Preparing for the Holidays: Test your Apps Labor Day is all over and most of us are not thinking about shopping for the next holidays to come. While procrastinating on gift shopping is understandable right now, it would be best to spend the time testing mobile applications for buying or shopping online. Failing to do so could really ruin the holidays for you.   From a survey conducted by IBM, 14.6 percent of all online retailer activities during the 2011 holiday season were done through a mobile device. In the same period, 11 percent of the overall sales came from shopping via mobile apps. That is 100% more than the previous year and the data shows that it will further go up in 2012. Without a doubt, mobile shopping is the fastest growing sales channel for many companies today. Code Fre... 10/22/2012

QR Code Statistics - Tampa Florida Astonishing Report on QR Code Statistics in Beating Direct Mail for Responses Consumers nowadays are encouraged to do more because of the QR codes, which has response rates higher than other direct marketing tactics according to recent data researched for this QR Code Statistics - Tampa Florida article. According to a new report from Nellymoser, “Scan Response Rates in National Magazines”, readers of national magazines had the average scanning rate of 6.4 percent on Microsoft Tags, digital watermarks, QR codes and other mobile action codes. The average rate of mobile users in actively engaging and viewing mobile pages are 18.9 percent, also according to the report. Roger Matus, executive vice president at Nellymoser Inc at Arlington, Massachusetts said... 10/18/2012

    In June 2012, 116 homes were sold in New Tampa with a median sales price of $205,000. This compares with 95 homes sold during the same period last year which translates into a 22% increase in the number of homes sold and a 8% decrease in the median sales price (from $222,000 to $205,000). At the end of the month there were 384 homes for sale in the area; 30% of the available homes sold in the last month. 384/116 = a 3.31 monthly inventory of homes. There has been a 4% decrease in the number of homes available for sale from June 2011 to June 2012 (from 399 to 384)     07/05/2012

  There’s a scene in “The Princess Bride” where the villainous Vizzini offers his adversary an invisible, odorless and tasteless poison. While his description is meant to conjure laughs, he could have just as easily been talking about radon gas. You can’t see, smell or taste radon, yet exposure to the gas can make you sick. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today after smoking. Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and may sneak into the air you breathe by penetrating your home through cracks in the foundation. It can be discovered in all parts of the country and can cause a dangerous high indoor radon level in any home. According to the Environmental Protec... 04/23/2012

Understanding Lending Guidelines In Today’s Market With today’s tightened lending guidelines, it is critical for buyers and agents to understand what is needed to successfully obtain mortgage financing today.  Many buyers as well as agents get very frustrated over the whole procedure.  Below are some of the issues that become frustrating given the current state of the market. l.  Bad Credit scores are now between 640 and 660.  The bank usually says no to these buyers automatically.  This is really not a true statement.  Most FHA/VA loans require at least a 640 FICO.  Here at Bay to Bay Lending, LLC, we offer a program for FHA with FICO’s as low as 530 with 10% down.  100% VA Mortgages with FICO’s as low as 530.  We also have programs for Conventional Mortgages, for a primary residence, ... 10/24/2011

NEW TAMPA --   A couple years ago, Live Oak Preserve was without an owner and its residents flummoxed about slumping home values. A lot has changed since then. Now, the subdivision nestled up to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard just south of County Line Road is one of the fastest selling communities in the Tampa region. New homes sales in Live Oak II, the newest section of the 1,300-acre development, is on pace to total about 180 units this year, said David Ivin, a representative for Bradenton-based Starwood Land Ventures. "We are working about 15 a month," Ivin said of newly constructed homes being sold. "Sales have been extremely good." Starwood bought 550 lots in Live Oak Preserve at auction in January 2010. The land grab was part of an $81 million purchase of TOUSA's Florida-based assets. T... 10/03/2011

              They say a picture paints a thousand words and when it comes to selling your home, you want those words to end with “sold.” It’s no secret that better-presented homes get more traffic and more buyer interest, therefore selling faster.            That’s why it is essential that you showcase your home through images in the best way possible.            According to the National Association of REALTORS®, nearly 90% of all homebuyers begin shopping for homes online. Many flip through photos of the homes and send a list of those they want to see to their agent. In fact, homes with few or no photos are often passed over simply for that reason, even if the home’s description matches a buyer’s ideal listing.             Many agents believe that apart from staging, no other marketi... 09/24/2011

