St. Petersburg FL Real Estate News and BlogRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/Copyright StPetersburgRealEstate.com2022-01-16T12:24:39-07:00tag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:25678Corcoran Expands Florida Footprint to Sarasota and St. PetersburgNEW YORK, NY – January 12, 2022 -
Corcoran Group, LLC today announced its continued expansion in Florida by welcoming its newest affiliate in Sarasota and St. Petersburg, Corcoran Dwellings, led by Liane Jamason and Marc Rasmussen. The announcement, made by Pamela Liebman, President and CEO of The Corcoran Group, is the firm’s first affiliate launch of the new year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/547/image/Downtown/Downtown_Sarasota2.JPG" width="300" height="200" style="float: right;" />From the broad beaches of its barrier islands to the vibrant cultural landscape of its downtown core, Sarasota offers an unparalleled array of opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Just recently, U.S. News and World Report named Sarasota as the best place to retire in 2022. Comparably, St. Petersburg is the 5th largest city in Florida known for its youthful atmosphere, historic homes, and a strong focus on community. ‘St. Pete’, as it’s called among locals, has also been nicknamed the Sunshine City – thanks in part to a Guinness World Record it holds for the longest stretch of sunshine in the country. For all of this and more, both areas are an ideal fit for Corcoran’s ever-expanding Florida presence, one of the firm’s two home states through brokerage-owned operations.
“I couldn’t be happier to kick off this year by welcoming another fantastic firm to grow our presence in Florida—a place near and dear to so many of us at Corcoran,” said Liebman. “Sarasota and St. Pete have so much to offer, and now we get to offer our inimitable brand and expertise to clients in the region. Liane and Marc have built something really special together, and I’m pleased that they’re continuing that work as Corcoran Dwellings.”
Established in 2011, the firm formerly known as Dwell Real Estate was founded in Sarasota by Marc Rasmussen, a veteran Realtor® who had a goal of building a boutique experience for buyers and sellers alike. After successfully recruiting numerous top-of-the-line agents, the firm later opened its second office in late 2016, in St. Petersburg. Three years later, Marc then joined forces with Liane Jamason, who to date has had more than $147 million in lifetime sales. Together, they’ve crafted an environment based around the utmost agent support and professionalism – one that has resulted in them setting several sales price records in the region. And just last March, Liane closed on the sale of former Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell’s home.
“We prioritize each client by making them feel like they’re our only client with a focus on superior market knowledge, thorough client communication and ethical client advocacy,” said Marc Rasmussen, founder and co-owner of Corcoran Dwellings. “We also always want to give our affiliated agents the best resources to take their business to the next level and we prioritize working with like-minded individuals. With a focus on lead generation and technology, our goals align perfectly with the Corcoran brand, and we look forward to being part of the broader Corcoran family.”
<a href="https://www.corcoran.com/about-us">Read the Corcoran Story</a>2022-01-16T12:22:00-07:002022-01-16T12:24:39-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:24148New Downtown St. Petersburg Highrise CondoNew Downtown St. Pete Condo Starts Selling - Residences at 400 Central
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Residences_at_400_Central/400-Central_aerial.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Residences at 400 Central St. Petersburg, FL" title="Residences at 400 Central St. Petersburg, FL" />
Are you looking to get in early on a new <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">downtown St. Pete condo</a> development? Take a look at Residences at 400 Central. Have you noticed the large fenced parcel of land on Central Avenue? This is where the Red Apple Group will build the the new Residences at 400 Central. It is set for completiong in approximately the first quarter of 2025.
Prices of Residences of 400 Central
Available Inventory
SF Range
Price Range
2BR
1,277 – 1,380
$855K – $1.16M
3BR
1,732 – 1,948
$1.1445M – $1.865M
3BR/3.5BA
2,606 – 2,658
$1.785M – $2.545M
4BR/4BA
3,927
$4.55M
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/residences-at-400-central-in-st-petersburg-fl/">Click Here For More Information on Residences at 400 Central</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Residences_at_400_Central/400_central_con_dos_amenity_deck.jpg" width="600" height="338" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Residences_at_400_Central/400_Central_condos_ground.jpg" width="600" height="338" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Residences_at_400_Central/400_Central_Condos_Parking.jpg" width="600" height="338" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Residences_at_400_Central/400_Central_Condos_View.jpg" width="600" height="338" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Residences_at_400_Central/400_central_dining.jpg" width="600" height="338" />
Want More Information on the condos at 400 Central? Fill out the information below and we will send it to you.<br /><br />We are not the listing agent for the Residences at 400 Central. We represent you as your exclusive buyer’s agent and have sold other luxury new construction condo projects in the past. This service is free to you as a buyer and in no way affects the price of the unit you choose. Photos courtesy of The Red Apple Group and Michael Saunders Real Estate, the representatives of this developer.2021-10-08T18:11:00-07:002021-10-08T18:34:34-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:10854Good News For Florida! Covid-19 Hasn't Decimated the Real Estate Showings!How badly did Covid-19 hit the real estate market?
Great question. A question we have been asked a lot lately. The investors/bottom feeders come out of the wood work when they smell a little blood in the water.
It is still too early to forecast what impact Covid-19 has had on the real estate market. I do have some good news to report. Below are three charts displaying showing volume for North America, New York and Florida.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/ShowingTimesNorthAmerica.png" width="1099" height="653" />
Naturally, with the quarantine, there are just going to be fewer real estate showings. The above chart displays the showings across North America for the Showing Time service. They handle quite a few of the showing appointments for real estate brokers. Not all real estate brokers use this service so it does not display all showings. However, they do have a good sample size for statistical purposes.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/ShowingTimesNewYork.png" width="1137" height="648" />
New York is the epicenter for Covid-19 so I am not surprised the real estate showings have fallen off the cliff. This is probably as low as it can get. Take a look below at how well Florida is doing compared to New York.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/ShowingTimesFlorida.png" width="1102" height="609" />
Look how much Florida has bounced back in terms of showings. Showings are a good indicator of buyer demand. Since the state of Florida has recently opened up I can only imagine that these numbers will continue to improve. DWELL Real Estate services mostly <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/sarasota-homes-for-sale.php">Sarasota</a>, <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/bradenton-real-estate.php">Manatee</a> and <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">Pinellas</a> counties and I am pleased to say that our agents have been busy with showings on our listings as well as our buyers. Of course, we aren't as busy as last year at this time due to Covid-19, but activity is increasing daily.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have questions please feel free to <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/contact.php">contact us</a>.2020-05-20T11:42:00-07:002020-05-20T11:57:00-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:10309Note from DWELL Real Estate about Real Estate and COVID-19To Our Friends, Clients and Colleagues,
First and foremost, we want to send our love and support during this difficult time. The global COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most challenging things we have had to face as an industry, community and country. While we tread through these unchartered waters it is important not to panic and that we tackle this challenge together as a community.
DWELL Real Estate is proud to have been part of the Sarasota and Tampa Bay communities for many years. Our seasoned and expert agents have seen many different types of real estate markets. From boom to bust and everything in between. We will continue to provide you with useful real estate market statistics and updates.
Fortunately, the real estate market is less vulnerable to irrational, panic selling than the financial markets. In a world of uncertainty one thing hasn’t changed and that is everyone needs a place to live and Florida is still an attractive place to live, work and play. After all, you need to quarantine yourself within the comforts of a home, not a stock or bond.
Naturally, as with any uncertainty, we are seeing many potential buyers enter into a “wait and see” pattern. On the other hand, we are also seeing potential buyers, who were previously waiting on the sidelines, seek opportunities in the market. If we look to past markets like 2007-2010 savvy investors were buying up as much real estate as they could afford when others were fearful. That is the beauty of the free market system.
We believe the underlying fundamentals of Florida real estate will remain good after this pandemic has subsided and the benefits of homeownership might even be more valuable now: stability, safety, comfort, happiness. Inventories in the markets we serve remain tight, mortgage interest rates are low and demand for real estate in our area should continue to remain high. Demand might even increase if people decide to shift assets from the financial markets to more tangible assets like investment and vacation properties.
Our utmost concern at DWELL is the safety of our agents and clients. Thankfully, technology often allows us to show properties without having to step foot into the home with the use of video, matterport and virtual tours as well as multiple photographs. We are available upon request to provide individual showings and our agents are happy to provide online and video consultations, live streaming property tours via Facebook video, Facetime, Skype or What’s App. We continue to monitor and adhere to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and our local, state and national governments.
We are thankful to live in and be a part of such a wonderful community and are confident that we overcome this challenge.
Sincerely,
<a href="https://www.dwellfl.com/wp-content/uploads/marc-liane-press-photo-small.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2884 alignleft" alt="" width="300" height="232" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-pagespeed-url-hash="3892413351" src="https://www.dwellfl.com/wp-content/uploads/marc-liane-press-photo-small-300x232.jpg" srcset="https://www.dwellfl.com/wp-content/uploads/marc-liane-press-photo-small-300x232.jpg 300w, https://www.dwellfl.com/wp-content/uploads/marc-liane-press-photo-small-194x150.jpg 194w, https://www.dwellfl.com/wp-content/uploads/marc-liane-press-photo-small.jpg 550w" /></a>
Marc Rasmussen<br />Broker/Owner
Liane Jamason<br />Broker/Owner2020-03-18T11:33:00-07:002020-03-18T12:24:36-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:10234Top 25 Beaches in the United States and World
Trip Advisor came out with their list of the top 25 beaches in the United States. Florida is fortunate to take 8 of the 25 spots. Our very own <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/siesta-key-real-estate.php">Siesta Key Beach</a> was ranked <img src="https://www.dwellingwell.com/uploads/shared/images/Siesta%20Key/Siesta%20Key%20Aerial.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" style="float: right;" />#1 and <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">St. Pete Beach</a> came in at #2 and <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/">Clearwater Beach</a> ranked #5. Here are the original Trip Advisor articles:
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g191">25 Top Beaches in the United States</a>
<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g1">25 Top Beaches in the World</a>
25 Top Beaches in the United States
<a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/siesta-key-real-estate.php">Siesta Key Beach</a> - Siesta Key, Florida
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">St. Pete Beach</a> - St. Pete Beach, Florida
Ka'anapali Beach - Lahaina, Hawaii
Pensacola Beach - Pensacola Beach, Florida
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/">Clearwater Beach</a> - Clearwater, Florida
Cannon Beach - Cannon Beach, Oregon
Hollywood Beach - Hollywood, Florida
Panama City Beach - Panama City Beach, Florida
Litchfield Beach - Pawleys Island, South Carolina
Napili Beach - Lahaina, Hawaii
St. Augustine Beach - Saint Augustine Beach, Florida
Lanikai Beach - Kailua, Hawaii
Santa Rosa Beach - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Wailea Beach - Wailea, Hawaii
Ogunquit Beach - Ogunquit, Maine
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area - Puako, Hawaii
Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Ruby Beach - Olympic National Park, Washington
Driftwood Beach - Jekyll Island, Georgia
Cherry Grove Beach - North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Race Point Beach - Provincetown, Massachusetts
Asilomar State Beach - Pacific Grove, California
Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay) - Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Silver Beach County Park - Saint Joseph, Michigan
Coronado Beach - Coronado, California
25 Top Beaches in the World
Baia do Sancho - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Grace Bay Beach - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Playa Paraiso - Cayo Largo, Cuba
Spiaggia dei Conigli - Lampedusa, Islands of Sicily
Prainhas do Pontal do Atalaia - Arraial do Cabo, Brazil
Seven Mile Beach - Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Eagle Beach - Palm - Eagle Beach, Aruba
Flamenco Beach - Culebra, Puerto Rico
Varadero Beach - Varadero, Cuba
Kleftiko Beach - Milos, Cyclades
Siesta Beach - Siesta Key, Florida
Radhanagar Beach - Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Luskentyre - Isle of Harris, Lewis and Harris, Outer Hebrides
Playa de Ses Illetes - Formentera, Balearic Islands
La Concha Beach - San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain
Saint Pete Beach - St. Pete Beach, Florida
Playa Norte - Isla Mujeres
Maho Beach - Cruz Bay, St. John
Bavaro Beach - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Woolacombe Beach - Woolacombe, United Kingdom
Elafonissi Beach - Elafonissi, Greece
Whitehaven Beach - Whitsunday Island, Whitsunday Islands
Cala Mariolu - Baunei, Italy
Balos Lagoon - Kissamos, Greece
Black Sand Beach - Vik, Iceland
Want to live on or near one of these amazing beaches? Click on the property links below.
<a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/siesta-key-real-estate.php">Siesta Key beach homes and condos for sale</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">St. Pete beach homes and condos for sale</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/">Clearwater beach homes and condos for sale</a>
2020-03-04T20:23:00-07:002020-03-04T20:46:48-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9535Tampa, St. Pete Among Most Affordable Big Cities in Florida<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Downtown_St._Pete/downtownstpete.jpg" width="400" height="268" style="float: right;" />
A recent report by SmartAsset ranked Tampa and St. Petersburg among the six most affordable big cities in Florida.
To compile the rankings, SmartAsset looked at the closing costs, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance and mortgage rates for every city with a population over 200,000. Those data points were used to create an affordability index. The full methodology can be <a href="https://smartasset.com/mortgage/down-payment-calculator#us/most-affordable" target="_blank">found here</a>.
Tampa ranked as the third most affordable big city in the state with an affordability index of 39.14. The city ranked in the middle of the pack for all data points, helping it place at No. 3.
St. Pete landed one spot ahead of its neighbor across the bay with an affordability index of 57.11. The Sunshine City had the best closing costs and property taxes in the state and the second best mortgage payments and homeowners insurance.
Jacksonville ranked as the most affordable big city in Florida with an index of 60.74. Orlando, Hialeah and Miami also made the rankings at Nos. 4, 5 and 6, respectively.
Detroit was ranked as the most affordable big city in the U.S. with an index of 100.
The rest of the top five included:
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Toledo, Ohio
Montgomery, Alabama
Buffalo, New York
2019-11-14T09:40:00-07:002019-11-14T09:43:16-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9533Neighborhood Choices: To Go Deed-Restricted or Not?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/deedrestrictedstpetersburg.jpg" width="550" height="411" />
How do you feel about matching mailboxes? How about cars parked in lawns?
Questions like this may seem silly but are very important as <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/communities">choosing a neighborhood</a> you feel comfortable with is one of the first steps of the home-buying process. Your <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/about/">Realtor</a> will help you narrow down areas that may be a fit for you, and one of the main criteria we use is whether you prefer to be in a neighborhood with deed restrictions or not. For the purposes of this discussion we will focus on only single-family homes. It is a safe assumption that 99% of <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">condos</a> in our area rank HIGH on the Restrict-o-Meter.
Other areas of the country do not necessarily have this differentiation, and if they do it is often not as pronounced as it is here in <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">St. Petersburg</a>, so please enjoy this helpful primer on the differences and how they affect you as a future homeowner.
Deed-restrictions are really just what they sound like: limitations on what a homeowner is permitted to or restricted from doing on/with a property. Neighborhoods here vary in the severity of the deed restrictions, from spots like the Westchase in Tampa on one end of the spectrum to neighborhoods like on the other. To put it bluntly, it is a range of “cookie-cutter” to free-for-all.
Restrict-O-Meter Reading - HIGH
Prime Example: <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/results/?searchtype=2&searchid=140495#status_Active/">Bayou Club</a>
Defining Features: Homes that are quite uniform in architectural style, paint colors, and landscaping. Mailboxes generally match and much of the time the communities are gated.
The Pros: These neighborhoods and the homes within them generally are very well-maintained with manicured lawns & boulevards and houses that are kept up nicely. There is sometimes an increased sense of community as well because they are more likely to have common amenities such as a clubhouse, community pool, etc.
The Cons: To some people, places like this can feel a bit Stepford-ish. If you want to do something like store a boat in your driveway, a neighborhood with stringent deed restrictions is not for you. Same goes for people who enjoy large amounts of lawn ornamentation – your style will be cramped! HOA fees will also be present since someone has to pay for the planting of the pretty flowers at the entryway and the maintenance of the common areas.
Restrict-O-Meter Reading – MEDIUM
Prime Example: <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/old-northeast/">Old Northeast</a><a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/gulf-gate-woods-sarasota.php"><br /></a>
Defining Features: Homes that are relatively similar (all tile roofs or mostly one type of architectural styling, for example) but that have some flair. Landscaping can vary widely and cars are generally permitted to park in driveways and sometimes on the street. This type is normally not gated.
The Pros: If you like a purple front door, go for it! Enjoy planting a wild garden? You’ll have some freedom here. How about a mailbox shaped like a dolphin jumping out of the water? Sure! However, the community maintains a semblance of order by enforcing certain restrictions such as prohibiting things like strange varieties of non-house-pet animals and situations like cars on cinderblocks in the front yard.
The Cons: This type walks the line, so for some people it may not offer enough freedom and for others there may not be enough regulations for comfort.
Restrict-O-Meter Reading – NON-EXISTENT In a Generally Pleasant Way
Prime Example: <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/shore-acres/">Shore Acres</a><a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/old-northeast/"></a>
Defining Features: A wide variety of home styles and sometimes an array of lot sizes as well. There may be a cottage-style home right next to a Spanish-Med mansion with a Cape Cod down the street.
The Pros: Many people like the freedom that this type of neighborhood provides and also find the variety of architectural styles to be charming. Storing of things like RV’s and boats is generally allowed.
The Cons: If you prefer more uniformity then this type may feel chaotic or disorganized to you.
Restrict-O-Meter Reading – NON-EXISTENT In a Free-For-All Way
Prime Example: <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/results/?searchtype=2&searchid=630870">Laughners Lakeview</a><a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/sarasota-springs.php"><br /></a>
Defining Features: Makeshift covers for cars (such as tarps assembled over a frame in the driveway), homes that may be similar architecturally but vary widely in terms of level of maintenance.
