-6712(727) 869-9659 If you are looking for the best and freshest in town, Than you need to stop by Bagels Galore on State Road 52 just west of US 19.  They have all your favorite bagels in the display counter for you to pick from.  And they will put whatever you want on it. Do you want to make it an egg sandwich to get your morning started right?  Or perhaps you would prefer to have you bagel with a western omelet on it?  That is my current favorite.  You want Lox on that Bagel?  Yo... 07/31/2009

If the drought has made your yard look like a desert, then take a fresh look.  Florida is not supposed to look like the desert Southwest, but some of our landscapes are beginning to bear resemblance. With water restrictions here to stay and getting stricter, maybe it's time to take another look at the plants in our yards.   Tough plants are required for these tough times.  These heat and drought tolerant varieties include trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, annuals.  Some of these plants are native to Florida and some are not and some can survive on natural rainfall once established. Here are some ideas for your landscape.......   ORNAMENTAL/SHADE TREES Live Oak, *Norfolk Island Pine, Red Cedar, Crape Myrtle, *Pigeon Plum, Jacaranda, Longleaf Pine, Redbay, Podocarpus, Camphor, Slas... 07/26/2009

Heritage Pines- In Hudson Florida - Retirement Living At It's Best-   Heritage Pines in Hudson Florida is a gated active adult country club community located in rolling pine forests among the lakes of Florida's Nature Coast just 30 miles north of Clearwater and within an hour's drive of Tampa. Heritage Pines offers the very best in active adult living with an array of activities and amenities for the lifestyles of homeowners 55+  The original builders in Heritage Pines were Lennar and U.S. Homes.     Designed by Ron Garl, renowned golf course architect and designer, the private golf course at Heritage Pines In Hudson Florida is a beauty of a course. It winds through the conservation areas and ends with the 18th hole on a peninsula in the lake beyond the country club. This is a signature... 07/24/2009

The Verandahs in Hudson, Florida is a hidden treasure. Come take a look with us at this great community! The Verandahs is a newer gated community  off of Hwy 52 in Pasco County, close to the Suncoast Parkway for an easy commute to downtown Tampa with all Tampa Bay has to offer! The builders in The Verandahs included Ryland Homes and Lennar and the homes include upgrades such as granite or solid surface counters, plant shelves and 9 ft ceilings!       With a community pool and playground, many folks are finding The Verandahs in Hudson Florida a great value. There are resale homes starting in the high $80,000 and larger estate homes priced in  the low $300,000. So whatever your price point you can find a wonderful home in the gated community of the  The Verandahs in Hudson Florida.       ... 07/24/2009

I am sorry, But you do not Qualify for the 1st Time Home-buyer Credit, by a Realtor in Hudson Florida How devastating would that be if, because you and your agent were not fully versed in the complexities of this Program.  You found the home of your dreams, you laid out all the costs to get it through the inspection period, and you think it is clear sailing to closing.  Well if there is anything a Realtor has learned it is that there is no such thing as Smooth Sailing To Closing.  Until you close, you have NOT closed, and anything can go wrong. For instance: when you last bought a house, you had bad credit so the home was purchased, 2 years ago in your spouses name, and now you think you can buy the new house, in your name only and get the $8000 tax credit.  I am so sorry, but you can n... 07/21/2009

The abandoned properties proliferating neighborhoods are signs of the continuing recession. Foreclosed homes with pools are dangerous as the water becomes dark and dirty and turns into the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes some of which can spread such diseases as the West Nile virus.  With pool water being dark and dirty it also can be a drowning hazard for small children. Other hazards include broken windows and doors making the property tempting targets for vandals.  Once windows and doors are broken animals move in, along with mold and rot. It is unclear whose to blame if someone is injured or dies on the foreclosed property as the banks, former owners, and the city is not claiming responsibility for incidents on foreclosed properties. With this in mind it is my opinion that mu... 07/20/2009

Nestled among the pines, in the northern end of Pasco County is Heritage Pines. Built by the US Homes and Lennar builders, it is an affordable gem! Golf, Tennis, Activities and Clubs galore. Truthfully, you couldn't do it all if you tried. Call Dick and Dixie Sells, Realtors 727-815-7800 ! Heritage Pines- Active 55 Plus Hudson, FL Heritage Pines is a gated active adult country club community located in rolling pine forests among the lakes of Florida's Nature Coast just 30 miles north of Clearwater and within an hour's drive of Tampa. Heritage Pines offers the very best in active adult living with an array of activities and amenities for the lifestyles of homeowners 55+ Community Amenities - Security Gate- Secured Entry- Gated property- Swimming Pool(s)- Fitness center - Recreation Cent... 07/18/2009

Friday Sunset at Hudson Beach Florida Well this evenings shoot was a bit more interesting than usual.  For one thing it was quite a bit windier than normally, and it was a bit rainy, as you will see in the pics.   The cloud formations were spectacular as usual, and the colors that danced off them as the sun set made it a glorious way to end the day, and begin Friday Night.  Some of the pictures include Sam's Waterfront Restaurant on Clark St.  It is Pasco Counties only Gulf front restaurant.  It is all outdoor seating, with half of it being covered, which is necessary if you are faimliar with how fast Florida showers seem to come out of nowhere   07/18/2009

We specialize in selling homes with "Un-Repaired and Repaired" Sinkholes.  If you find yourself in either situation and wish to sell your home, please call us to discuss your options.  Call April Solomon/Realtor/GRI with I Net Realty Group, Inc. at (727) 809-0475.  Selling a stigmatized property can be challenging especially in today's current market conditions.  I Net Realty Group, Inc has over 37 years experience. Here is a link to the Pasco County Sinkhole Maps.... http://fcit/.usf.edu/florida/maps/pages11100/f11151/f11151.htm   07/18/2009

Issue Foreclosure Successful Short Sale Future Fannie Mae Loan - Primary Residence (Effective May 21, 2008) A homeowner who loses a home to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years. A homeowner who successfully negotiates and closes a short sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years. Future Fannie Mae Loan - Non Primary Residence (Effective May 21, 2008) An investor who allows a property to go to foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage for a period of 7 years. An investor who successfully negotiates and closes a short sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage after only 2 years. Future Loan with any Mortgage Company On any future 1003 Application (Standard Loan... 07/16/2009