Glenn Beck, who I often enough mostly agree with, really got my blood boiling the other night with this piece on his show.  He did a fairly solid report about the National Association of Realtors' (NAR's) Lawrence Yun repeatedly coming out with overly optimistic real estate forecasts.   As a Palm Harbor real estate agent that prides herself in telling the truth, I'll agree with Glenn wholeheartedly that this kind of overly optimistic rhetoric from NAR makes me cringe.  That being said, it doesn't mean that all Pinellas Real Estate agents are bottom feeding sharks (by the way, did any of you catch Discovery Channel's "shark week" that just ended?!).  Glenn sadly went on to make the points that buying a home now isn't a good idea and that Realtors shouldn't be trusted because all we're in... 08/05/2008

Cobb's Landing is a prestigious neighborhood in Palm Harbor and is located just off Alderman Road. The owners in this neighborhood take great pride in their homes. Lush landscaping, and meticulous care of these homes makes the overall appearance of these elegant homes look great. This neighborhood also has a community marina with boat slips for deep water sailing. The private park has basketball and tennis courts where children will love to play. A great way for neighbors to get together and socialize. The homes for sale in Cobbs Landing are guaranteed to please. With multiple subdivisions, affordable for every budget - now is the time! Built in the late 1980's and ranging in size from 1900 to over 4500 sq. ft., these homes feature lakefront property on Lake Tarpon with 2500 sq ft of bo... 08/04/2008

Beacon Groves is a great neighborhood with reasonably priced homes. From Us 19 and Tampa Road go North on US19 and left into Beacon Groves Blvd. Located in the heart of Palm Harbor and starting at a very affordable range, these homes range in size from 1100 sq. ft. to 1700 sq. ft. and have large lots. Built in the early 80's, these homes have new appliances, beautiful cabinetry and carpeting and lots of upgrades. Many have large fenced in yards, two car garages, and utility rooms. Beautiful shade trees align the streets showing their great curb appeal. These homes are also located just a short distance to high quality schools, dining, shopping, and more. You have to see to believe! No homeowners fees are necessary and flood insurance is not required! One of the best in the county and ju... 08/04/2008

Looking for great homes in the Dove Hollow subdivision? Just take US Highway 19 north of Alderman to west on Colonial Blvd. This quite community was built in the mid 1980's and features well maintained homes in a tranquil neighborhood setting. These homes range in size from 1200 to 2000 sq. ft. and have lots of different floor plans to choose from. With upgraded appliances, large fireplaces, inviting swimming pools, two car garages. as well as lush landscaping, these homes also have supreme flooring and cabinetry that make these homes look great. No need to take a school bus, children will love that these homes are within walking distance to Sutherland Elementary School. Dove Hollow neighborhood homes are close to dining, shopping, and just a short distance to beaches. Take a peek and s... 08/04/2008

Looking for a beautifully landscaped quality home in the Boot Ranch Subdivision? It's located off East Lake Road just north of Tampa Road. These three distinct neighborhoods feature unique spacous quality homes with extra large kitchens, lush landscaping. open spaced master suites with walk in closets and lots of upgrades. Within a five minute drive is John Chesnut Sr. Park that is great for children, pets, and the whole family! Dining and shopping are all at your fingertips, with great golf courses, fantastic schools and beautiful Lake Tarpon with fishing galore. Just a short distance to access major roadways to Tampa, Clearwater, and St Petersburg makes this a perfect home for commuting. Check out these homes for sale in Boot Ranch and I guarantee you won't be disappointed! This commu... 08/04/2008

Cobb's Landing in Palm Harbor has some really beautiful homes! Located on the west side of Lake Tarpon this is a lovely community. Convenient to shopping, theaters and the sparkling Gulf Beaches, Cobb's Landing is a fantastic place to bring up the kids!     08/03/2008

Palm Harbor's Cobbs Landing neighborhood on the west side of Lake Tarpon is a wonderful place to live! Most of the homes here are well over 2000 sq ft and have caged pools - after all, we do live in the Sunshine State! 08/03/2008