The Pros: If you do not want anyone to tell you what you may or may not do on your property, this may be a good fit for you. There is no architectural review committee to oversee renovations or landscaping changes, so the neighbors are at your mercy.
The Cons: Like areas with strict deed restrictions, people tend to either love or hate this type of neighborhood. If you are not a fan, the cons are the lack of structure and the potential for the presence of items commonly perceived as eye-sores, such as eight cars parked in a lawn (I’ve really seen this happen and stay that way indefinitely), the makeshift structures mentioned previously, and the like. Your property value can be affected by your neighbors’ choices and you really have no recourse if it is in a negative way.
Using a knowledgeable St. Petersburg Realtor can save you plenty of time and headaches. We can sift through the deed-restricted and non deed-restricted communities for you. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/contact/">Contact us for assistance</a>.2019-11-13T16:56:00-07:002019-11-14T07:47:12-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:5652What Does Flood Insurance Cost in St. Petersburg?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/stpetefloodinsurance.jpg" width="300" height="300" alt="Flood insurance cost in St. Pete, FL" title="Flood insurance cost in St. Pete, FL" style="margin: 5px; float: right;" />We Realtors are often asked by prospective home buyers about flood insurance rates in St. Petersburg, Florida. I am sure we will get asked even more now that hurricane Irma hit the state of Florida. There is no easy answer to this question.
There are many horror stories when it comes to the cost of flood insurance in Florida. We are just talking about flood insurance here and not general homeowners insurance. They are seperate policies.
All of Florida is a Flood Zone
People frequently get confused about this. The entire state of Florida is in a flood zone. Yes you read that correctly. Even the highest point in the state, Britton Hill at 345 feet above sea level is in a flood zone. Home buyers often ask to find them real estate that is not in a flood zone, but that is impossible if they want a home in Florida.
The lowest risk flood zones to get is B,C, or X flood zones. Most <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/about/">Realtors</a> will mistakenly tell you that a specific home is not in a flood zone when in fact it is in an X flood zone. X doesn’t mean it’s not in a flood zone, it just means you are not forced to purchase flood insurance there. The B, C and X zones are in the 500 year flood plain and deemed not risky enough to require you to purchase flood insurance by your mortgage lender. Keep in mind that if you pay cash for a home, no one can force you to ever purchase flood insurance, it is purely your choice whether you do or not. If you have a mortgage, the mortgage lender will specify what zones require flood insurance to be carried on it. Once you pay off the mortgage, you can cancel the flood insurance if you deem that feasible.
Do I have to Buy flood insurance on my St. Petersburg Home?
If you plan to carry a mortgage on your <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">home</a>, the zones that you need to look out for are the A and V zones. The V zones are very close to the beaches and are called velocity zones. If you are lucky enough to afford a home in the V zone you probably are not worried too much about the cost of the insurance. The A zone is the 100 year flood plain zone. This is the zone that causes the most headaches in Florida. If you buy a home in an A zone, and you have a mortgage, your bank will force you to carry flood insurance on the home. Not to worry though as there are ways to lessen the costs.
What determines the cost of St. Petersburg, FL flood Insurance?
Elevation of the floor. The biggest factor that affects home insurance cost is the elevation of the floor level of the home in relation to the base flood elevation of the lot as provided by FEMA. If FEMA says that the base flood elevation of your home should be 10 feet, and the true elevation as determined by a surveyor is 10.5 feet, your insurance will be very reasonable in price. If in that same scenario your home is found to be at 8 feet, get out your checkbook as it is going to be expensive.
The age of the home. This one is directly related to #1 above. Prior to around 1976, builders didn’t pay much attention to the floor elevation when building a home here in Florida. After 1976 there was more regulation regarding elevation. You will find the older the home is the likelihood of a higher flood insurance policy as a general rule. If it’s a newer home the flood insurance will most always be a reasonable price compared to an older home.
How much you are insuring your home for? Of course this one goes without saying, but the higher amount you are insuring your home for the more expensive the flood insurance will be.
How high are your deductibles? This is another easy one…the lower the deductible, the higher the cost of your insurance policy. If you raise the deductible you assume more risk but your premium will cost less.
Are you insuring your contents? Keep in mind there are 2 parts to every flood insurance policy. The premium for the house itself and the premium for the contents coverage. You can always elect to delete the contents coverage if you choose of course. Also pay attention to contents coverage to see if you have full replacement value or if they pro-rate the value in relation to the age of the contents.
I plan to own my home debt free, should I buy flood insurance?
This is a question that only you can answer. As I mentioned previously, if you own your home and do not have a mortgage on it, no one can force you to purchase any types of insurances including flood insurance. I find that some of the older homes that have high insurance premiums are being bought by cash buyers and they are electing not to purchase flood insurance. Generally these people have enough of a rainy day fund to handle any cash outlays that a flood might cause. These people have calculated the risk of flood and decided it makes more sense to invest that money elsewhere Sometimes in these cases the land the home sits on may be worth more than the home itself, so if a flood comes it just gives them an excuse to tear the home down and build a new one.
So how much does the flood insurance really cost?
Let’s get down to brass tacks, how much does the flood insurance on the home at 123 Imaginary Drive cost? There is no easy answer to this without some investigation and possible expense. The first thing to do is to determine if it is in an A or V zone. If it is, the next step is to get an elevation certificate. The elevation certificate is part of a survey and it certifies the base flood elevation of the home. Hopefully the current homeowner has this and can provide it to a prospective buyer. If not, the buyer may have to hire a surveyor to make one and that can cost around 200 dollars to get. Once you get the elevation certificate, send it to your favorite home insurance agent and let them give you a quote with your chosen coverages and deductibles. If the home is in the B, C or X zones, there is no need for an elevation certificate. Just call your insurance agent for a very reasonable flood insurance quote on homes in these zones.
Do I need to buy flood insurance in an X flood zone?
If you purchase a home located in the X, A, or B zones, you may want to consider purchasing flood insurance even though it is not required. Usually flood premiums in these areas are very cheap, maybe only 350 dollars per year, and it may make sense to go ahead and purchase the policy. In some cases, the elevation of a home in an A zone may only be a few inches in elevation different from a neighboring home in an X zone. Often one side of a street is in an A zone, and the other side may be in the X. If there was a Katrina like hurricane event here, the A and the X zone on that same street would likely get inundated with water. Better safe than sorry.
Conclusion
So as you can see there is no simple answer to “how much does flood insurance cost.” If you have questions, contact a local Florida insurance agent and they along with your DWELL Real Estate Realtor can assist you.
Article written by Jason Painter of <a href="https://www.programrealty.com/">Program Realty</a>.
2019-08-21T06:00:00-07:002019-08-21T12:14:11-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9040Kiplinger: 7 Great Places to Retire in Florida<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/retirement/T006-S003-7-great-places-to-retire-in-florida/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1EFxcT7IEISOIxWLaQLoCLJFzEcDl5c6L-ztmhXC2Foq1W0WYPUfRC6Tc">Kiplinger's Original Article</a>
Every day Florida's population swells by more than 1,000 people, many of them retirees relocating for the second halves of their lives. There's little mystery why: Even in the coldest months of the year, the average daily high is at least 70 degrees, and the temperature rarely dips below 50 in the Sunshine State.
Florida is also one the most tax-friendly states in the country for retirees. There's no state income tax, and permanent residents are eligible for a homestead exemption of up to $50,000, which lowers their real estate taxes. Seniors may qualify for an additional exemption.
But Florida is a big, diverse state, too, with plenty of pleasant cities and towns on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, or inland (central Florida has lots of lakes, and parts are even hilly). Worried about hurricanes? Hurricane risk on Florida's west coast is less than on the east coast. Here are seven great Florida retirement destinations, based on locale, amenities, affordability, and access to top-notch health care. Take a look.
Sarasota
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/IslanderClubLongboatKey1.jpg" width="700" height="469" alt="Sarasota" title="Sarasota" />
Population: 55,103
Cost of living (national avg. = 100): 108.1
Median single-family home price (national median = $288,900): $305,000
Median condo/townhome price (national median = $260,100): $225,000
Share of population 65+ (national avg. = 14.92%): 26.5%
Life unfolds a bit more slowly here than in Tampa-St. Petersburg, a 50-minute drive to the north. But Sarasota--which like Tampa has a colonial Spanish history--offers plenty of amenities. Those in search of the Good Life will find nearly 100 upscale stores and restaurants in the <a href="http://www.starmandscircleassoc.com/directory/shops/" target="_blank">island shopping center of St. Armands Circle</a>. Residents have the <a href="https://www.smh.com/" target="_blank">Sarasota Memorial Health Care system</a>, which is one of the largest public medical centers in Florida.
Sarasota has miles of white-sand beaches on keys along the Gulf of Mexico. Homes a few miles inland tend to be newer and more affordable than homes along the waterfront, which start at about $500,000. Nature lovers will find lush landscapes and subtropical wildlife at the local parks, as well as at <a href="http://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/capital-campaign/the-celery-fields/" target="_blank">Celery Fields</a> (an erstwhile celery farm now known for its birds and wetlands) and the <a href="http://selby.org/" target="_blank">Marie Selby Botanical Gardens</a>. Sarasota also has a lively and diverse arts scene, which includes a ballet company, art museums and an 80-member orchestra.
<a href="https://www.sarasotafloridarealestate.com">Sarasota homes for sale</a>
Gainesville
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/ben-hill-griffin-1779315_640.jpg" width="700" height="447" alt="Gainesville" title="Gainesville" />
Photo courtesy of: <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/jcalderaio-3633694/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=1779315">J Calderaio</a>
Population: 129,394
Cost of living: N/A
Median single-family home price: $242,100
Median condo/townhome price: $128,500
Share of population 65+: 9.7%
Gainesville is smack in the middle of the state, 75 miles from the coasts. But in Florida during hurricane season, that's not a bad place to live.
This is the home of the University of Florida, offering many benefits for retirees looking to escape the cold winds and higher cost of living up north. Residents age 60 and older can enroll in courses at the <a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-best-college-values-college-finder/school/9188/university-of-florida/" target="_blank">University of Florida</a> at no cost on a space-available basis. In addition, the <a href="https://www.oakhammock.org/living-at-oak-hammock/lifelong-learning" target="_blank">Institute for Learning in Retirement</a> at Oak Hammock, a retirement community affiliated with the University of Florida, offers an extensive roster of courses, many of them taught by university professors. (Seniors don't have to live in the community to participate.)
There's Florida Gators football and basketball, too. But the city also offers 13 museums and galleries with a thriving downtown. Gainesville was founded as a health care resort. Now, medical care is available through the university's <a href="https://ufhealth.org/shands-university-florida" target="_blank">Shands Hospital</a> and the <a href="http://nfrmc.com/" target="_blank">North Florida Regional Medical Center</a>.
Naples
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/naplesflorida.jpg" width="700" height="375" alt="Naples" title="Naples" />
Population: 21,279
Cost of living: 98.2
Median single-family home price: $454,000
Median condo/townhome price: $280,000
Share of population 65+: 51.5%
The rapid growth in Naples, which gets a top grade from the American Lung Association for air quality, has been fueled by a torrent of retirees attracted by miles of beaches, gracious homes and giant banyan trees. You don't have to be retired to like living here--which is raising home prices and cost of living. But the Naples–Marco Island area was ranked number one in the 2017-18 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being index, which measures residents' views about health, financial security, community and sense of purpose.
<a href="http://www.nchmd.org/" target="_blank">NCH Healthcare System</a>, which operates a hospital downtown and one in north Naples, offers a range of specialties, including rehabilitation and cardiac, cancer and geriatric care. It's a member of the <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network" target="_blank">Mayo Clinic Care Network</a>, which connects its doctors with Mayo Clinic specialists.
Residents pay a premium to live the good life, particularly in Old Naples. Home prices start at about $400,000 for a small condo and $2 million for a single-family home on the beach somewhere in Collier County. But the sky's the limit if you can afford it.
<a href="https://www.equityrealty.com/">Naples Homes For Sale</a>
St. Petersburg
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/stpetebeachsmall.jpg" width="700" height="466" />
Population: 256,031
Cost of living: 89.7
Median single-family home price: $245,000
Median condo/townhome price: $169,900
Share of population 65+: 17.7%
Home prices here range from $165,000 to $1 million (or more). Vintage neighborhoods on the northeast side of St. Petersburg, away from the water, offer a mix of bungalows, Craftsman-style cottages, large ranchers and enough Spanish-influenced design to suggest you're in Pasadena or Santa Monica. You can easily bike or walk to neighborhood bars and restaurants and to St. Pete's artsy downtown.
With the larger city of Tampa just a half hour north on I-275, St. Pete offers more than beautiful harbor views and the Salvadore Dali museum. Residents are an easy drive away from an array of theaters, concert halls, stadiums, colleges and hospitals, without the density and congestion of Miami or the inflated real estate costs of Palm Beach and Boca Raton.
St. Pete extends 10 miles west from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, where you can follow a 20-mile beachfront road north to Clearwater, home of the giant <a href="https://baycare.org/mph" target="_blank">Morton Plant Hospital complex</a> and the area's best-known beaches, most of which are free or have low access or parking fees. You can also explore the area via the <a href="http://www.pinellascounty.org/trailgd/" target="_blank">Pinellas Trail</a>. Widely regarded as a standout, the trail starts in downtown St. Pete right by Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">St. Petersburg Homes For Sale</a>
Punta Gorda
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/puntagorda.png" width="1024" height="408" />
Population: 18,656
Cost of living: 98.2
Median home price: $230,000
Median condo/townhome price: $172,500
Share of population 65+: 55.3%
Punta Gorda knows how to appeal to retired folks--a majority of its population is 65 or older. Life here revolves around 55 miles of canal-front homes as well as numerous retirement communities, restricted to people age 55 and older. Plenty of golfing, plus a Fishermen's Village waterfront complex with 30 shops and restaurants. Also in town, the <a href="http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/visitors/punta-gorda-pathways/harborwalk" target="_blank">Harborwalk along Charlotte Harbor</a> is just a portion of the 18 miles of bike trails and pedestrian pathways you can enjoy.
<a href="https://www.programrealty.com/punta-gorda/">Punta Gorda Homes For Sale</a>
St. Augustine
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/stagustinetownhall.jpg" width="700" height="284" />
Population: 13,952
Cost of living: N/A
Median home price: $290,450
Median condo/townhome price: $194,000
Share of population 65+: 20.8%
St. Augustine and the surrounding St. John’s county offer more than just surf and sand wedges. But retirees looking for fun in the sun will find it here in spades, along with plenty of cultural and historical activities, affordable luxury living, and access to first-class health care. The 42 miles of sand on St. John’s county Atlantic coast offer something for everyone. <a href="https://www.staugbch.com/" target="_blank">St. Augustine Beach</a>, located minutes from downtown, is backstopped by laid-back restaurants serving up the day’s catch to folks in flip-flops. If a peaceful hammock is more your vibe, chill with the local wildlife on the secluded beaches at the 1,600-acre <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia" target="_blank">Anastasia Island State Park</a>.
Venice
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/shutterstock_99436742.jpg" width="700" height="467" />
Population: 22,192
Cost of living: 108.9
Average sale price: $286,800
Median condo/townhome price: N/A
Share of population 65+: 61.1%
Wander around Venice’s historical neighborhoods and you’ll notice two things: You’re never far from the water, and there’s bound to be a park no more than a few blocks away. As you head west, the wide, palm-tree-lined sidewalks give way to white-sand beaches and expansive water views. Venice has a slow pace but offers plenty of amenities. Locals can stroll the <a href="https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/listing.a0t40000007ulMpAAI.html" target="_blank">historic district</a> and stop in the numerous shops and restaurants. On Saturday mornings, there’s a farmers market. You can catch a show at the <a href="https://venicetheatre.org/" target="_blank">Venice Theatre</a> or a performance by the Venice Symphony at the Performing Arts Center.
Venice has more than 30 parks, including the 37,000-acre <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park" target="_blank">Myakka River State Park</a>. You can kayak or paddleboard along the Intercoastal Waterway, which runs through the city. Cyclists can cruise around town or hop on the 10-plus-mile Legacy trail that extends north to Sarasota.
With all the snowbirds, rentals tend to book a year in advance. Expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 a month on the island (which is connected to the mainland by three drawbridges). Prices on the mainland are a little lower.
<a href="https://www.programrealty.com/venice/">Venice Homes For Sale</a>
2019-08-16T12:09:00-07:002019-08-16T13:10:05-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:9010Check Out These 11 Contemporary/Modern Homes For SaleAre you a fan of mid century modern, modern or contemporary style homes? The builders in <a href="https://www.sarasotafloridarealestate.com">Sarasota, Florida</a> are very busy filling the demand for home buyers of this style. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/results/">St. Petersburg</a> builders/home buyers seem to also love the mid century modern, modern or contemporary style as well. Take a drive by the condos and single family homes under construction and you will see this style throughout. Many people appreciate the simplicity, clean lines and minimalistic feel of this style. I also believe that so much of our new construction comprised of Spanish-Mediterranean style for 15+ years that people were welcoming a change from that style.