Are you looking to purchase a home in the City of Tampa and need assistance with your down payment and closing costs? You can purchase your first home with as little as 1% of the purchase price. The City of Tampa offers a mortgage in the form of a Deferred Payment Loan to income-qualified homebuyers purchasing a single-family home within the City of Tampa. Homebuyers Must attend a homebuyer seminar. The applicant must apply for a first mortgage after executing a real estate purchase contract. The lender will then submit the loan to the City for consideration.A deferred payment loan is second mortgage with no interest (0%), requiring no monthly payments as long as the property remains your primary residence. The deferred loan is secured by a promissory note (second mortgage lien), which ... 09/24/2011

ResMac Mortgage is a direct lender in Tampa. We offer the best rates and fees in the industry with in house underwriting and processing, allowing us to close loans in 21 days or less. We are a full service direct lender with no lender overlays with Stated Income loans, Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, HUD Homes, My Community, Home Path and Hard Money to 70%.I also have access to Down Payment Assistance Programs in most Counties.• 600 Mid Score on FHA Financing, 620 Mid Score on Conventional, VA & USDA Financing, 640 Mid Score on HomePath, also Stated Income Loan Program• REO, Short Sale, Foreclosure & Probate Purchase's• Up to 100% Financing On VA & USDA• Up to 97% Financing On HomePath• No Monthly Mortgage Insurance Payments (HomePath, VA & USDA)• Fixed Rate, ARM & Interest Only Opt... 08/14/2011

Recalculating: Are you recalculating the marketing of your business? GPS Marketing – Tampa Florida Please drive the highlighted Route – This is what I hear when I drive in Tampa, Florida.  Now, my GPS device does not always go the best way.  And when I “stray off the straight and narrow” I hear -  Recalculating. Recalculating.  Have you recently recalculated your business?  Have you recalculated your business to include marketing thru social media, mobile marketing and yes – GPS Marketing in Tampa, Florida.  Even if you are not using GPS Marketing in Tampa, Florida you should really look into this often overlooked piece of Tampa mobile marketing management.  If you are using this, are you doing it correctly? Bad news about GPS Marketing?  GPS Marketing in Tampa Florida is losing some gr... 07/12/2011

Arbor Green is a large development. It has within its gates almost 600 acres of planned development. The planning included 91 acres of lakes and 105 acres of conservation area. Residents get to enjoy the many amenities for its residents including  community pools, fitness club, playgrounds and more.Arbor Green is close to Pride Elementary, Benito Middle and Wharton High Schools.  Arbor Greens  has easy access to major roads, including I-75 and just minutes from USF, Moffitt, and wide array of shopping and restaurants. It is also just a little over an hour to the Magic Kingdom!  To look for homes on MLX in the Tampa Bay and Pinellas area go to my website by clicking on  Tampa Homes. The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Joffe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Joffe is a... 06/15/2011

Tampa Palms - Community Information and Homes For SaleCurrent Homes For Sale In Tampa PalmsTampa Palms is the largest community in New Tampa. It has over 7,000 acres with thousands of acres of conservation land and many lakes. Tampa Palms is located approximately 1 mile south of the I-75 exit with Bruce B. Downs Blvd, and about 25-30 minutes from Tampa International Airport and downtown Tampa.  This community was started in 1991. Tampa Palms Homes are comprised of a number of unique "villages," each with their own unique design and price range.    The Tampa Palms Country Club features an Art Hills golf course, 2 pools, a pro shop, a fitness and aerobic center, restaurant, and 24 suites for your guests.There are several community parks in Tampa Palms with tennis courts, racquetball, voll... 04/18/2011

Want a new Home in Tampa Palms? Here is information on some new ones in Tampa Palms: A 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2423 square foot home for $249,900. A 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with bonus, 2240 square foot home for $234,900. A 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with bonus and den, 2737 square foot home for $258,900. Call me today for more information. You can also  search available homes via the MLS right here: Florida Home Searches.  Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay, Inc (813)966-3907 - Deana Direct (813)657-6223 - Office Deanacuevas@gmail.com www.tampahomeguides.com Deana Cuevas is an agent working in the Pasco, Polk and Hillsborough area helping buyers and sellers buy and sell homes.  Contact Deana at 813-966-3907 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Hillsborough, Polk or Pasco County area. ... 11/13/2010