Palm Harbor homes are indeed beautiful! Palm Harbor is located in north Pinellas County and it is a lovely area to live! Situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Tarpon, Palm Harbor offers top rated schools and an assortment of wonderful parks! If you are considering purchasing or selling in the Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Safety Harbor areas give us a call! With years of experience in the local market, we are here for all of your real estate needs! Call Bill at 727-916-0138 or Barbara-Jo at 727-512-0910 today!!!   08/03/2008

Immaculate homes for sale in the Bentley Park Subdivision located in Palm Harbor. To find the Bentley Park Subdivision take US 19 and make a right on Alderman Road. These reasonably priced one and two story homes range in size from 1700 to 3000 sq. ft. t More home for your money! These homes were build in the 1990's and are all well maintained. This great neighborhood has beautifully landscaped yards, mature trees and a peaceful atmosphere. These homes have spacious livingrooms, large kitchens, and high ceilings. Most of these homes have two or three car garages, large master bedrooms with walk-in closets. Florida swimming pools are abundant in this great neighborhood. So close to shopping and restaurants your kids will love this community and so will you! Here's an idea of a sample hom... 07/31/2008

Baywood Village in Palm Harbor has many waterfront homes for sale at reasonable prices. To find them take US Hwy. 19 or Alt 19, go west on Klosterman Road, then to the end of the street. If you want to live on the Gulf of Mexico then these are the homes for you. They have stunning sunset views with beautifully landscaped yards, large docks with deep water access for sailboats. Many homes have custom built beautiful culinary style kitchens with stainless appliances and granite countertops. All homes have spacious livingrooms with great fireplaces and large open floor plans. Master bedrooms have glamorous jacuzzi tubs. These homes range in size from spacious 1400 sq ft. to extra large luxury homes at 5000 sq ft. with prices from affordable to high end and to fit any budget. These homes mu... 07/31/2008

Stunning homes for sale in Allen's Ridge. To locate this great neighborhood take Tampa Rd west of Belcher. This ideal location is in walking distance to Palm Harbor Elementary and Middle Schools, and not to far from Palm Harbor University High School. These schools are rated as some of the highest quality schools in the country. This subdivision is just a five minute drive from the Pinellas Trail and gulf beaches. These homes were constructed in the late 80's and early 90's. They also feature high ceilings, wood burning fireplaces, large screened lanai's with great swimming pools. The homes have many upgrades to compliment their spacious rooms. Your perfect home may be for sale in Allen's Ridge! Here's an idea of a sample home in the Allen's Ridge Subdivision: See all current homes for ... 07/31/2008

Great homes surrounded by soaring trees in a park like setting is found in Autumn Woods. Just take Alderman west from HWY 19 to entrance of the subdivision. These homes were built in the 1980's and can vary in size from a 2500 sq. ft. family style home to a 8500 sq. ft. luxury estate. This community features stunning homes for sale for reasonable and luxury prices depending on the size and amenities. These homes have unique architecture and attractive curb appeal on large landscaped lots making the entire neighborhood scenic to drive around. Many homes have three car garages, updated kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, and high ceilings. Surrounded by mature trees, oversized lots and lush landscaping all these homes make you fell like your out in the country. yet so close to city life. C... 07/31/2008

We've got breaking news for Pinellas home owners.  Yesterday, as reported by Reuters and just a handful of others, President Bush signed into law HR 3221 - The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, and it's got a little something for a huge number of Tampa Bay home owners, including refinancing options, help for seniors and veterans, and a huge break for first-time buyers of Pinellas real estate.  You've probably heard a lot of debate about this housing bailout bill because it's partially designed to help troubled homeowners - and some people that aren't having trouble making the payments on their Dunedin homes feel like this is an unfair handout.  So, all judgement and debate aside, I am just going to stick to the facts. What's In it For Me?  The Lowdown on HR 3221 Renegotiate My ... 07/31/2008

Palm Harbor was once called Sutherland, Florida! Not nearly as attractive a name as Palm Harbor, the same Sutherland came from somehow taking the Southern Land and Development Company's name and using various letters to get a town name. There are some who think that the name Sutherland originally came from the Duke of Sutherland, who supposedly visited this area in 1887. However the name came to be, the town got its official name back in 1888. At that time Sutherland was part of Hillsborough County! In 1925 the sleepy town of Sutherland became Palm Harbor. That little town has grown and now includes a beautiful new University High School with it's own medical magnet program! Students come from all over the county (now part of Pinellas County) to attend this wonderful new school! The tow... 07/17/2008