Below are 11 contemporary/modern homes for sale. They are in no particular order. Click on the address to view more photos.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/2950-tangerine-terrace-palm-harbor-fl-34684/14422599_spid/">2950 Tangerine Terrace</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/2950tangerine.jpg" width="1024" height="682" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/5322-s-newton-avenue-gulfport-fl-33707/14498121_spid/">5322 Newton Ave South</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/5322sNewton.jpg" width="750" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/632-s-60th-street-st-petersburg-fl-33707/13664840_spid/">632 60th Street South</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/632s60.jpg" width="667" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/665-s-villagrande-avenue-st-petersburg-fl-33707/14500099_spid/">665 Villagrande Ave South</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/665svillagrande.jpg" width="750" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/8126-n-37th-avenue-st-petersburg-fl-33710/13705696_spid/">8126 37th Ave North</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/8126N37.jpg" width="750" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/763-monte-cristo-boulevard-tierra-verde-fl-33715/13880416_spid/">763 Monte Cristo Blvd</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/763montecristo.jpg" width="750" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/210-sydney-lane-redington-shores-fl-33708/13905611_spid/">210 Sydney Lane</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/210sydney.jpg" width="724" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/3189-shoreline-drive-clearwater-fl-33760/14574209_spid/">3189 Shoreline Drive</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/3189Shoreline.jpg" width="1024" height="768" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/3391-ne-maple-street-st-petersburg-fl-33704/14263036_spid/">3391 Maple Street NE</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/3391maple.jpg" width="749" height="500" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/744-eldorado-avenue-clearwater-fl-33767/14338415_spid/">744 Eldorado Ave</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/744eldorado.jpg" width="750" height="447" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/2010-ne-carolina-circle-st-petersburg-fl-33703/12748806_spid/">2010 Carolina Circle NE</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Contemporary_Homes/2010necarolina.jpg" width="750" height="421" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/contact/">Contact Us</a> if you would like to view any of these homes. 2019-08-09T10:25:00-07:002019-08-13T07:32:03-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8839Website ranks St. Petersburg, Tampa as top 'pet friendly' cities in the U.S.A new ranking by the real estate site Zumper calls St. Petersburg the most pet friendly city in the country, with Tampa following closely behind.
The ranking calculated scores for 95 American cities in three categories: ease of owning a pet, places to play and the number of home rental listings that allow animals.
Ease was based on the number of pet stores, veterinarians and pet-friendly restaurants listed on <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/dogfriendly.jpg" width="600" height="389" alt="St. Petersburg FL Named Most Dog Friendly City" title="St. Petersburg FL Named Most Dog Friendly City" style="float: right;" />Yelp, as well as the cost of pet insurance. Play scores were based on the number of dog parks per capita, the percentage of each city's area set aside for parks in general, pleasant weather and a city's walkability according to <a href="https://www.redfin.com/city/18142/FL/Tampa/housing-market#transportation%20" target="_blank">WalkScore</a>.
"St. Petersburg topped our ranks of pet friendly cities due largely to the fact that it was in the top 10 percent of cities with cat friendly listings," the website wrote. "St. Petersburg also scored very well in the ease of owning a pet category because of the high density of veterinarians, pet stores and pet restaurants in the area."
Tampa came in at No. 5 in the ranking, behind Seattle, Portland, Ore. and Arlington, Va., making it the second-most pet friendly city in Florida, <a href="https://www.zumper.com/blog/2016/07/the-most-pet-friendly-cities-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank">according to Zumper.</a>.
St. Pete had a better score in the play and ease categories, but Tampa scored higher in pet apartments, since it had one of the "highest proportions of pet friendly listings," the site said.
Dogs have become an increasingly common sight in bars, restaurants and breweries around Tampa Bay. Earlier this year, <a href="http://www.tampabay.com/things-to-do/food/spirits/bar-review-dog-bar-in-st-petersburg-serves-you-while-pups-play/2278143" target="_blank">The Dog Bar</a>, which combines a dog park with beer, wine and a full-liquor bar, opened on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Restaurants such as Cassis American Brasserie in St. Petersburg, and Besa Grill in Clearwater have been offering a menu specifically for dogs for years2019-07-01T10:18:00-07:002019-07-01T10:55:54-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8535SALTAIRE Condos Coming to Downtown St. Petersburg<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Downtown_St._Pete/saltaire-st-petersburg-fl-condo.jpg" width="-1" height="-1" style="float: right;" />The Kolter Group , developer of <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/one-st-petersburg/">One St. Petersburg condos</a>, is likely to announce their newest condo project in downtown St. Petersburg - <a href="https://www.dwellfl.com/saltaire-condos-st-petersburg-fl/">SALTAIRE</a>.
Preliminary plans call for a 408-foot tower that would rise on what is now a parking lot between the St. Petersburg Hilton hotel and the Northern Trust office building on First Street S. SALTAIRE hopes to boast 35-story condominium building containing approximately 200 residences as well as retail on the ground floor.
Location of SALTAIRE Condos
About THE Kolter GROUP
<a href="https://www.kolterurban.com/">Kolter</a>, based in West Palm Beach, is making a name for itself in Florida’s luxury condo field. They have won numerous industry awards and has developed over $12 billion of residential projects. These exceptional residences are located in some of the most desirable locations in Florida and the Southeast, including the Palm Beaches, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Atlanta. It has built or has under construction three towers in South Florida and two in <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com">Sarasota</a>. One of them is called <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/the-mark.php">The Mark</a> in downtown Sarasota and the other is The Grand Ritz Carlton Residences.
Pre-Construction Pricing
Several of the original purchasers in <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/one-st-petersburg/">One St. Petersburg</a> have already flipped their unit for a profit. This condo tower should get plenty of attention so there might be an opportunity to profit from being an original purchaser of a condo in SALTAIRE.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/contact/">Contact us if you are interested in more information when SALTAIRE is released.</a>
2019-04-22T14:49:00-07:002019-08-13T07:42:57-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8461Estimating St. Petersburg Property Taxes<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/stpetersburgpropertytaxes.png" width="333" height="90" style="float: right;" />
We often get asked the question from potential buyers, "What will my property taxes be if I buy this property?" Many Realtors will say that a good rule of thumb in estimating St. Petersburg, Florida property taxes is 1.0%-1.5% of the value of the property.
Is this true?
Fortunately, for those thinking of purchasing in Pinellas county the Property Appraisers office has a useful tool to help you estimate what the taxes will be on a property. <a href="https://www.pcpao.org/taxEst.php">Check out this tool</a>. I wrote a similar article today about Sarasota county <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/blog/estimating-sarasota-property-taxes.html">here</a> and their property appraisers office does not provide an equivalent tool.
Is 1.0%-1.5% a Good Rule of Thumb?
I did a quick test to see if this rule of thumb was still valid. I downloaded a sample of sales that occurred in January of 2018 in Pinellas county. My sample size was 1,295 homesteaded and non-homesteaded properties with prices ranging from $107,000 to $3,850,000. I then compared these sales prices to their most recent tax bill. When you mash all of these properties together and average their tax liability in comparison to their sales price it came to:
1.31%
So, given the variables above it does appear that 1.0%-1.5% is still a good rule of thumb when estimating Sarasota county property taxes.
Just for kicks I broke it down even further by price range.
Sales Price
Avg Property Taxes/Sales Price
Average Property Taxes
$100,000 - $199,999
1.35%
$2,026
$200,000 - $299,999
1.33%
$3,244
$300,000 - $399,999
1.28%
$4,368
$400,000 - $499,999
1.29%
$5,765
$500,000 - $599,999
1.25%
$6,839
$600,000 - $699,999
1.24%
$7,896
$700,000 - $799,999
1.20%
$8,841
$800,000 - $899,999
1.53%
$12,808
$900,000 - $999,999
1.42%
$12,485
$1m - $2m
1.18%
$15,895
$2m-$3m
.99%
$23,088
$3m-$4m
.54%
$19,452
<br />I hope you found the above information helpful. Remember, we are using these estimates as a "rule of thumb". Which is defined as "a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory." If you are looking to purchase please do your homework when estimating Sarasota property taxes. <br /><br />
If we can help you buy or sell a property please feel free to <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/contact.php">contact us</a>.
<img src="https://www.dwellingwell.com/uploads/agent-1/marc_signature.jpg_141.png" alt="" width="100" height="67" />2019-04-03T20:17:00-07:002019-04-03T21:05:50-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8114December 2018 Pinellas County Market UpdateDecember 2018 Was a Neutral market!
December 2018 was a Neutral market for Pinellas County! The number of for sale listings was up 16.2% from one year earlier and up 1.1% from the previous month. The number of sold listings decreased 9.2% year over year and decreased 0.7% month over month. The number of under contract listings was down 9.5% compared to previous month and down 0.5% compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 3.3, up 27.3% from the previous year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was up 1.5% compared to previous month and up 13.2% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price increased by 1.8% from last month. The Average Sold Price also increased by 1.9% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Appreciating" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Neutral".
The Average Days on Market showed a neutral trend, a decrease of 9.3% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 94%, was the same compared to previous year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Dec_2018/Dec_2018_Pinellas_FS_vs_S.png" width="646" height="434" alt="December 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Stats" title="December 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Stats" p="" />
It is a Neutral Market
Property Sales (Sold)
December property sales were 1755, down 9.2% from 1932 in December of 2017 and 0.7% lower than the 1768 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)
Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is higher by 803 units of 16.2%. This year's bigger inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have bigger selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is up 1.1% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)
There was a decrease of 9.5% in the pended properties in December, with 1485 properties versus 1640 last month. This month's pended property sales were 0.5% lower than at this time last year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Dec_2018/Dec_2018_Pinellas_Avg_price_per_sqft.png" width="646" height="434" />
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Appreciating*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The December 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of $206 was up 1.5% from $203 last month and up 13.2% from $182 in December of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Dec_2018/Dec_2018_Pinellas_Avg_DOM.png" width="646" height="434" />
The Days on Market Shows Neutral Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for December 2018 was 49, down 5.8% from 52 days last month and down 9.3% from 54 days in December of last year.
The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 94% is the same as last month and the same as in December of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br />** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Dec_2018/Dec_2018_Pinellas_Avg_FS_and_S.png" width="646" height="434" />
The Average For Sale Price is Depreciating*
The Average For Sale Price in December was $458,000, down 6% from $487,000 in December of 2017 and down 0.2% from $459,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Appreciating*
The Average Sold Price in December was $314,000, up 14.2% from $275,000 in December of 2017 and up 1.9% from $308,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Neutral*
The Median Sold Price in December was $230,000, up 7% from $215,000 in December of 2017 and up 1.8% from $226,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Dec_2018/Dec_2018_Pinellas_Months_of_Inven_closed.png" width="646" height="434" />
It is a Neutral Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory<br />Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory<br />Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The December 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 3.3 was increased by 27.3% compared to last year and up 3.1% compared to last month. December 2018 is Neutral market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales
The December 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 3.9 was increased by 18.1% compared to last year and up 11.5% compared to last month. December 2018 is Neutral market.<br /><br />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Dec_2018/Dec_2018_Pinellas_Absorption_Rate.png" width="646" height="434" />
It is a Neutral Market*
Absorption Rate measures the inverse of Months of Inventory and represents how much of the current active listings (as a percentage) are being absorbed each month.
*Buyer’s market: 16.67% and below
Seller’s market: 33.33% and above
Neutral market: 16.67% - 33.33%
Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales
The December 2018 Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales of 30.5 was decreased by 21.8% compared to last year and down 1.9% compared to last month.
Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales
The December 2018 Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales of 25.8 was decreased by 14.3% compared to last year and down 10.4% compared to last month.2019-01-31T09:46:00-07:002019-01-31T10:17:40-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7620Just Sold in St. Petersburg, FL
Below are recently sold <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">homes and condos in St. Petersburg, Florida</a> that DWELL Real Estate was fortunate enough to be involved in this year. We were a little late in blogging this information so many of our sales are not here. We are only mentioning these sales to help educate you on the local real estate market (not to be braggadocious ;-)).
If you are thinking of buying or selling in St. Petersburg, <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com" target="_blank">Sarasota</a>, <a href="https://www.bradentonreal.estate" target="_blank">Bradenton</a>, Sarasota, <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/bradenton-real-estate.php">Bradenton</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/belleair/">Bellaire</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater/">Clearwater</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">Downtown St. Pete</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/indian-rocks-beach/">Indian Rocks Beach</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/largo/">Largo</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/madeira-beach/">Madeira Beach</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/old-northeast/">Old Northeast</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/redington-beach/">Redington Beach</a> , <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/seminole-real-estate/">Seminole</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/snell-isle/">Snell Isle</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">St. Pete Beach</a>, <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/tierra-verde/">Tierra Verde</a> and <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/treasure-island/">Treasure Island</a>. Just call us 941.822.0708 or <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/contact/">contact us here</a>. Use our <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/search-form/">St. Pete MLS search</a> to view properties currently for sale.
20204 Gulf Blvd #10
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/gulf_blvd_10.jpg" width="700" height="466" />
Sold for $750,000 on 1/14/2019
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/20204-gulf-boulevard-indian-shores-fl-33785/13712319_spid/">Click here for more information on 20204 Gulf Blvd #10 - Indian Shores 33785</a>
BEACHFRONT? YES!!! FULL SUNSET VIEWS? YES!!! INTRACOASTAL ACCESS immediately across the street WITH a dock? YES!! Standing in one place, you see breathtaking views of both the intracoastal and the Gulf of Mexico. SIMPLY STUNNING! You will have sunsets in the evening with a dock straight across the street that conveys with this condo - bring your own boat! This 1,850sf, 4br/3bath condo has an open floorplan with volume ceilings and FULL GULF VIEWS from the balcony. This condo is an end unit, with no neighbors above! Condo is beautifully updated including a motorized hurricane storm shutter over the sliding doors and 2015 renovations to the kitchen with updated appliances and cabinetry. California closets galore! Additional updates to the fireplace bathrooms render this unit truly “turn-key”. This impressive residence also boasts newer windows. The spiral staircase leads to a loft style, noise insulated master suite and the best master bathroom shower ever with window views of BOTH the Gulf and the Intracoastal! Unit comes with its own separate storage on the parking lot main level along with two parking spaces. As a primary residence, vacation home, or even an investment property, this is a true gem in a residential area of Gulf Blvd. Available fully furnished. Words cannot do this condo justice
215 48th N Ave
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/215_48TH_AVE_N_ST_PETERSBURG.jpg" width="700" height="466" />
Sold for $518,000 on 12/12/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/215-n-48th-avenue-st-petersburg-fl-33703/13508726_spid/">Click here for more information on 215 48th N Ave - St. Petersburg 33703</a>
Brand new custom home with all the bells and whistles! Beautifully designed open floor plan with soaring ceilings throughout both floors. Off of the front porch, that stretches the width of the house, you walk into a huge great room that is open to the kitchen. The entire bottom floor is finished with real wood flooring and also has a guest powder bath. The amazing kitchen has quartz counter-tops, stainless steel appliances and solid wood cabinetry with soft close doors and drawers. Up the solid oak stair treads you start the up-stairs in an over-sized landing that leads to all 3 bedrooms. The master has a double vanity, huge soaking tub and separate large walk-in shower. The laundry room is conveniently location up-stairs with the bedrooms. Over-sized 2-car garage that is entered through the alley way. Nothing overlooked in this beautiful brand new home, that comes with a builder warranty!
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />13681 Heritage Dr<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/JUST_SOLD_BLOGS/13681_Heritage_Drive/Heritage1.png" width="700" height="470" alt="13681 Heritage Dr., Seminole, FL 33776" title="13681 Heritage Dr., Seminole, FL 33776" style="color: #2d2d2d; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
Sold for $538,000 on 11/19/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/13681-heritage-drive-seminole-fl-33776/11802549_spid/">Click here for more information on 13681 Heritage Dr., Seminole, FL 33776</a>
Back on the market! Buyer's situation changed, appraised at list price, clear 4-point inspection!!Living is easy in this impressive, generously spacious pool home in the gated community of Traditions. The open concept encompasses four spacious bedrooms, one being on the main level currently used as an office, two and a half spacious bathrooms, and a sleek and stylish updated kitchen that opens into the living room and has a casual dining space. Also included is a formal dining room, a second level loft and a two stall garage. Off the kitchen open your sliding glass door to your incredible extension of living space. A covered, pavered patio with room for dining and shaded relaxation all while overlooking your private gorgeous salt water pool and spa with a cascading waterfall feature. This homes modern coastal feel features, wood-grain tile, stainless steel appliances, a natural gas fireplace, custom built-in’s, a 2016 HVAC system, and a pool package that was recently put in in 2012. Traditions is a gated, maintenance free community with a community playground and neighborhood social events. Your HOA also covers your basic landscaping and trash service. Perfect for anyone, this home is ideally positioned just minutes from the beaches and in the sought after Seminole school district. Don’t miss your opportunity to make this YOUR new home. Homes this special do not come along very often
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />2413 PARK ST N.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/2413_Park_St_N.jpg" width="700" height="554" alt="2413 Park St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710" title="2413 Park St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710" />
Sold for $197,000 on 11/5/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/2413-n-park-street-st-petersburg-fl-33710/12054406_spid/">Click here for more information on 2413 Park St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710</a>
Jungle Terrace 2 BR 1 BA with attached 1 car garage. Your buyers will not be disappointed when you show them this home ! Enter into generous living area that leads into updated kitchen with granite countertops - stainless appliances and island for additional storage and counterspace. Two good sized bedrooms and updated bath. Off of the kitchen is an additional living space and dining area that leads out to backyard. Great backyard with Pergola and ample room for backyard fun! Attached one car garage and indoor utility area for washer dryer and tankless water heater. All of this with easy access to Gulf Beaches - regional mall - schools shopping and major roadways. Buyer and selling agent are advised seller has never occupied the property and should complete due diligence. Sq ftg - lot size - room dimensions - taxes - utilities - permits - HOA Fee's and dues ( if applicable) and condition should all be verified.