Looking for a home in Tampa  Bay? To look for   homes on MLX in the Tampa Bay and Pinellas area go to my website by clicking on  Tampa Homes Arbor Green is located in New Tampa off of Cross Creek Road. Arbor Green is one New Tampa's popular master-planned, gated communities. It is is a mixture of single family homes and townhomes.  Arbor Green is a large development. It has within its gates almost 600 acres of planned development. The planning included 91 acres of lakes and 105 acres of conservation area. Residents get to enjoy the many amenities for its residents including  community pools, fitness club, playgrounds and more. Lennar is currently building new townhomes in Arbor Green. Lennar is a premier home builder that has been around since 1954. They are headquartered in Miami, FL. ... 10/07/2010

SO...my blackberry has been acting up for the last 2 weeks.  So, I went to TMobile to inquire about a new phone.  I had my heart set on the mytouch slide UNTIL....the sales girl told me about the G2!  All I can say is G2...WOOHOO!!!  That was 7 days ago.  I then had to sign up for the email to be told about the pre-order.  The pre-order email came last Fri, and I ordered it RIGHT away!  The sales person told me that it will arrive on or before Oct 6.  GUESS WHAT!!??!!  I just got the text message that it will arrive TOMORROW!!!! TOMORROW 9/30/2010!  Can You Believe It???  It is a DROID, not that I really know what that means other then it is like an iphone, but better (according to the TMobile girl).  So, my question is, what apps do you suggest I download?  And now for the obligatory, ... 09/29/2010

Buying a home has always been the best investment, and today it's even better. Reports of doom and gloom must be put into perspective, and the longer you hold out waiting for the best deal the more likely you are to miss a great opportunity. Here are some reasons why now is a good time to buy a home.It's a Buyer's Market, FolksMany sellers have upgraded properties to increase curb appeal. Your next home most likely has new windows, a top-notch roof, energy efficient appliances, and a much nicer bathroom and kitchen. There is no need to worry about major home improvement projects; today's homes are move-in ready.A ton of brand new homes are on the market at great prices, too. Buy a new construction and be the first to park in the garage, paint the walls, and landscape the yard. A new hom... 09/26/2010

Here is your monthly look at the home sales in Hunter's Green located in New Tampa, Florida. Currently, there are 26 (6 short sales) resale single family homes available on the MLS in Hunter's Green. 12 properties are currently under contract (7 short sales) and 4 properties sold in July. The average asking price is $357,396 and the average sold price is $234,350. The average asking price per square foot is $117.44 and the average sold price per square foot is $94.71.   If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in the New Tampa area or if you have any questions, please give me a call or send me an email at 813.464.9744 / Lenny@HeadofRealEstate.com. Search for Tampa properties at www.VaughnRealEstateGroup.com 08/05/2010

Here is your July monthly look at the home sales in Live Oak Preserves located in New Tampa, Florida. Currently, there are 27 (9 short sales) resale single family homes available on the MLS in Live Oak Preserve. 16 properties are currently under contract (15 short sales) and 3 properties sold in July. The average asking price is $214,447 and the average sold price is $240,034. The average asking price per square foot is $82.28 and the average sold price per square foot is $79.72.   If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in the New Tampa area or if you have any questions, please give me a call or send me an email at 813.464.9744 / Lenny@HeadofRealEstate.com. Search for Tampa properties at www.VaughnRealEstateGroup.com 08/05/2010

Lovely villas and townhomes are located in desirable gated community of Faircrest in prestigious Tampa Palms! Enjoy maintenance-free living at it's finest!  Enjoy the parks and friendly recreation lifestyle of Tampa Palms. Dining, shopping, schools, Interstate I-75 and I-275 are not far from home. The community features include heated pool, recreation building, fitness room, tennis courts, playgrounds, and clubhouse. Close to USF and the University area medical district! You will love Tampa Palms, with its 18-Hole Arthur Hills Golf Course, clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness center and spa services.  Faircrest is situated with a serene view of mature trees and conservation areas for quiet relaxation, yet only minutes away from shopping, choice restaurants, University Community Hospital, H... 07/29/2010

Here is your monthly look at the home sales in Live Oak Preserves located in New Tampa Florida. Currently, there are 19 (7 short sales) resale single family homes available on the MLS in Live Oak Preserve. 21 properties are currently under contract (19 short sales) and 6 properties sold in June. The average asking price is $235,135 and the average sold price is $199,166. The average asking price per square foot is $87.70 and the average sold price per square foot is $72.49.   If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in the New Tampa area or if you have any questions, please give me a call or send me an email at 813.464.9744 / Lenny@HeadofRealEstate.com. Search for Tampa properties at www.VaughnRealEstateGroup.com 07/02/2010