So, you say you don't want to be labeled a "tree-hugger"?  You've spent more than a little GAS on some gas-guzzling monstrosity in the name of vanity, or professionalism?  Maybe you just can't seem to find the TIME to recycle, or take the longer, slower forms of transportation?  Could it be that the time has come to review some of these assumptions?  You don't have to start your own garden, compost, or get on the waiting list to buy a Prius--here are some other suggestions to consider: If you've never done the public transportation thing, start small by making short trips to common places like the post office or the grocery store, if they're close enough. This will help you get used to the system.  Even better--if they are close, RIDE A BIKE--double-duty, get your exercise too!  Here in... 07/09/2008

In today's market, one of homebuyers' best choices in loan programs, whether they are a first-time buyer or not, is going to be FHA.  Rules have changed, however, and it pays to know what an FHA appraiser will look at if you are in the market to buy OR sell a home right now, because the largest pool of buyers will be looking with this type of financing in mind!   When viewing a property, an appraiser is required to note those repairs necessary to make the property complaint with FHA's minimum property requirements.  The appraiser determines whether repairs, alterations, or inspections are necessary.  Certain conditions will automatically require repair.   Some require further inspection by an expert, whereas others are considered cosmetic.  Repairs which are automatically required are t... 07/09/2008

A great place to call home is Alderman Ridge. If you take Alderman East of US Highway 19 to the entrance, you will find this subdivision. These affordable homes are in a great Palm Harbor location and are close to everything. They were built in the late 1980's, and feature screen caged swimming pools, sprinkler systems on reclaimed water, and mature landscaping. Inside these homes you will be happy to find brick fireplaces, ceramic tile flooring, newer appliances and high ceilings. Sizes range from 1600 sq. ft. to over 2000 sq. ft. and they are an ideal size for many people. Singles, small families or even retirees wanting a second home in Florida live there. Palm Harbor is a great place to raise a family or retire to. We have grade A schools, beautiful parks and recreation, and gulf be... 06/27/2008

Take a l@@k at this lovely Palm Harbor pool home!  Poised between Palm Harbor and countryside--this area would be perfect for the family with teens or pre-teens--the schools are great, the neighborhood safe.  With little more than elbow-grease the house is a steal at just over $200K.           The next bus tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, from 12PM to 5PM and will cover the area of North-Eastern Hillsborough County to Southwest Pasco (Westchase to Wesley Chapel).  For reservations, please   EASY ONLINE FORM Be sure to tell us how many tickets you'll need, the cost for the entire day will be only $25 per person. Thanks for your interest, and best wishes in your home search. For more Tips and strategies if you are facing foreclosure-check my website Facing Foreclosure?GET GOOD A... 06/24/2008

If you or anyone you know are considering "letting go" of your home to foreclosure--be sure you know ALL the facts first!  The rules are changing, and have changed--used to be the difference between a Short Sale and a Foreclosure was about a hundred points on your credit, and a year or two of 'ineligible' loan status.  No more!  Lending rules have changed, and the new Fannie Mae guidelines which have already gone into effect as of May 31, 2008 are FIVE YEARS of ineligible status.  Beginning to sound more like bankruptcy now, isn't it? Just last week I had a conversation with a client of mine, who was becoming frustrated with the market--so many already foreclosed and bank-owned homes means much less room to move for those considering a short sale.  Some buyers seem to believe (wrongly, ... 06/24/2008

Palm harbor has been my home for over thirty years, so I guess you could say I'm a little biased when I feature this community.  I think it is one area that has everything--including easy access to all of the other small local communities, such as Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor, as well as Fred Howard Park and Clearwater Beach. The following video features a new foreclosure POOL home, in a deed-restricted community, and for the new homeowner who does not mind putting in a little sweat equity, this would make a lovely new home!             The next bus tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 19th, from 12PM to 5PM and will cover the area of North-Eastern Hillsborough County to Southwest Pasco (Westchase to Wesley Chapel).  For reservations, please   EASY ONLINE FORM Be sure to t... 06/22/2008