316 8TH ST S #502
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/316_8th_St_S.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="316 8th St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701" title="316 8th St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701" />
Sold for $238,000 on 11/1/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/316-s-8th-street-st-petersburg-fl-33701/12416793_spid/">Click here for more information on 316 8th St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701</a>
Enjoy life in vibrant downtown St. Pete! You'll have beautiful views of the waterfront and downtown to the east, and also the sunsets to the west, from this lovely 2BR 2BA unit in Casablanca Towers, built in 2007. Fantastic open floor plan with plenty of natural light all day. You'll enjoy the upgraded kitchen cabinets, granite counter-tops, and Whirlpool kitchen appliances, and engineered hardwood flooring. The master suite, with views to the east, features a private bathroom, generous closet space, and a door to the balcony. The second bedroom enjoys downtown and Tampa Bay water views, a large closet, and direct access from the bedroom to the second bathroom. This condo unit features a spacious laundry room with full size side-by-side washer and dryer, and also a newer AC system, installed in 2016, new carpeting installed in June 2018 This unit has a dedicated parking space (#20) in the gated secure parking lot. Pet friendly building, and so close to all there is to enjoy in downtown St. Pete, from the Dali Art Museum, the Saturday morning Farmer's Market, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Tampa Bay Rays just a few blocks to the west and professional soccer with the Rowdies a few blocks to the east, great dining on Central Ave and on Beach Drive, and just 15 minutes to the best beaches in America! Convenient to Tampa, and Tampa International Airport, and also Bradenton, Ellenton, and Sarasota via I-275. A great price for a great condo in a great location in the Sunshine City!
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />6690 17th St N
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/6690_17th_st.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="316 8th St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701" title="316 8th St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701" />
Sold for $180,000 on 10/12/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/6690-n-17th-street-st-petersburg-fl-33702/13458885_spid/">Click here for more information on 316 8th St S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701</a>
Quaint solid block home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a pool, ready for a new owner to give it a little TLC to make it shine. House is located in desirable Meadow lawn and has an attached one car garage and a fenced yard. Terrazzo floors throughout, gorgeous crown molding and beautiful built-in’s for all your storage needs. This home boasts an open layout that just needs finishing touches to make it perfect. All newer windows letting in ample natural light. Large landscaped backyard with pool. . Close to shopping and 4th Street where you have many restaurants and shops. Not to mention it's only a short drive to downtown St Pete. Come see it today! Maintance items are a broken pool pump, fresh paint, the cage screens have been removed, toilette and the backdoor needs replaced.
2430 NE Coffee Pot Blvd
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/2430coffeepot.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="2430 NE Coffee Pot Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33704" title="2430 NE Coffee Pot Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33704" />
Sold for $1,750,000 on 10/12/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/2430-ne-coffee-pot-boulevard-st-petersburg-fl-33704/12438992_spid/" target="_blank">Click here for more information on 2430 NE Coffee Pot Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33704</a>
Wow! Enjoy one of the most desirable waterfront living areas with spectacular views of the Bayou from this luxury home located in the Grenada Terrace National Historic District of Old Northeast St Petersburg, just minutes from the trendy,energetic Downtown. Built in 1926, this 3,852 sqft colonial revival style home was carefully renovated to respect the historic character, and flavor of the 1920s,while adding every modern conveniences. Original doors, molding, casting and architectural features were restored. This home features 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms with a 3-car garage and sits nicely on a corner lot. As you enter through the front door you will be swept off your feet by the beautiful wood flooring throughout the home.To your right you will notice the formal living room and garden den. To your left we have the formal dining room. As you continue into the award winning kitchen you will be taken back by the beautiful period Tiffany blue cabinets.Outfitted with new, professional-grade stainless steel appliances and the breakfast bar,all fun yet tasteful! With plantation shutters on all the windows and French doors leading to the outside lanai,the amazing waterfall pool and spa was built just two years ago.The spacious master bedroom upstairs has its own balcony and walk-in closet.The master bathroom comes with a dual vanity,jacuzzi tub and separate standing shower. Across the hall you have two large bedrooms a half bath/laundry room and a full bath which complete the upstairs living.
400 NE Beach Dr #2303
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/400NBeachDr2302.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="400 NE Beach Dr. #2303, St. Petersburg, FL 33701" title="400 NE Beach Dr. #2303, St. Petersburg, FL 33701" />
Sold for $1,575,000 on 10/8/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/400-ne-beach-drive-st-petersburg-fl-33701/12110036_spid/">Click here to virew more information on 400 NE Beach Dr. #2302, St. Petersburg, FL 33701</a>
Location and Lifestyle- this is what it is all about. Right in the center of all the action, this luxurious condo on exciting Beach Drive offers sweeping floor-to-ceiling views of vibrant Downtown St. Pete. Right in the center of all the action and only mere steps from world-class restaurants and nightlife spots, museums and concerts venues, this beautifully appointed condominium is a rare find. Located on the 23rd floor of a luxury condominium building, it offers sweeping floor-to-ceiling views, a private elevator foyer, whole house sound system, separate media room/den/office, formal & family dining & interior laundry. The kitchen was designed to please the most discerning chef and offers stainless steel appliances, wine cooler, a breakfast bar, granite counter tops, hardwood cabinetry and best of all a gas range. Wake up to sweeping views of the water and Downtown St. Pete from the luxurious master suite with ensuite spa-like master bathroom with oversized shower, granite counter tops, and soaking tub. 2 assigned, secured, & covered parking spaces & a climate-controlled storage space and world-class amenities: 24hr concierge, onsite manager, catering kitchen, social rooms, state-of-the-art fitness center, pool & spa, herb garden, and grills and all of this just steps away from Beach Drive, the famous Vinoy, shopping, dining, night-life, theaters, waterfront parks & world-class museums. Do not miss out, views like these are no longer available in Downtown St. Pete- schedule your showing today!
3700 N 61St Way
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/370061stWayN.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="3700 N 61St Way, St. Petersburg, FL 33710" title="3700 N 61St Way, St. Petersburg, FL 33710" />
Sold for $185,000 on 9/5/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/3700-n-61st-way-st-petersburg-fl-33710/13296696_spid/">Click here for more information on 3700 N. 61st. Way, St. Petersburg, FL 33710</a>
This one won't last long! Move in ready adorable 2 bedroom 1 bath home in a beautiful established neighborhood. New wood plank tile floors throughout, 2016 Kitchen appliances, updated kitchen and bath in 2015. Open floor plan that lives much larger than on paper. 1 stall garage, all newer windows with hurricane strength in the kitchen and living room from 2015, fully fenced spacious backyard- this home has it all. Call to schedule your showing today and make it yours!
2133 S. Dolphin Blvd.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/2133SDolphin.jpg" width="700" height="344" alt="2133 S. Dolphin Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33707" title="2133 S. Dolphin Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33707" />
Sold for $265,000 on 8/31/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/3700-n-61st-way-st-petersburg-fl-33710/13296696_spid/">Click here for more information on 2133 S. Dolphin Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33707</a>
Amazing Opportunity!!! Pasadena Golf Club Estates Pool Home!! 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Pool, and 2 Car Garage! Brand New Trane A/C System, Newer Roof (2014), Block Construction, and Newer Water Heater! Terrazzo Flooring Throughout! This Home Features High Ceilings in the Living Area, Master Bedroom with Walk-In Closet, Plus an Extra Living Area with Sliding Doors Leading out to the Pool. The Fenced Backyard Features Plenty of Space to Entertain with a Large Patio and Deck Area. This Home Provides the Perfect Chance to Have It All! Spacious 2 Car Garage with Brick Driveway! Great Location in this Desirable Neighborhood! You Will Enjoy Passing by the Beautiful Pasadena Yacht & Country Club Golf Course and Waterway on Your Way Home (See Drone Pics)! Very Close to Shopping(Publix,Winn-Dixie), Dining, Marinas, Bike Trails, Parks, Schools, Stetson Law School, Beaches, and Vibrant Downtown St. Petersburg!! Short Commute to the Interstate and Airports. While this Home May Need Some Interior Remodeling, the Location and Neighborhood are Already Perfect! Fantastic Opportunity to Remodel the Interior of This Home Exactly the Way You Want it! Call for More Information and to Schedule Your Showing Today!!
9415 Blind Pass Road #603
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/9415BlindPass.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="9415 Blind Pass Rd #603, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706" title="9415 Blind Pass Rd #603, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706" />
Sold for $369,000 on 8/24/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/9415-blind-pass-road-st-pete-beach-fl-33706/13212952_spid/">Click here for more information on 9415 Blind Pass Rd, #603, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706</a>
BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED WATERFRONT CONDO in St Pete Beach Yacht & Tennis Club. Expansive water views in front/back. Catch a glimpse of the Gulf or enjoy the tranquility of the intracoastal waterway. Tremendous attention to detail in this bright, contemporary, open floor plan unit. Premium Hardwood Floors laid diagonally offer an upscale look. Stunning quartz countertops complement the solid wood cabinets - extras include pull out cutting board, custom storage for pots, pans, dishes, pull-outs in cabinets and pantry. Large island seats 4. What a delight to cook or bake in this well-planned, well-equipped kitchen! Appliances include Bosch fridge, dishwasher microwave; range is induction/convection and microwave doubles as a convection oven. European style washer/dryer by Ariston. 2016 AC. Trendy light and plumbing fixtures provide high end touches throughout the unit. The main living area is bright, cheerful and offers accesses the balcony via sliding door. MBR has a sleek, custom built-in desk and storage area. The walk-in closet has been expanded with bonus space. This unit is well-maintained, turn-key, furnished and awaits the lucky buyer who discovers its value and charms first. YTC complex amenities include heated waterfront pool/spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, 7 HarTru tennis courts, club house, BBQ grills, saunas and beautifully landscaped grounds. Appealing location close to shops, restaurants, beaches, transportation and trendy downtown St Pete. Welcome to paradise!
175 N 21st Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33704
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/17521ststreet.jpg" width="700" height="501" alt="175 N. 21St. Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33704" title="175 N. 21St. Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33704" />
Sold for $750,000 on 6/1/2018
This beautiful home located on a classic tree lined brick-paved street in the Old Northeast, was built in 1940 and has been lovingly maintained preserving the historic charm. This house is a rare find with 5 large bedrooms plus an office and 3 full bathrooms. You will love to entertain with the open kitchen/dining/living floorplan and you can spend many hours outside in the lovely pavered courtyard. The backyard is large enough to build a pool, (plans available) alongside the 2 car garage. You will never need to park in the street with the pavered driveway that holds 3 cars. The roof was replaced in March 2018! This home has lots of storage with over 1200 sq feet of nice attic space and larger closets, including a cedar closet. Enjoy all Old NE has to offer in this home! Walk a few blocks to Coffee Pot Bayou and stroll along the water or enjoy the many nearby parks and the restaurants and shops on Beach Drive! "All Information is deemed Reliable but not Guaranteed" , Buyer to verify all information including but limited to: taxes, square footage, room dimensions, leasing terms, HOA and school information,etc.,
341 S 4th Ave.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/3414thAveS.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="341 S. 4th Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701" title="341 S. 4th Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701" />
Sold for $530,000 on 5/11/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/341-s-4th-avenue-st-petersburg-fl-33701/12977622_spid/">Click here for more information 341 S. 4th Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701</a>
Imagine living within minutes to everything Downtown St. Pete has to offer: restaurants, museums, shopping and the famous Saturday morning market! This corner unit 3 level townhome with attached 2 car garage offers a private courtyard, perfect for pups or outdoor entertainment. Community is completely secured with private access gate. On the first level you'll immediately notice the travertine floors that lead to the first guest bedroom with french doors to the private courtyard and full bath, as well as the 2 car garage. On the second level you'll find the kitchen with solid surface counters and elegant light fixtures throughout, beautiful floor to ceiling windows in the spacious living room looking out onto your private balcony with upgraded travertine flooring, surrounded by trees and plant life gives you a feeling of total privacy and serenity. All appliances and washer/dryer are included. On the third level you'll find the oversized master suite with walk in closet complete with california closet organization system and new windows to keep you cool. Also on the third level is the third bedroom currently used as an office, and en suite third full bath. Don't miss this chance to own one of the most beautiful townhomes in St Petersburg.
10217 Paradise Blvd.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Just_Sold/10217ParadiseBlvd.jpg" width="700" height="393" alt="10217 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706" title="10217 Paradise Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706" />
Sold for $815,000 on 5/8/2018
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/10217-paradise-boulevard-treasure-island-fl-33706/12720997_spid/">Click here for more information on 10217 Paradise Blvd., Treausre Island, FL 33706</a>
Beautiful waterfront home on Paradise Island! Breathtaking waterfront views, open floorplan and upgrades throughout! Kitchen features granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. New dock with Trex, new pilings, electrical and a 10,000lb boat lift. Other upgrades include new outdoor gutters, fence, restored driveway, and new interior lighting. Elfa closets recently installed for your own customization. The waterfront pool make for a fantastic area to relax or entertain. Minutes from award winning Treasure Island Beach, amazing restaurants, Treasure Island Yacht Club, Johns Pass, and so much more! Call today and start enjoying the Florida Lifestyle you deserve.2019-01-22T08:50:00-07:002019-01-22T08:51:52-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:8064Fodor's Travel Likes Pass-a-Grille Beach
Fodor's Travel recently chose <a href="https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-under-the-radar-florida-beach-towns-to-visit-this-winter">11 Under-the-Radar Florida beaches to visit this winter</a>. On their list was the gorgeous <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/pass-a-grille/">Pass-a-Grille</a> beach.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/passagrillerealestate.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Pass-a-Grille Real Estate" title="Pass-a-Grille Real Estate" style="margin: 5px;" />
Here’s the thing about Florida: You visit time and again, and you’re quite sure you know the state and its glorious sandy stretches pretty well. But there’s always a surprise waiting for those who stray from the classic Panama City–Orlando–Miami–Key West stops. From Atlantic coast enclaves that locals try to keep to themselves to subtropical islands dotting the Gulf of Mexico, from the Tampa Gulf and the Florida Panhandle, most of our picks for under-the-radar Florida beach towns won’t ring a bell, but consider that a good thing. Get away from the vacationing masses for a taste of old Florida in these spots where the simple things—sun, surf, and a no-worries attitude—still reign on these quiet beaches.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
This small beach community at the southern tip of <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">St. Pete Beach</a> gets its curious name from the French passe aux grilleurs, a reference to the French mariners who used to grill their fish on the beaches here during pirate times. It was the Spanish, however, who first arrived in Pass-a-Grille from the Old World in 1528. Sandwiched between the bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the small town center, lined with yellow and sky-blue buildings, houses independent shops and restaurants and has been named a National Historic District. Tuck into grouper sandwiches and other Florida seafood specialties at the dockside <a href="http://seacritterscafe.com/" target="_blank">Sea Critters Cafe</a> or settle in beachside for a bucket of cold beers and burgers steps from the sand at the uber-casual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseGrillePAG/" target="_blank">Paradise Grille</a>. The crystalline waters are perfect for swimming nearly year-round (just do the “stingray shuffle” to stave off any unwelcome encounters with these marine animals who are just as drawn to the lovely beach as you).
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/pass-a-grille/">View Pass-a-Grille Homes & Condos For Sale</a>
11 Under-the-Radar Florida Beaches to Visit this Winter
Atlantic Beach
Deerfield Beach
Vero Beach
Ponce Inlet
Cedar Key
Vilano Beach
<a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/anna-maria-island-real-estate.php">Anna Maria Island</a>
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Santa Rosa Beach
Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island
Navarre Beach
2019-01-16T19:20:00-07:002019-01-17T06:39:52-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7993Expansive Water Views for Under $700,000Looking for a <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/waterfront/">waterfront home</a> in the St. Petersburg, FL area with magnificent water views? Does the canal view below not excite you very much?
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/canalview.jpg" width="700" height="466" alt="St. Petersburg, FL canal home" title="St. Petersburg, FL canal home" />
Five Fabulous Water View Homes for Under $700,000
Click on the photos below to view more information.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/7140-s-s-shore-drive-south-pasadena-fl-33707/13536062_spid/?src=2"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bigwaterviewsstpete.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" title="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/3147-shoreline-drive-clearwater-fl-33760/13412091_spid/?src=2"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bigwaterviewsstpete5.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" title="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" style="font-size: 12px;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/1846-sunrise-boulevard-clearwater-fl-33760/13323769_spid/?src=2"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bigwaterviewsstpete2.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" title="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" style="font-size: 12px;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/16313-redington-drive-redington-beach-fl-33708/13531356_spid/?src=2"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bigwaterviewsstpete4.jpg" width="1024" height="682" alt="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" title="St. Petersburg, FL homes for sale with water views" style="font-size: 12px;" /></a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/411-161st-avenue-redington-beach-fl-33708/13242735_spid/?src=2"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bigwaterviewsstpete3.jpg" width="1024" height="682" /></a>2019-01-03T13:23:00-07:002019-01-03T17:21:01-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7971November 2018 Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Statistics
November 2018 was a Seller's market for Downtown St Pete! The number of for sale listings was down 17.9% from one year earlier and down 11.8% from the previous month. The number of sold listings increased 146.9% year over year and increased 113.5% month over month. The number of under contract listings was up 211.8% compared to previous month and up 202.9% compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 1.8, down 66.6% from the previous year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was up 10.4% compared to previous month and up 50.5% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price increased by 11.2% from last month. The Average Sold Price also increased by 14.4% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Appreciating" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Appreciating".
The Average Days on Market showed a downward trend, a decrease of 73.8% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 97%, an increase of 1% compared to previous year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Nov_2018_Stats/Downtown_St_Pete_For_Sale_vs_Sold.png" width="646" height="434" />
It is a Seller's Market
Property Sales (Sold)
November property sales were 79, up 146.9% from 32 in November of 2017 and 113.5% higher than the 37 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)
Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is lower by 31 units of 17.9%. This year's smaller inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have smaller selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is down 11.8% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)
There was an increase of 211.8% in the pended properties in November, with 106 properties versus 34 last month. This month's pended property sales were 202.9% higher than at this time last year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Nov_2018_Stats/Downtown_St_Pete_Ave_Price_for_Sqft.png" width="646" height="434" />
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Appreciating*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The November 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of $426 was up 10.4% from $386 last month and up 50.5% from $283 in November of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Nov_2018_Stats/Downtown_St_Pete_Avg_Days_on_Market.png" width="646" height="434" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update November 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update November 2018" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
The Days on Market Shows Downward Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for November 2018 was 34, down 22.7% from 44 days last month and down 73.8% from 130 days in November of last year.
The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 97% is up 1% % from last month and up from 1% % in November of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br /> ** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Nov_2018_Stats/Downtown_St_Pete_Ave_Price_For_Sale_vs_Sold.png" width="646" height="434" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
The Average For Sale Price is Neutral*
The Average For Sale Price in November was $683,000, down 5.9% from $726,000 in November of 2017 and down 0.4% from $686,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Appreciating*
The Average Sold Price in November was $709,000, up 78.1% from $398,000 in November of 2017 and up 14.4% from $620,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Appreciating*
The Median Sold Price in November was $656,000, up 93.5% from $339,000 in November of 2017 and up 11.2% from $590,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Nov_2018_Stats/Downtown_St_Pete_Months_of_Inventory.png" width="646" height="434" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
It is a Seller's Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The November 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 1.8 was decreased by 66.6% compared to last year and down 59.8% compared to last month. November 2018 is Seller's market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales
The November 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 1.3 was decreased by 72.8% compared to last year and down 71.8% compared to last month. November 2018 is Seller's market.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Trendgraphics/Nov_2018_Stats/Downtown_St_Pete_Absorption.png" width="646" height="434" />
It is a Seller's Market*
Absorption Rate measures the inverse of Months of Inventory and represents how much of the current active listings (as a percentage) are being absorbed each month.
*Buyer’s market: 16.67% and below Seller’s market: 33.33% and above Neutral market: 16.67% - 33.33%
Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales
The November 2018 Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales of 55.6 was increased by 200.6% compared to last year and up 141.9% compared to last month.
Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales
The November 2018 Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales of 74.6 was increased by 268.9% compared to last year and up 253.3% compared to last month.
2018-12-27T12:04:00-07:002018-12-27T13:24:05-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7954November 2018 Pinellas County Market UpdateNovember 2018 is a Neutral market!
The number of for sale listings was up 13.5% from one year earlier and up 6.6% from the previous month. The number of sold listings increased 1.2% year over year and decreased 6.1% month over month. The number of under contract listings was down 2.5% compared to previous month and up 1% compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 3.3, up 13.8% from the previous year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was up 6.8% compared to previous month and up 18.7% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price increased by 0.4% from last month. The Average Sold Price also increased by 6.9% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Appreciating" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Neutral".
The Average Days on Market showed a neutral trend, a decrease of 7% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 94%, was the same compared to previous year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/PinellascountyJune2018stats.png" width="800" height="667" alt="November 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Stats" title="November 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Stats" style="float: right;" />
It is a Neutral Market
Property Sales (Sold)
November property sales were 1752, up 1.2% from 1731 in November of 2017 and 6.1% lower than the 1866 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)
Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is higher by 676 units of 13.5%. This year's bigger inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have bigger selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is up 6.6% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)
There was a decrease of 2.5% in the pended properties in November, with 1753 properties versus 1798 last month. This month's pended property sales were 1% higher than at this time last year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_91.png" width="800" height="667" />
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Appreciating*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The November 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of<br />$203 was up 6.8% from $190 last month and up 18.7% from $171 in November of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/November2018Pinellas6.png" width="800" height="667" />
The Days on Market Shows Neutral Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for November 2018 was 53, down 1.9% from 54 days last month and down 7% from 57 days in November of<br />last year.
The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 94% is the same as last month and the same as in November of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br />** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/November2018Pinellas3.png" width="800" height="667" />
The Average For Sale Price is Depreciating*
The Average For Sale Price in November was $459,000, down 6.5% from<br />$491,000 in November of 2017 and down 2.1% from $469,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Appreciating*
The Average Sold Price in November was $309,000, up 21.2% from $255,000 in<br />November of 2017 and up 6.9% from $289,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Neutral*
The Median Sold Price in November was $226,000, up 7.6% from $210,000 in November of 2017 and up 0.4% from $225,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/November2018Pinellas4.png" width="800" height="667" />
It is a Neutral Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory<br />Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory<br />Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The November 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 3.3 was increased by 13.8% compared to last year and up 14% compared to last month. November 2018 is Neutral market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales
The November 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 3.2 was increased by 10.4% compared to last year and up 6.7% compared to last month. November 2018 is Neutral market.<br /><br />
2018-12-21T10:58:00-07:002019-01-31T10:12:00-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7909St. Pete panel approves $69-million tower that would replace affordable apartments<a href="http://www.tampabay.com/business/st-pete-panel-approves-69-million-tower-that-would-replace-affordable-apartments-20181207/">Tampa Bay Times Original Article</a>
St.Petersburg Development Review Commission unanimously approved a 20-story tower that would replace several affordably priced apartment buildings.
By Susan Taylor Martin
Published December 7
ST. PETERSBURG — Unable to afford life in California any longer, Susan Olsen moved to <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/">St. Petersburg</a> and found an apartment in a building downtown for $750 a month.
She might not be there much longer.
On Wednesday, the city's Development Review Commission unanimously approved a $69-million, 20-story tower that would replace several quaint old apartment buildings that are home to Olsen and dozens of others. The unanimous vote came despite complaints that St. Petersburg's stock of affordable housing is rapidly disappearing.
"I'm probably going to have to completely move out of the area,'' said Olsen, a retiree who lives on her Social Security income.
Illinois-based Inland National Development plans to demolish seven apartment buildings, some dating to the 1920s, on Fifth Street N and Third Avenue near Mirror Lake. They would be replaced by a U-shaped tower with nearly 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
City staffers recommended approval of the tower, which would add another 270 units to the more than 2,000 recently built or under construction in and near <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">downtown St. Petersburg</a>.
The newest project would be "displacing a whole block of people,'' said Lynn Merhige, co-owner of a small commercial building in the area. "I wonder if the city should maybe slow down, take a pause and see what happens with all this rush to development in the Edge District, the (Grand) Central District. You should see all the empty, dark apartments.''
Merhige also raised concerns that affordable apartments would be knocked down for a project that might never get built.
"We saw what happened in 2005, 2008,'' she said. "It's gonna happen again, there's boom now but there's going to be a bust.''
City officials said the developer would be required to submit "full and complete'' construction plans but no proof of financing before demolition permits were issued.
The 20-story, contemporary style tower would be by far the tallest structure in a neighborhood of mostly older, low-rise buildings, including the Beaux arts library built in 1915.
"This is an incredible change for this part of town,'' Peter Belmont of Preserve the 'Burg told commissioners. "This city really needs to think what it's going to look like in the future.''
Attorney R. Donald Mastry, representing the developer, noted that the city had approved the site in 2005 for an even bigger tower -— 25 stories. He also noted that condo towers on Beach Drive had replaced older, shorter buildings.
"That's how the redevelopment of downtown occurs,'' he said.
Commissioners listened to the objections but made almost no comment themselves before their unanimous vote of approval. Opponents could appeal the decision to the City Council.
After the hearing, John C. Brown of Inland National Development said the company originally planned to put a Marriott hotel on the site but didn't think it was "the right time or right place.''
"But having spent a year in town, we did educate ourselves on the apartment market and became bullish,'' he said. "This is a dynamic market and we feel like we're going to activate the Mirror Lake side of town.''
He wouldn't disclose the price range for rents in the proposed tower. Asked if they would be as low as the $750 that current area residents pay, he quickly said: "No.''
2018-12-12T11:04:00-07:002018-12-12T11:26:10-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7889Tampa Bay's newest, tallest condo tower is almost done, and units already are being flipped for big bucks
<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/business/tampa-bays-newest-tallest-condo-tower-is-almost-done-and-units-already-are-being-flipped-for-big-bucks-20181206/">Interesting article from Tampa Bay Times copied below</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/one-st-petersburg/">View all One St. Petersburg condos for sale</a>
Though ONE St. Petersburg is not yet finished, some buyers hope to flip their units for hefty profits as Tampa Bay's luxury condo boom continues unabated.
By Susan Taylor Martin<br />Published December 6
ST. PETERSBURG — Less than a month ago, an investor paid $511,200 for a unit in Tampa Bay's newest condo tower, ONE St. Petersburg.
This week, she sold it — for $702,000.
Though the 41-story tower in downtown St. Petersburg is not yet finished, several buyers already have moved in while others hope to quickly flip their units — at hefty profits — as the bay area's luxury condo boom continues unabated.
"There are definitely people who bought to resell,'' said Peggy Naruns, a Realtor who has a listing in ONE. "We expect that between 15 and 30 units will (soon) be available, with price increases of around 40 percent.''
Just a short block from the city's downtown waterfront, ONE St. Petersburg proved popular from the time it was announced four years ago as part of a $200-millon project that includes a Hyatt Place hotel. Buyers snapped up all 253 units, many taking advantage of pre-construction discounts offered by the developer, the Kolter Group of West Palm Beach.
New condo projects in Tampa have generated similar enthusiasm.
Two months after sales began last year at Virage on Bayshore Boulevard, more than half of the 71 units were under contract. All 32 units have been spoken for at Aquatica, also under construction on Bayshore. And reservations for condos in downtown's Riverwalk Place have been so brisk that developers decided to make the 50-plus story tower all residential instead of mixed use as originally planned.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Downtown_St._Pete/onestpetersburg.jpg" width="400" height="303" alt="One St. Petersburg" title="One St. Petersburg" style="margin: 5px; float: right;" />The rush to buy reflects the demand for new construction in waterfront areas where the existing condo stock is showing its age. Virage, Aquatica and the proposed Sanctuary will be the first new condo towers on Bayshore in years. In downtown St. Petersburg, the Bayfront Tower dates to the 1970s and with one exception, every other tower is at least 10 years old.
"The way products develop now, flooring and cabinetry are out date in 10 years,'' said David Vann, an agent with a listing in ONE St. Petersburg.
Arguably, a buyer who can pay $1 million or more for a condo can afford to make updates. But "everybody does love that new construction,'' Naruns said.
ONE St. Petersburg, now the tallest residential building on Florida's West Coast, has a sleeker, more contemporary look than any tower nearby except the 36-story Signature Place built in 2008. Residents enter at First Avenue N and First Street through a glass-walled lobby with a soaring atrium, recessed concierge desk and muted colors and lighting. Amenities include state-of-the-art fitness equipment and “social” rooms with large flat-screen TVs for neighborly get-togethers.
With work still underway on ONE St. Petersburg's top floors, sales are closing in stages. As of this week, 50 buyers had finalized their purchases of units up to the 16th floor.
Actors Jennifer Lopez and John Travolta have been rumored to be among the buyers but sales recorded so far show that most are from the bay area or have seasonal homes here. Several own units in other downtown condos, including Signature Place and Parkshore Plaza.
Among the ONE St. Petersburg condos already back on the market is a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath unit on the 7th floor. Facing the water, it has 12-foot ceilings and three terraces.
The buyers, who live in St. Petersburg, liked that the rear terrace opens onto the pool level and would allow easy access to the street when walking their two large dogs.
"They thought they might like to live downtown,'' Vann said. "But they kind of got cold feet and didn't want to move since they have a large yard'' at their current home.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Downtown_St._Pete/onestpete.jpg" width="400" height="533" alt="One St. Petersburg Condos " title="One St. Petersburg Condos " style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />Though still debating what to do, the couple listed the condo with Vann for $1.929 million, $723,000 more than they paid. In the week it's been available, he and other agents have shown it several times.
Among the units that have changed hands is one bought for $657,400 and sold for nearly $900,000. Under contract is a 12th-floor condo that originally sold for $922,500 and is now listed at $1.2 million.
Naruns said the price increases aren't out of line, given the demand for high-end condos and especially for newer ones. The only other condo tower built close to Beach Drive within the last two years is Bliss, on Fourth Avenue N. There, a couple paid $1.6 million in August for a unit that had sold a year earlier for $979,900.
"That's an amazing markup,'' Naruns said.
For condos in general, St. Petersburg's market is strong in what Realtors call the "Five to Five'' — the area of between Fifth Avenue N and Fifth Avenue S — where people can easily walk to restaurants, museums and theaters. In the last six months, 92 condos have sold for $500,000 to $3.3 million.
Demand has increased for units in Signature Place, where banks temporarily stopped lending after the condo association sued the developer and others over design flaws and construction defects. Prices and sales plunged while purchases could only be made in cash.
The lawsuit has been resolved, the problems have been fixed and lending has resumed. Thirteen Signature Place units have sold in recent months for as much as $1.255 million. That's good news for owners who plan to sell and move into ONE St. Petersburg.
The success of ONE and other downtown condos has developers itching to build even more near the city's downtown waterfront. Jorge Perez, whose Related Group developed many South Florida luxury towers, spent an hour walking along Beach Drive early this year scouting for a possible site. But with no vacant land, the only alternative would be to knock down an existing building.
One that has been mentioned is the Hampton Inn, a low-rise hotel with a prime location on Beach Drive. The Hampton is also directly in front of ONE St. Petersburg, and a taller replacement could block the water views for at least some of ONE's condos.
The Hampton's developer and owner, J. Michael Cheezem, said he has no intention of selling it.
Even if the hotel site was sold, it would be years before anything would be built on it.
Narun notes that ONE St. Petersburg also has striking city views, including of the new James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art with its dramatic turquoise and sandstone facade.
Prospective buyers who have viewed condos in ONE "loved that they done such a good job with that museum,'' she said. "It used to be just a parking garage.''2018-12-09T10:41:00-07:002018-12-09T10:59:01-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7869St. Pete 10 years after the recession: ‘Downtown real estate is going crazy’<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/First-Central-Tower.jpg" width="600" height="400" />
A decade after the Great Recession of 2008, commercial <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/">real estate in St. Petersburg</a> is booming.
Vacancy rates are at a 20-year low and lease rates are at a 20-year high for downtown office buildings. New economy companies, especially those in the life sciences and technology sectors, make up a growing percentage of the tenants downtown as their real estate needs match the available space. The city is poised to get its first new office building in the downtown core in nearly 30 years, and a pending project — the redevelopment of the 86-acre Tropicana Field site — is creating buzz nationwide.
“The type of people knocking on the door today has changed drastically,” said Alan DeLisle, a veteran economic developer who was named St. Petersburg’s city development administrator in 2014. “The quality and the types of developers that are in town is drastically different. We have some of the best developers in the country knocking on our door. We have one of the most attractive sites in the country with the Trop. That’s getting out there more and more. It just comes back to the place-making downtown. It’s not a secret anymore.”
It’s a major turnaround as St. Petersburg, and the larger Tampa Bay area, which was hit hard by the economic downturn of 2007-2009. The local economy was heavily dependent on construction, and a large segment of the workforce was employed in real estate, so when the property market crashed, the whole economy took a hit.
‘Unbelievable buys’
Surging vacancy rates and plunging sales prices for commercial real estate properties were among the first places the recession left its mark.
By the fourth quarter of 2010, nearly 20 percent of the available office space in downtown St. Petersburg was vacant, according to CoStar Group, which provides commercial real estate information, analytics and an online marketplace.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12044" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Vacancy-rates-1.jpg" alt="" width="361" height="217" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Vacancy-rates-1.jpg 361w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Vacancy-rates-1-300x180.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px" />
That left opportunity in Tampa and in St. Petersburg wide open for Larry Feldman, president and CEO of Feldman Equities, which now owns three of the four office towers in downtown St. Petersburg. The company also is developing Riverwalk Place, a 53-story condo tower with street-level retail in downtown Tampa.
Feldman was a New York developer, with some properties in West Palm Beach and Orlando, when he first visited St. Pete in about 2009.
“When I first got here, the first deal I looked at I thought there was a zero missing in the numbers,” Feldman said. “There were unbelievable buys.”
A joint venture between Feldman Equities, Second City Capital Partners and Tower Realty Partners <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110113005866/en/City-Capital-Feldman-Equities-Tower-Realty-Partners">bought</a> the 242,115-square-foot City Center office building at 200 S. 2nd Ave. in December 2010 for $16.5 million.
“When we were in contract, I was wondering if there was a mistake. We paid $68 a square foot and a few years back I was leasing in Manhattan for $67 a square foot.”
The average market sale price in downtown St. Petersburg was $107 per square foot at the end of 2010.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12039" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Market-sales-price-per-square-foot.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="254" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Market-sales-price-per-square-foot.jpg 450w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Market-sales-price-per-square-foot-300x169.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
Feldman’s group bought the 207,000-square-foot Morgan Stanley Tower at 150 2nd Ave. N. in July 2013 for $20 million and the 259,000-square-foot First Central Tower at 360 Central Ave. in November 2014 for $29 million.
The company has pumped millions into renovations in all three buildings.
As developers renovate, rental rates to go up, said Kevin Yeager, a senior associate, office and retail services, for Colliers International Tampa Bay Florida.
Asking rents in St. Petersburg are among the highest in Tampa Bay, only trailing Westshore and the Tampa central business district, according to Colliers’ Oct. 25 office submarket report.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12041" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Market-rent-per-square-foot.jpg" alt="" width="361" height="217" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Market-rent-per-square-foot.jpg 361w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Market-rent-per-square-foot-300x180.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />
“With vacancies the tightest ever recorded in St. Petersburg, landlords have had little difficult pushing the asking rates,” the Colliers report said.
‘Everything a techie wants’
Downtown St. Petersburg’s commercial office space is unique because there are fewer towers than downtown Tampa, and smaller floorplates — the amount of rentable area on a single floor — than the sprawling offices in suburban locations that appeal to corporations looking to locate an entire headquarters on a single floor.
Suburban floorplates typically are about 50,000-square-foot, Yeager said. In contrast, First Central Tower’s floorplates are 15,000-square-feet.
The smaller spaces work for companies that use technology to operate their corporate headquarters remotely, Yeager said.
Technology companies had virtually no presence in downtown St. Pete in 1986, but now occupy about 15 percent of the available commercial space, according to a report from the city’s real estate department. Life sciences and creative business also have grown their presence downtown, while financial and legal companies are a shrinking part of the overall commercial makeup.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12042" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Downtown-tenant-mix.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="500" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Downtown-tenant-mix.jpg 2000w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Downtown-tenant-mix-300x169.jpg 300w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Downtown-tenant-mix-768x432.jpg 768w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Downtown-tenant-mix-1024x576.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />
Yeager credits low taxes and lifestyle. Feldman says the boom in <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">downtown residential</a> construction also has played a big role.
“It’s not a secret that WeWork [a $20 billion office space provider] is looking for office space in downtown St. Pete,” Feldman said. “The head of real estate for WeWork said when he saw downtown St. Pete, he fell in love with it. It’s got everything a techie wants.”
Feldman recounted a conversation with the CEO of another tech company who relocated to downtown St. Pete because the bars are open until 3 a.m.
“He said the kind of people in the tech world that I have to hire, who are going to make $150,000 a year, are typically single and 28 years old, drive a $5,000 bike to work, and at night they want to party until late at night. He said I cannot hire them to work in ticky-tacky-ville, the suburbs,” Feldman said. “Young people are flocking to downtown St. Pete and the employers are now chasing those employees into downtown, and all the housing being built is creating this virtuous cycle.”
A downtown location won’t work for every business, said Leslie Bridges, first vice president and loan officer for Valley (NASDAQ: VLY), the New Jersey-based institution that bought USAmeriBank last year.
“<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">Downtown real estate</a> is going crazy. A lot of businesses, although they like downtown, realize it’s overpriced or out of their range,” said Bridges, whose portfolio includes recent loans for an expansion at IL Ritorno and construction of Dr. BBQ Restaurant. “There are a lot of developers downtown, and retail and restaurants, but not many small operating companies. The infrastructure downtown limits us to really large operating companies.”
She cited parking as a key issue.
“People here just aren’t used to parking in garages,” Bridges said. “As much as we want to try to attract those businesses, I think they’re going to remain on the outskirts.”
New construction
John Forney, president and CEO of United Insurance Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: UIHC) cited the city’s resurgence as one of the reasons his company wants to build a new corporate headquarters on 4.6 acres of city-owned land at 800 1st Ave. S.
“It’s become for us one of our most important recruiting tools,” Forney told the City Council at an Oct. 4 meeting.
The insurance company’s planned Class A office building would add 150,000-square-feet of commercial space downtown, at a time when downtown office inventory has shrunk from 4.2 million square feet in 2008 to just under 4.1 million currently.
The lack of new construction is one reason Feldman is not worried about a bubble in commercial real estate now that would plunge the economy into another recession.
“There’s nothing I would consider even remotely threatening to over-supply the market,” Feldman said.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-12040" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager-300x300.jpg 300w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager-150x150.jpg 150w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager-768x768.jpg 768w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager-80x80.jpg 80w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager-200x200.jpg 200w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Kevin-Yeager.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="float: right;" />
Kevin Yeager, senior associate, Colliers International
Yeager believes St. Pete is due for a commercial real estate downturn, but unlike the economic slowdown that prompted the 2008 downturn, the cause will be different next time around.
“It’s about a 10-to-15 year process. It depends on demand and supply and construction costs. You have peaks of demand where the market is hot and interest rates are low, where we are at right now, and we don’t know when that’s going to taper off,” he said. “There hasn’t been irrational lending, but what’s going to cause more of a slowdown is construction and labor costs.”
Older buildings have been renovated to include the kinds of amenities tenants now demand, such as fitness centers, common areas with WiFi and garages that are well-lit for tenants who come in at odds hours, Feldman said.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-12052" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-development-team-300x158.png" alt="" width="300" height="158" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-development-team-300x158.png 300w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-development-team-768x403.png 768w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-development-team-1024x538.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="float: right;" />
PowerChord in First Central Tower
PowerChord, a software company in First Central Tower, features cubicles near the windows to give employees natural light, and private offices on the inner walls.
<img class="size-medium wp-image-12053" src="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-lunchroom-300x158.png" alt="" width="300" height="158" srcset="https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-lunchroom-300x158.png 300w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-lunchroom-768x403.png 768w, https://4feo872yrq891mrmgs21v589-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/PowerChord-lunchroom-1024x538.png 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" style="float: left;" />
Employees don’t want to spend time going out to lunch, so there are big kitchens to bring food in, and a bar near the window for a view.
Downtown commercial office space is finite and has price points, said DeLisle, the city development administrator. That’s why commercial districts in neighborhoods are seeing growth, he said.There has been a ripple effect, as rents rise and tenants are squeezed out of Class A office buildings downtown they’ve been in for 10 or 15 years, Yeager said. Those tenants often move to Class B or Class C buildings on 4th Street or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, he said.
“Whether it’s the Edge District near downtown or the Skyway Marina district or 22nd Street South, there’s more of an interest in what’s happening outside of downtown as well,” DeLisle said. “The city is moving west and south and economic development is moving with it.”2018-12-05T10:01:00-07:002018-12-05T11:31:11-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7830Looking for Turn-Key Furnished Listings? Here are 5 on the Market NowWhether it's your primary residence, secondary home or seasonal getaway, furnishing a home can be a burdensome task. If you enjoy interior design as a hobby or find enjoyment crafting a space to your taste, comfortably furnishing a home to live in can be a big process. One option buyers can consider when buying a home is to focus your search on "turn-key" properties. These are listings that come equip with many of the interior necessities such as couches, tables, beds and more. They may even include fully stocked kitchens with plates, silverware and cookware. The inventory of listings sold completely furnished is limited so be sure to discuess with your Realtor that you're looking for turn-key properties and request an inventory sheet of everything that comes in the sale. For those interested in properties like this, here are 5 turn-key properties on the market right now that are ready for you to start living your best life.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/4920-s-38th-way-st-petersburg-fl-33711/11996270_spid/">4920 S 38Th Way #204 - St Petersburg, FL 33711</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/38th_way_s.jpg" width="800" height="599" />
List Price: $239,999
Boaters & Beach lovers Haven - 2/2.5 1500 sq. ft., 2 story, open concept, modern condo w/ 3 enclosed balconies, - stylish & spectacular open kitchen with new cabinets, quartz countertops, new appliances, and 4 person sitting area island, luxury vinyl flooring throughout, even staircase & 3 balconies - everything you see is included, turnkey, professionally remodeled & decorated - located at Moorings of Maximo - on marina, with dockage, which is undergoing $20-million $$ renovation - waterfront community, walking distance to Publix, shopping, and Eckerd College - 4 miles from best beaches - swimming pool, clubhouse & lighted tennis courts - bring your sailboat, jet sky, or fishing boat - Florida living paradise - truly move in ready !!!
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/9000-n-2nd-street-st-petersburg-fl-33702/13226807_spid/">9000 N 2Nd Street - St Petersburg, FL 33702</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/9000_2nd_st.jpg" width="800" height="533" />
List Price: $274,900
Excellent Family Home centrally located in thriving St.Petersburg. This turnkey home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 Baths and has just over 1,800 cooled Sq. ft. Upgrades include a newer A/C, roof, Remodeled Kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops and a custom shelving system in the Master Bedroom. A new fence has been installed giving you privacy while relaxing on your large back deck with friends & family. The back yard also features a large work shed and there is plenty of room to add a pool. Located just off of 4th St. N. makes this location very accessible to everything in St.Pete, Tampa, Pinellas Park, Clearwater & The Award Winning Beaches of Pinellas County. Don't wait long on this one.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/6287-bahia-del-mar-circle-st-petersburg-fl-33715/12958048_spid/?src=2">6287 Bahia Del Mar Circle #503 - St Petersburg, FL 33715</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bahia_del_mar.jpg" width="800" height="533" />
List Price: $325,500
Sold FULLY FURNISHED! Sip your coffee on your private balcony before you take a morning Kayak adventure over to Merry Pier in historic Pass-A-Grille. This turnkey unit has 2 Bedroom and 2 baths boost over 1250 sqft with UPGRADES! Partial water view of the Tampa Bay. This "move-in ready" fully furnished unit offers large bedrooms with walk-in closets, open floor plan, and desirable interior. Sought-after reserved under building parking space is included. Bahia IV has a full fitness facility, reading room, climate controlled bike and kayak storage area. Wi-Fi on all 3 tastefully decorated lobby floors. The pool area overlooks Intra-coastal and Tierra Verde waterfront. The 350 acre island of Isla del Sol offers lush, tropical landscaping, a Yacht and Country Club, with an 18 hole championship golf course, a yacht basin, lighted tennis courts and a beautiful clubhouse. There are various memberships available. Quick access to I-275, just 13 minutes to downtown restaurants, museums & shops, 35 minutes to Tampa International Airport. Fort DeSoto and pristine St. Pete Beaches are just a short distance away.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/4971-s-bacopa-lane-st-petersburg-fl-33715/13704289_spid/">4971 S Bacopa Lane #203 - St Petersburg, FL 33715</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/bacopa_.jpg" width="800" height="532" />
List Price: $569,900
You'll LOVE the SPECTACULAR, PANORAMIC views of Boca Ciega Bay and the distant gulf beaches from the privacy of your double balcony. This beautiful, turnkey, waterfront 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo boasts 1822 sq. ft. of generous space to move about. There are also options to create a third bedroom or 2nd suite. Features include a Trane HVAC (2010), all new stainless steel appliances (2013), hurricane shutters on the balcony, and a coveted garage space for one car and additional parking in front of unit. Bacopa Bay is on 12 sprawling acres, with 1470 ft. of waterfront to walk, swim, or relax by one of two pools. Bacopa has undergone renovations over the past 18 months, so you will enjoy updated 24/7 fitness center, pool areas, freshly painted exterior, and flooring surfaces in common areas. This resort styled community with a 24/7 guard gate and traffic light at entrance for ease of commute is situated minutes from award winning beaches, and only 10 minutes from vibrant downtown St. Pete, home to the Dali and Chihuly museums, restaurants, dog parks, morning market, and local breweries. Easy access to I-275 and Tampa International airport make Bacopa Bay THE premier location.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/2057-ne-kansas-avenue-st-petersburg-fl-33703/13519992_spid/">2057 NE Kansas Avenue - St Petersburg, FL 33703</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/kansas.jpg" width="800" height="449" />
List Price: $1,175,000
WATERFRONT STUNNER!! For the most discerning buyer ! Wide open views on a huge deep water canal.. Venetian Isles 4 BR/3 BA absolutely Gorgeous w/ Custom finishes, chef's kitchen w/ huge island &built in wine cooler, Incredibly expansive outdoor living w/ fabulous newly redone heated pool & spa, huge travertine patio, Large composite dock w/ electric lift and wide open views out to Ross Island! Hurricane impact windows & pocketing sliders, gorgeous tropical setting w/ newly landscaped yards, located on very unique extra wide desirable canal. Brand new custom floors,very wide open floor plan w/ fabulous Master suite sanctuary, Separate living w/ 3 BR suites on split plan w/ bath that opens to pool...no detail has been spared! This is a boaters dream! All furnishings can be sold as well as a very nice boat for the ultimate in turnkey!2018-11-28T10:58:00-07:002018-11-28T11:18:31-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7645St. Pete Beach vs. Clearwater Beach - Where Do You Belong?<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/stpetebeachsmall.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" alt="St. Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach" title="St. Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach" />
Since DWELL expanded from Sarasota north to our sister-city St. Petersburg early this year, we have been interacting much more frequently with buyers looking to be closer to Tampa in the vibrant area of St. Pete/Clearwater. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the small beach towns of <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">St. Pete Beach</a> & <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/">Clearwater beach</a>, so you can find the place that’s best for you!
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#demographics">Demographics</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#realestate">Real Estate</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#weather">Weather</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#beaches">Beaches</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#crime">Crime</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#location">Location</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#arts">Arts, Culture & Entertainment</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#accolades">Accolades</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#videos">Videos</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/#resources">Resources</a>
Demographics of St. Pete Beach vs. Clearwater Beach Area
St. Pete Beach - 33706
Clearwater Beach - 33767
2018 City Population Estimate
9,647
8,007
White Non-Hispanic
93%
97%
Black Non-Hispanic
0.3%
0.4%
Hispanic or Latino
4%
0.2%
Median Resident Age
57
62
Median Property Value
$351,800.00
$380,500.00
Median Household Income
$65,960.00
$58,780.00
Land area in square miles
2.13
1.99
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2015
9.1%
11.7%
These two small coastal beach towns bear a lot of commonality. The greater St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas nearby means both beaches are within minutes of vibrant downtowns with cultural amenities, more diverse populations, and a wide variety of housing options.
The census does not collect data on just Clearwater Beach, so the data below represents the entire zip code of 33767, which also includes Calidesi Island, Island Estates, Clearwater Beach, and <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/sand-key/">Sand Key</a>.
Real Estate
Below are average asking price and sales price for properties in St. Pete Beach (33706).
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/">All St. Pete Beach Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/">All Clearwater Beach Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/new-listings/">St. Pete Beach Newest Listings</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/new-listings/">Clearwater Beach Newest Listings</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/foreclosures/">St. Pete Beach Foreclosures</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/foreclosures/">Clearwater Beach Foreclosures</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/waterfront-properties/">St. Pete Beach Waterfront Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/waterfront-properties/">Clearwater Beach Waterfront Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/luxury-properties/">St. Pete Beach Luxury Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/luxury-properties/">Clearwater Beach Luxury Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/55-properties/">St. Pete Beach 55+ Properties</a>
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater-beach/55-properties/">Clearwater Beach 55+ Properties</a>
Weather
The St. Pete/Clearwater area boasts a staggering average of 361 days of sunshine each year. You read that right — an average of only 4 cloudy & rainy days PER YEAR! ??
St. Pete Beach:
Average December temperature of 68 degrees
Average August temperature of 84 degrees
Average 4” precipitation per month
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/St._Pete_Beach_vs_Clearwater_Beach/St._Pete_Beach_Weather.png" width="974" height="315" />
Clearwater Beach:
Average December temperature of 65 degrees
Average August temperature of 83 degrees
Average 4.2” precipitation per month
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/St._Pete_Beach_vs_Clearwater_Beach/Clearwater_Beach_Weather.png" width="972" height="311" />
Beaches
Both St. Pete Beach & Clearwater rank on the TripAdvisor’s Best Beaches in the US for this year. After many years of Sarasota’s <a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/siesta-key-real-estate.php">Siesta Key</a> stealing the spotlight on this one, Clearwater Beach dethroned Siesta Key for the top spot, with TripAdvisor citing its “three miles of white pillowy sand, complemented by the crystal clear water, swaying palm trees and the almost always sunny weather.” Also noteworthy: Clearwater Beach is the only American beach to make TripAdvisor’s Best Beaches in the World list, where it ranks as #7 just below postcard-picture-worthy Turks & Caicos, Aruba, and the Cayman Islands just to name a few. We are lucky to have this international gem right in our backyard!
St. Pete Beach sits respectably at #7 on the Best Beaches in the US list, “renown for its golden red sunsets and its many activities on offer, like parasailing, paddle boarding, and windsurfing in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.”
When it comes to these two beaches, there are probably more similarities than differences. St. Pete Beach is longer and more narrow, and Clearwater Beach is shorter and wide, but they both offer sugary sand, a wealthy of family entertainment options, and great dining. And don’t forget: these two great beaches are connected by the Beach Trolley, so whichever one you choose, you can always jump on the trolley and visit the other!
Crime
Crime rates in both Clearwater & St. Pete Beach are very low. Take a look at the charts below for specifics in these areas, compared to the Florida and National averages.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/St._Pete_Beach_vs_Clearwater_Beach/Clearwater_Beach_Crime.png" width="971" height="572" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/St._Pete_Beach_vs_Clearwater_Beach/St._Pete_Beach_Crime.png" width="974" height="616" />
Where is St. Pete Beach?
Where Is Clearwater Beach?
Arts, Culture, & Entertainment
The coastal area of Clearwater offers a wide variety of activities, but for your arts & cultural fixes, you will likely find more options in neighboring St. Petersburg or Tampa.
Here are some fun “To Dos” in coastal Clearwater:
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium - <a href="https://www.seewinter.com">https://www.seewinter.com</a>
SimCenter Virtual Reality & Simulations - <a href="https://www.simcentertampabay.com">https://www.simcentertampabay.com</a>
Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival - <a href="https://www.sunsetsatpier60.com">https://www.sunsetsatpier60.com</a>
Magic Carpet Glide Segway Tours - <a href="http://thesegwayadventure.com">http://thesegwayadventure.com</a>
And some in mainland Clearwater:
Aspirations Winery - <a href="https://aspirationswinery.com">https://aspirationswinery.com</a>
Mocassin Lake Nature Center - <a href="https://www.myclearwaterparks.com">https://www.myclearwaterparks.com</a>
Ruth Eckerd Hall Center for the Performing Arts - <a href="https://www.rutheckerdhall.com">https://www.rutheckerdhall.com</a>
St. Pete Beach has its fair share of activities and entertainment as well, and St. Petersburg mainland is simply dripping with cultural amenities, shopping, and dining experiences.
Here are some suggestions for St. Pete Beach:
Merry Pier - <a href="http://merrypier.com">http://merrypier.com</a>
Historic Don CeSar Hotel - <a href="https://www.doncesar.com">https://www.doncesar.com</a>
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum - <a href="http://gulfbeachesmuseum.com">http://gulfbeachesmuseum.com</a>
And some for the greater St. Petersburg area:
The Sunken Gardens - <a href="http://www.stpete.org/attractions/sunken_gardens/index.php">http://www.stpete.org/attractions/sunken_gardens/index.php</a>
Florida Orange Groves Winery - <a href="https://floridawine.com">https://floridawine.com</a>
Great Explorations Children’s Museum - <a href="https://greatex.org">https://greatex.org</a>
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve & Pioneer Settlement - <a href="http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill-nature-preserve.html">http://www.stpeteparksrec.org/boyd-hill-nature-preserve.html</a>
Florida Holocaust Museum - <a href="https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org">https://www.flholocaustmuseum.org</a>
The Dalí Museum - <a href="https://thedali.org">https://thedali.org</a>
Museum of Fine Arts - <a href="http://mfastpete.org">http://mfastpete.org</a>
St. Petersburg Ghost Tours - <a href="https://www.ghosttour.net/stpetersburg.html">https://www.ghosttour.net/stpetersburg.html</a>
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park - <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/skyway-fishing-pier-state-park">https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/skyway-fishing-pier-state-park</a>
St. Petersburg Museum of History - <a href="http://spmoh.com">http://spmoh.com</a>
The Mahaffey Theater - <a href="http://www.themahaffey.com">http://www.themahaffey.com</a>
Accolades
These two small Pinellas County towns have been raking in the accolades recently. Here are some national rankings of note:
St. Pete Beach/Greater St. Petersburg Area:
#7 Beach in the US
#54 Best Places to Retire in America
#3 Fiscally Fit Cities in America
#8 Best Baseball Cities
#9 Safest Cities for Families with Children
Clearwater Beach/Greater Clearwater Area:
#1 Beach in the US
#2 Best Cities to Retire in America
#47 Healthiest Places to Live in America
Best of 2018 St. Pete/Clearwater
Resources
St. Pete Beach vs. Clearwater Beach Discussion - http://www.city-data.com/forum/tampa-bay/1608322-clearwater-vs-st-petersburg-tampa-fl.html
City of St. Pete Beach - <a href="http://www.stpetebeach.org">http://www.stpetebeach.org</a>
City of Clearwater - <a href="https://www.myclearwater.com">https://www.myclearwater.com</a>
St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce - <a href="http://www.stpete.com">http://www.stpete.com</a>
Clearwater Chamber of Commerce - <a href="https://clearwaterflorida.org">https://clearwaterflorida.org</a>
Visit St. Pete/Clearwater - <a href="https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com">https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com</a>
Pinellas County Government - <a href="http://www.pinellascounty.org">http://www.pinellascounty.org</a>
<a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/blog/sarasota-vs-st-pete.html">Sarasota vs. St. Pete</a>
<a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/blog/sarasota-vs-naples-a-lifestyle-comparison.html">Sarasota vs Naples 1</a>
<a href="https://www.dwellingwell.com/blog/sarasota-vs-naples.html">Sarasota vs Naples 2</a>
2018-10-19T08:11:00-07:002020-04-06T19:08:32-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7594September 2018 Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market UpdateSeptember 2018 is a Neutral market! The number of for sale listings was down 16.6% from one year earlier and up 11.5% from the previous month. The number of sold listings decreased 31.6% year over year and decreased 49% month over month. The number of under contract listings was down 2.8% compared to previous month and up 29.6% compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 5.2, up 21% from the previous year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was up 8.9% compared to previous month and down 7.3% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price increased by 15.3% from last month. The Average Sold Price also decreased by 3% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Neutral" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Appreciating".
The Average Days on Market showed a downward trend, a decrease of 56.6% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 98%, an increase of 6.5% compared to previous year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_95.png" width="700" height="583" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
It is a Neutral Market
Property Sales (Sold)<br />September property sales were 26, down 31.6% from 38 in September of 2017 and 49% lower than the 51 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)<br />Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is lower by 27 units of 16.6%. This year's smaller inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have smaller selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is up 11.5% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)<br />There was a decrease of 2.8% in the pended properties in September, with 35 properties versus 36 last month. This month's pended property sales were 29.6% higher than at this time last year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_96.png" width="700" height="583" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 5px;" />
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The September 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage<br />of $330 was up 8.9% from $303 last month and down 7.3% from $356 in September of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_97.png" width="700" height="583" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
The Days on Market Shows Downward Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for September 2018 was 43, down 32.8% from 64 days last month and down 56.6% from 99 days in September of last year.
<br />The Sold/Original List Price Ratio is Rising**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 98% is up 3.2% % from last month and up from 6.5% % in September of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br />** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_99.png" width="700" height="583" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
The Average For Sale Price is Appreciating*
The Average For Sale Price in September was $689,000, down 1.7% from $701,000 in September of 2017 and up 9.5% from $629,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price in September was $480,000, down 26.5% from $653,000 in September of 2017 and down 3% from $495,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Appreciating*
The Median Sold Price in September was $461,000, down 10.5% from $515,000 in September of 2017 and up 15.3% from $400,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_98.png" width="700" height="583" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
It is a Neutral Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory<br />Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory<br />Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The September 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 5.2 was increased by 21% compared to last year and up 117% compared to last month. September 2018 is Neutral market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales<br />The September 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 3.9 was decreased by 34.8% compared to last year and up 14.8% compared to last month. September 2018 is Neutral market.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_100.png" width="700" height="583" alt="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" title="Downtown St. Pete Real Estate Market Update September 2018" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
It is a Neutral Market*
Absorption Rate measures the inverse of Months of Inventory and represents how much of the current active listings (as a percentage) are being absorbed each month.
*Buyer’s market: 16.67% and below<br />Seller’s market: 33.33% and above<br />Neutral market: 16.67% - 33.33%
Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales<br />The September 2018 Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales of 19.1 was decreased by 18% compared to last year and down 54.3% compared to last month.
Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales<br />The September 2018 Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales of 25.7 was increased by 54.9% compared to last year and down 12.9% compared to last month.2018-10-09T07:59:00-07:002018-10-09T11:31:09-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7586September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update
September 2018 is a Seller's market! The number of for sale listings was up 7.3% from one year earlier and up 4.5% from the previous month. The number of sold listings increased 3.8% year over year and decreased 18.6% month over month. The number of under contract listings was down 3.8% compared to previous month and up 56.8% compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 3, up 3.5% from the previous year.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_90.png" width="700" height="583" alt="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Stats" title="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Stats" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was the same as compared to previous month and up 6.3% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price decreased by 1.5% from last month. The Average Sold Price also decreased by 2.3% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Neutral"and the Median Sold Price trend is "Neutral".
The Average Days on Market showed a neutral trend, a decrease of 9.1% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 96%, was the same compared to previous year.
It is a Seller's Market
Property Sales (Sold)<br />September property sales were 981, up 3.8% from 945 in September of 2017<br />and 18.6% lower than the 1205 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)<br />Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is higher by 199 units of 7.3%. This year's bigger inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have bigger selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is up 4.5% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)<br />There was a decrease of 3.8% in the pended properties in September, with 1151 properties versus 1196 last month. This month's pended property sales were 56.8% higher than at this time last year.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_91.png" width="700" height="583" alt="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" title="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 5px;" />
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Appreciating*
<br />The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The September 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of $119 was the same as last month and up 6.3% from $112 in September of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_92.png" width="700" height="583" alt="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" title="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
The Days on Market Shows Neutral Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for September 2018 was 50, down 3.8% from 52 days last month and down 9.1% from 55 days in September<br />of last year.
The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 96% is the same as last month and the same as in September of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br />** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_93.png" width="700" height="583" alt="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" title="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" style="vertical-align: middle; margin: 5px;" />
The Average For Sale Price is Neutral*
The Average For Sale Price in September was $273,000, up 2.2% from $267,000 in September of 2017 and down 1.8% from $278,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price in September was $208,000, up 2% from $204,000 in September of 2017 and down 2.3% from $213,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Neutral*
The Median Sold Price in September was $195,000, up 3.2% from $189,000 in September of 2017 and down 1.5% from $198,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/TGChartImage_94.png" width="700" height="583" alt="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" title="September 2018 Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update" style="margin: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" />
It is a Seller's Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a<br />higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory<br />Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory<br />Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales<br />The September 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 3 was increased by 3.5% compared to last year and up 30.1% compared to last month. September 2018 is Seller's market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales<br />The September 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 2.5 was decreased by 32.2% compared to last year and up 8.5% compared to last month. September 2018 is Seller's market.
2018-10-08T08:50:00-07:002018-10-09T07:56:45-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:75834 Quirky Houses in Tampa BayFor the person who shuns the standard three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch house, here are some quirkier homes you might want to check out.
TAMPA BAY, FL -- For the person who shuns the standard three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch house, here are some quirkier homes you might want to check out.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/2917-sunset-way-st-pete-beach-fl-33706/11852858_spid/">2917 Sunset Way - St. Pete Beach</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/4quirkyhousestampabay2.jpg" width="375" height="281" alt="4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay" title="4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay" style="margin: 5px; float: right;" />The Alamar is a custom-built, three-story waterfront home on Pass-A-Grille Beach in St. Petersburg that was designed with a modern flair by renowned Florida architect Michael Dedmore. This five-bedroom, 5,915-square-foot house was built from solid masonry for superior strength.
At the center of the home's interior is a 7-foot-in-diameter round glass elevator. VBiews of the beach and Gulf increase dramatically as the elevator rises from the ground floor up to the second and third floors.
The living area features a one-of-a-kind 22-foot-high white Carrera marble fireplace. Additional Carrera marble is used for a half-wall dividing the state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area from the living room and additional social areas. The back of the house abuts to the conservation land with a boardwalk leading to the white sand beach and the Gulf of Mexico and offers a pristine natural setting. There is a 36-foot saltwater lap pool along with an adjacent, over-sized whirlpool. Built in 2000, this home is selling for $5.3 million.
512 Treasure Boat Way, Sarasota
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/4quirkyhousestampabay4.jpg" width="350" height="263" alt="4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay" title="4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay" style="margin: 5px; float: right;" />
4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa BayThis 5,078-square-foot contemporary villa is located at the corner of two canals in Siesta Key. Its rounded walls and lines are open to an over-sized pool and spa with a water view. Built in 1979, this four-bedroom, four bathroom home is available for $1.9 million, furniture included.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/1719-brentwood-drive-clearwater-fl-33756/11819802_spid/">1719 Brentwood Drive, Clearwater</a>
Hidden away on Lake Estelle on more than a half an acre, this uniquely designed home is comprised of the main family home and a detached studio. The contemporary 2,500-square-foot main family home was custom built in 1982. Floor to ceiling glass invites in all that nature has to offer. The main house boasts three bedrooms, two baths, dining and media room.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/4quirkyhousestampabay3.jpg" width="350" height="263" alt="4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay" title="4 Quirky Homes For Sale in Tampa Bay" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />The chef-designed kitchen features a commercial six-burner gas range, Sub Zero stainless refrigerator, maple and stainless counters, and a prep island. The expansive deck overlooks the lake.
Steps away from the main house is a private 600-square-foot studio. Built in 2003, the detached building provides living space with steps up to a cozy sleeping area/additional office and full bath. The studio is joined to the two-car garage. Below the studio is the workshop. This home is available for $589,500.
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/1102-s-rome-avenue-tampa-fl-33606/13347196_spid/">1102 S. Rome Avenue, Tampa</a>
This renovated 2001 modern South Beach-style home is selling for $3.25 million. Located just off Bayshore Boulevard, it includes custom-designed pool with an integrated spa.
This 4,554-square-foot home with five bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths is designed for entertaining. The two-story foyer has a flowing staircase. The gourmet kitchen is filled with top-of-the-line appliances and a stone-walled glass wine cellar.
There's a man cave with large TVs, a wall of book cases, fireplace and wet bar.
The main-level master suite in a private wing has a marble wall backdrop, third fireplace, 65-inch TV, and private lanai. The bathroom has a swing-arm TV, free-standing soaking tub, another fireplace and a roomy shower with three water features.
Article from - <a href="https://patch.com/florida/stpete/here-are-4-quirky-houses-sale-tampa-bay">Here are 4 Quirky Houses For Sale in Tampa Bay</a>
2018-10-07T18:19:00-07:002018-12-09T14:39:41-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7557St. Pete’s ‘Glass House’ condo hits market for $3.1 millionFor a limited time, you could own the loftiest penthouse in the Tampa Bay area.
Glass House, a tri-level condo in downtown <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/signature-place/">St. Petersburg’s Signature Place</a>, just went on the market for $3.1 million. Spanning the 34th through 36th floors, it will be the area’s most skyward condo until the 41-story ONE St. Petersburg tower is completed later this year.
Since listing the unit last week, "I’ve already had two showings with potential,’’ agent Becky McConnell said.
The seller, who is building a home on Snell Isle, is asking $1.265 million more than he paid for the condo three years ago. He has not made any changes to the 4,177-square-foot unit, which had undergone a massive renovation by its previous owners, interior designer Rob Bowen and Bob Glaser, CEO of Smith & Associates Real Estate.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Downtown_St._Pete/stpetecondo1.png" width="400" height="225" alt="St. Pete’s ‘Glass House’ condo hits market for $3.1 million" title="St. Pete’s ‘Glass House’ condo hits market for $3.1 million" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" />They paid $1 million for the unit in 2012. Bowen’s team then spent 18 months stripping it down to bare concrete and eliminating all but one wall on the unit’s first floor to maximize the space and views of the city and the bay.
The condo’s base level, which has a wraparound balcony, contains the kitchen, living and dining areas with black-veined marble floors. An elevator provides access to a family room, home office, guest room and laundry on the second floor, and the master bedroom and guest suite on the third floor.
The most striking tower in downtown St. Petersburg, Signature Place at 175 First St. S also has been among the most problem-plagued.
The project was announced in 2005 at the peak of the real estate boom and neared completion just as the market collapsed in 2008. Plagued by slow sales, developer Joel Cantor had to slash prices and finally resorted to an auction to unload dozens of the 244 units.
In 2014, the condo association sued Cantor and others alleging that the building had numerous construction and design defects. For well over a year, much of the facade was sheathed in scaffolding as workers replaced stucco in danger of falling and made other repairs.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Downtown_St._Pete/StPeteCondo2.png" width="400" height="218" alt="St. Pete’s ‘Glass House’ condo hits market for $3.1 million" title="St. Pete’s ‘Glass House’ condo hits market for $3.1 million" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" />The case was settled last year and now "the scaffolding is down, everything is remediated and everything is paid for," McConnell said.
Sale prices in the tower, which had tumbled during the repair work, have rebounded, although not to the level of condos with addresses on nearby Beach Drive. In the past six months, Signature Place units have sold for as little as $390,000 and as much a $1.225 million.
Glass House is the third-priciest downtown condo currently on the market, exceeded only by two units in Ovation on Beach Drive. The top asking price is $3.95 million for a condo owned by Mindy Grossman, former head of St. Petersburg-based HSN and now CEO of WW (the recently renamed Weight Watchers International).
<a href="https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/St-Pete-s-Glass-House-condo-hits-market-for-3-1-million-_172170874">Original Article from Tampa Bay Times</a>2018-10-01T14:52:00-07:002018-10-01T15:12:42-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7511Pros and Cons of Condo Living<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userFiles/603/image/400beachstpete.jpg" width="400" height="283" alt="Pros and Cons of Condo Living" title="Pros and Cons of Condo Living" style="float: right; margin: 5px;" />Living in a <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">downtown St. Pete condo</a> can offer an exciting maintenance-free lifestyle, including luxury amenities that may not be available with single-family home living. Many seek condo living for the magnificent views and metropolitan lifestyle. Is condo living for you? Here are a few things to consider:
Storage: Many forget about this aspect of condo living. Are you a packrat? Condo living may not be for you. Many buildings offer owners private storage for bikes, boxes, Christmas trees etc. It it something to think about if you are considering a downtown condo.
Noise: Just remember that you are living amonst other people in a relatively tight place. Sometimes your neighbors make too much noise. Sometimes you make too much noise. A condo tower is a community, and therefore it has rules which govern the community to keep everyone happy. One of those strictest rules is typically noise control.
Pets: Downtown condo living might not be the best place to live for those with several pets or large pets. Condo buildings have pet restrictions that prevent you from owning a large dog or several animals. Fido might need to go to the bathroom at 10:00 pm. This requires you to take him down the elevator and walk a few blocks to the nearest grass area. This is condo living with a pet.
HOA Dues: Condo fees cover the upkeep, staff payroll, insurance, reserves and repairs for the building. These costs are a frequent complaint from many considering condo living. "The HOA fees are too high!" In some instances this is true. However, if you really compare properly to single family homes it is not as much as you might think. For example, a condo building typically allocates a certain amount of the fees for reserves to cover future expenses. This is an expense that many single family home owner forget. When a home needs a new roof it could cost $20,000 - $50,000 depending on the size of the home and style of roof. If a home owner allocated reserves for a new roof every month the cost of owning a home might be very close to that of a condo.
Leasing: Condos have leasing restrictions. You can't just lease it however and whenever you want like you might be able to in a single-family home. Typically, there are a certain number of leases allowed per year, a minimum lease length and potential tenants need to be approved by the association.
Amenities: The amenities are one of the benefits of living in a condo highrise. Typically, these can range from swimming pool, spa, sauna,concierge, exercise facilties, wine storage, roof-top club house, meeting room, card room, valet, etc. These luxuries you generally won't find in a home.
Parking: Most condos will come with assigned parking in a common garage. How many spaces are included depends on how many the original owner purchased with the unit. This can be a source of frustration. Some condo only give owners one parking spot even though they may have two vehicles. Residents will have to rent another parking space or find other arrangements. Parking is definitely something to ask about when considering a downtown St. Pete condo.
Financials: Before purchasing any St. Petersburg condo it is imperative that you examine the condo community financial documents. Is there any money in reserves? Will there be upcoming assessments to pay for deferred maintenance? In the state of Florida, when purchasing a condo, potential buyers have a 3 day right of recission to review the condo rules, regulations and financials.2018-09-19T12:22:00-07:002018-09-19T12:25:00-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7490The Most Expensive St. Pete Home For SaleHave you ever driven by that huge mansion and wonder what it's like inside? Take a walk through the the most expensive home for sale in St. Petersburg.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Properties/14275siestaroad.jpg" width="1024" height="672" />
<a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/14275-siesta-road-largo-fl-33774/13293802_spid/?src=2">14275 Siesta Road, Largo, FL </a>
Follow <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/14275-siesta-road-largo-fl-33774/13293802_spid/?src=2">this link</a> to see more information. If this home sells or is taken off the market then this link may not work.
Asking Price
$11,900,000
Square Feet
17,599
Days on Market
45 days
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
9
Built
2010
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<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Properties/14275siestaroad7.jpg" width="1024" height="682" />
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<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Properties/14275siestaroad10.jpg" width="1024" height="682" />
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Properties/14275siestaroad4.jpg" width="1024" height="682" />
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This magnificent gated Tuscan style estate is situated on a 4.5 acre lot with 247 feet of waterfront on the Intracoastal waterway and bay. The sweeping view, the incredible architectural design and extraordinary custom features throughout this 17,500 sq. ft. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">home</a> will take your breath away! The house sits on 173 concrete pilings, concrete reinforced walls, windows that sustain 175 MPH winds and a whole house generator provides the ultimate safety and comfort for your family. This is an environmentally conscious house with solar water heater, LED lighting and energy efficient appliances. The home's design keeps views clear and uncompromised and invites natural light into the interior. The ground floor loggia has an outdoor fire pit overlooking a balustrade bordered pond with center fountain, a children's playground, and a putting green. Formal entertaining areas include a grand salon with a two story handmade fireplace and two story tall dining room with seating for 20 accented by a groin vaulted ceiling. Nearby is a fully equipped commercial catering kitchen and a covered terrace to enjoy cocktails. A guest suite, or in law quarters, has 900 sq. ft. of private space and a large terrace. The spacious family room opens to a salt water pool with Infinity edge, sun shelf, and fountains surrounded by a shell stone deck, outdoor kitchen and mesmerizing views. The lavish features and details of this home can only be appreciated by your own personal tour for the most discerning buyer.2018-09-12T17:41:00-07:002018-09-12T18:36:53-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7468Downtown St. Pete August Market Update<br /><br />
Below is a chart showing inventory level, pended and sold properties in <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">downtown St. Pete</a>. Actually, it is for zip code 33701. Which includes homes and condos in nearby neighborhoods.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/downtownstpetestatsaugust2018.png" width="826" height="606" />
The data above shows that there were 38.9% more <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/#marketstats">downtown properties</a> sold in August of 2018 versus July of 2018. There are about 25% fewer downtown homes and condos for sale when comparing August 2018 to August 2017. For the same time period there were 28.2% more sold properties. When comparing the current quarter versus the same quarter in 2017 there is about 25% fewer properties for sale and 23% fewer sold properties.
August 2018 is a Seller's Market in Downtown St. Pete
The number of for sale listings was down 24.7% from one year earlier and down 3.2% from the previous month. The number of sold listings increased 28.2% year over year and increased 38.9% month over month. The number of under contract listings was up 25% compared to previous month and the same compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 2.4, down 43.3% from the previous year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was down 12.8% compared to previous month and down 18.9% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price decreased by 1.7% from last month. The Average Sold Price also decreased by 7.1% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Neutral" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Neutral".
The Average Days on Market showed a neutral trend, a decrease of 12.2% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 94%, a decrease of 1.1% compared to previous year.
It is a Seller's Market
Property Sales (Sold)
August property sales were 50, up 28.2% from 39 in August of 2017 and 38.9% higher than the 36 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)
Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is lower by 40 units of 24.7%. This year's smaller inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have smaller selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is down 3.2% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)
There was an increase of 25% in the pended properties in August, with 40 properties versus 32 last month. This month's pended property sales were the same as at this time last year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Depreciating*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The August 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of $292 was down 12.8% from $335 last month and down 18.9% from $360 in August of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
The Days on Market Shows Neutral Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for August 2018 was 65, down 19.8% from 81 days last month and down 12.2% from 74 days in August of last year.
The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 94% is the same as last month and down from 1.1% % in August of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br />** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
The Average For Sale Price is Neutral*
The Average For Sale Price in August was $629,000, down 6.4% from $672,000 in August of 2017 and down 0.2% from $630,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price in August was $473,000, down 26.9% from $647,000 in August of 2017 and down 7.1% from $509,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Neutral*
The Median Sold Price in August was $400,000, down 8.3% from $436,000 in August of 2017 and down 1.7% from $407,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
It is a Seller's Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory<br />Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory<br />Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The August 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 2.4 was decreased by 43.3% compared to last year and down 31.4% compared to last month. August 2018 is Seller's market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales
The August 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 3.1 was decreased by 24.7% compared to last year and down 20.3% compared to last month. August 2018 is Neutral market.
It is a Seller's Market*
Absorption Rate measures the inverse of Months of Inventory and represents how much of the current active listings (as a percentage) are being absorbed each month.
*Buyer’s market: 16.67% and below<br />Seller’s market: 33.33% and above<br />Neutral market: 16.67% - 33.33%
Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales The August 2018 Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales of 41 was increased by 70.2% compared to last year and up 43.4% compared to last month.
Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales
The August 2018 Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales of 32.8 was increased by 32.8% compared to last year and up 29.1% compared to last month.2018-09-10T18:08:00-07:002018-09-10T19:34:28-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7467Pinellas County Real Estate Market Update<br /><br />
The chart below shows <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-petersburg/">home and condo</a> market statistics for all of Pinellas county.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/pinellasaug2018.png" width="735" height="480" />
August 2018 is a Seller's market! The number of <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/idx/search-form/">for sale listings</a> was up 2.5% from one year earlier and up 1.2% from the previous month. The number of sold listings increased 4.5% year over year and increased 5.6% month over month. The number of under contract listings was up 5.6% compared to previous month and up 4.3% compared to previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 2.4, the same as the previous year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was up 0.5% compared to previous month and up 5.6% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price increased by 3.6% from last month. The Average Sold Price also increased by 2.9% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Neutral" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Neutral".
The Average Days on Market showed a neutral trend, a decrease of 3.8% compared to previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 94%, was the same compared to previous year.
It is a Sellers Market
Property Sales (Sold)<br />August property sales were 2115, up 4.5% from 2024 in August of 2017 and 5.6% higher than the 2003 sales last month.
Current Inventory (For Sale)<br />Versus last year, the total number of properties available this month is higher by 124 units of 2.5%. This year's bigger inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have bigger selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is up 1.2% compared to the previous month.
Property Under Contract (Pended)<br />There was an increase of 5.6% in the pended properties in August, with 2083 properties versus 1973 last month. This month's pended property sales were 4.3% higher than at this time last year.
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The August 2018 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of $188 was up 0.5% from $187 last month and up 5.6% from $178 in August of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
The Days on Market Shows Neutral Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for August 2018 was 51, up 2% from 50 days last month and down 3.8% from 53 days in August of last year.
The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 94% is the same as last month and the same as in August of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral<br />** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady
The Average For Sale Price is Depreciating*
The Average For Sale Price in August was $476,000, down 2.9% from $490,000 in August of 2017 and down 1.7% from $484,000 last month.
The Average Sold Price is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price in August was $288,000, up 6.7% from $270,000 in August of 2017 and up 2.9% from $280,000 last month.
The Median Sold Price is Neutral*
The Median Sold Price in August was $230,000, up 9.5% from $210,000 in August of 2017 and up 3.6% from $222,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral
It is a Seller's Market*
A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory<br />Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory<br />Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory
Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The August 2018 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 2.4 was the same compared to last year and down 4% compared to last month. August 2018 is Seller's market.
Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales
The August 2018 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 2.4 was decreased by 4.1% compared to last year and down 4% compared to last month. August 2018 is Seller's market.
It is a Seller's Market*
Absorption Rate measures the inverse of Months of Inventory and represents how much of the current active listings (as a percentage) are being absorbed each month.
*Buyer’s market: 16.67% and below<br />Seller’s market: 33.33% and above<br />Neutral market: 16.67% - 33.33%
Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales
The August 2018 Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales of 42.1 was increased by 1.9% compared to last year and up 4.5% compared to last month.
Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales
The August 2018 Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales of 41.4 was increased by 1.7% compared to last year and up 4.3% compared to last month.
All reports are published September 2018, based on data available at the end of August 2018, except for the today stats. All reports presented are based on data supplied by the Mid-Florida MLS. Neither the Association nor its MLSs guarantee or is in anyway responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS's may not reflect all real estate activities in the market. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed2018-09-10T16:34:00-07:002018-09-10T19:33:42-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7342How Selling a Vacation Home Is Different From Selling a Primary Residence<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/vacation-home-selling.jpg" alt="Differences Between Selling a Vacation Home and A Primary Residence" width="950" height="713" />Financially and logistically, selling a vacation home is different from selling a primary residence. Home owners who would like to sell their vacation property must understand and be prepared for these differences. These tips can help make the home selling process clearer and easier to understand.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a certified tax expert before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Taxes
Taxes can be complex when selling a vacation home. Understanding the complexities of the tax code can help home sellers make the best choice for their needs.
Capital Gains
Anyone who has ever sold a primary residence probably remembers that individuals and couples are allowed to collect quite a bit of profit on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/sale-of-residence-real-estate-tax-tips" target="_blank">sale of their primary residence</a> without paying taxes. An individual may collect up to $250,000 without paying taxes, while a couple may collect as much as $500,000 without paying taxes.
When <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs/capital-gains-losses-and-sale-of-home/property-basis-sale-of-home-etc/property-basis-sale-of-home-etc-6" target="_blank">selling a vacation home</a>, owners usually pay 20% federal tax on all profits. In addition, many states collect taxes on the sale of vacation homes as well. The state tax rate can vary, so home sellers must consult with an accountant before paying taxes on their property.
Tax Breaks
If a vacation home is lived in for at least two years before it is sold, then sellers <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/013014/tax-breaks-secondhome-owners.asp?lgl=myfinance-layout-no-ads" target="_blank">may not have to pay taxes</a> for the years that the vacation home was treated as a primary residence. Vacation homeowners must still pay taxes on the years when the home was treated as a vacation home. Vacation home owners should work with an accountant to ensure this is done properly.
Logistical Differences
In addition to the tax differences between selling a vacation home and selling a primary residence, there are also many logistical differences that the home seller must take into account. Preparing the house to sell, maintaining and <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/how-to-show-a-home-steps-to-promote-a-positive-home-showing/" target="_blank">preparing the home to be show</a>n by the sellers and making arrangements for showings is very different from selling a primary residence.
Furniture
Typically, a homeowner will bring their furniture with them when they sell their primary residence. This is not so when selling a vacation home. It's common for home sellers to sell their furniture along with their vacation house, unless they have a special use for the furniture. This must be decided in advance.
Staging the Property
It's important to stage a property during the home selling process. This usually means maintaining the landscaping and checking in on the property interior on a regular basis. For home sellers who live far from their vacation home, doing this in person may not be possible.
Often, home sellers will hire a landscaping company and property manager to maintain their property while it is on the market. These companies can check in on the property on a regular basis to ensure that it is well cared for until it sells.
Contact Your Real Estate Professional
If you're a homeowner who is trying to sell your vacation home, work with an <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/old-northeast/" target="_blank">Old Northeast FL</a> real estate professional in the area where your vacation home is located. Your real estate professional can coordinate with buyers and their agents to ensure that the property is seen by the people who might purchase it. For more information about selling a vacation home, contact a real estate professional who lives in the vicinity of your vacation home.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a certified tax expert before proceeding with any real estate transaction.2018-08-08T05:00:00-07:002018-08-07T12:43:25-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7280What to Do When You Discover Unpermitted Work<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/unpermitted-work.jpg" alt="Steps to Take If You Find Unpermitted Work on Your Property" width="950" height="713" />Every county, city or homeowners association have general rules regarding what a homeowner can build on their property. These general rules can be zoning laws, building codes and/or general HOA guidelines. Since a homeowners neighbors often share certain resources, such as plumbing and electricity, local officials have an obligation to look out for the safety of everyone by having these building rules and regulations.
However, not all homeowners know (or possibly care) about building regulations, which is why work that has not been permitted or allowed can often be a common occurrence. For a potential home buyer, unpermitted work can be an important consideration for the home buying decision.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Check the Disclosures
Assuming the <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/dont-diy-4-reasons-to-hire-a-professional/" target="_blank">home seller hired a professional</a> to do the work and not go DIY, they usually has access to all records that show what was done to the home and when, including any additions or remodels. These records typically come in the form of work orders, permits, and receipts. In most states, home buyers are required to complete a form called a sellers disclosure where they disclose any work that has been done on the home. If such work is disclosed, then a home buyer should obtain and review the details of the work through the documents supplied by the seller.
Time and Research
If the seller disclosure shows work that has been done, or the buyer suspects work has been performed on the home, potential buyers should take the time and research if the work was indeed permitted. Buyers can usually begin by checking with local authorities to see what building permits were issued. Or if there were any open permits on the home that were never closed.
Potential home buyers may also want to study the <a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/discovering-unpermitted-construction-when-selling-your-home.html" target="_blank">original floor plans</a> of the property, if available, to learn more about the changes that were made over time. In some cases, it's impossible to tell which homeowner did which additions or repairs if the home is old and was owned by multiple people. But potential buyers who make these efforts are likely to not only discover whether there were proper permits or not, but also possibly discover other matters concerning the home and area as well.
Secure a Retroactive Permit
If a buyer does buy a home with unpermitted work, then talking over the specific situation to a city official in charge of permits is a good way to find out the next step. Because local ordinances can change from year to year, most authorities <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/own-up-to-remodeling-without-permits.aspx" target="_blank">are willing to give homeowners affordable options</a> when it comes to getting their home up to code. For example, they may issue a retroactive permit where a city official will come and inspect the home to either verify its safety or tell the homeowner what else needs to be done to make the home fully legal.
Contact the Original Seller
Should the home buyer subsequently buy a property with unpermitted construction work, they can try and contact the original owners or sellers. Often, the sellers or original owners may have information about the work that would be helpful to the new owners. For example, though the entire project may have been unpermitted, perhaps the electrical or plumbing was. Or, as happens with older homes, the work done on the home did not need to be permitted at the time. If possible, cooperation between a new buyer and the seller in regards to unpermitted work on the home is usually the best route.
Finding unpermitted work on a home that has been purchased or one that is high on the list of a potential buyer, can be discouraging. But there are steps a homeowner can take to either find out more about the work or see if it can eventually be permitted. Consult with an attorney if you suspect a home may have unpermitted work. A <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/largo/" target="_blank">Largo FL</a> buyers real estate agent can help guide a buyer through the potential pitfalls of unpermitted work on a home.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.2018-08-01T04:12:00-07:002018-08-01T07:13:36-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7214What New Construction Buyers Need to Know<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/new-construction-homes.jpg" alt="5 Questions to Ask Before Buying New Construction" width="950" height="713" />Buying a newly constructed home is a little different than buying one that has been lived in for years. What are the differences between a new construction home and a preowned home - and what do home buyers need to know?
It's important to note that there are generally two types of new construction homes; a custom built home and a planned builder home. A custom built home is where a home buyer chooses the floor plan and sometimes even the lot. They have a lot of freedom as to how the home is constructed, the building materials and the finishes of the home. A planned builder home is one where a builder has a number of different designs and interiors for the home buyer to choose. Though not completely custom, a builder home often allows the buyer some customization, though usually for an extra cost. There are also prebuilt newly constructed homes, where the buyer has no customization as the home is already complete.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
How Is New Home Construction Financed?
Appropriate funding is usually necessary so the home will be completed according to plan. Home buyers who are planning new construction on land that they already own may need to consider getting a <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/construction-loans-explained.aspx">construction loan</a> to pay for it. For communities already under construction, builders will often require buyers to put down a deposit for a specific lot.
Regardless of the lot the home is placed on, this comes with the expectation that the buyer will either pay cash for the home or <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-approved-for-a-conventional-mortgage/" target="_blank">obtain a mortgage</a> for the new construction home. Often, larger builders may have an in-house lender or a preferred lender. Home buyers are not required to go with the builder's preferred lender, but there may be incentives for doing so.
What Is the Expected Construction Schedule?
The planned completion of the construction project depends on:
builder preferences
how many resources are put to each task
weather-related concerns
when the buyer enters the process
Building a new home usually takes <a href="http://eyeonhousing.org/2015/08/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-single-family-home/">several months</a>. Buyers who put down a deposit when construction is already partially complete may not have to wait as long. Home buyers should ask for a building schedule of tasks to be completed daily or weekly on their home. It is wise to expect some delays, so people should avoid placing too many guarantees on the end date until construction is nearly done.
Builders often request that buyers do not enter the building site due to construction dangers. Usually, the builder or a representative will meet the buyer to review the progress of the home.
Which Features Are Included With the Purchase?
When buying in a community, home buyers often have an opportunity to preview sample or model homes to get an idea of what the builder offers. Home buyers should to keep in mind that most model homes have a number of upgrades that may not come standard in a standard home. Common upgrades might include flooring, a selection of paint colors, options for countertops, and more. In some cases, buyers can request an allowance with the builder to cover the cost of a few upgrades. It's important to know what upgrades are included and what finishes and amenities are standard in a new construction home.
Should a New Construction Home Have an Inspection?
Most builders want to provide a quality home that buyers will be happy to own. However, this is not a replacement for due diligence on the part of the person buying the home. As a way to verify the quality of the construction, buyers may want to request a <a href="http://www.startribune.com/photos-from-new-construction-home-inspections-part-v/350960901/">home inspection</a> from a third party. Shortly before it is time for the final walk-through, buyers should arrange with the builder to allow a home inspection.
What Kind of Warranty Will the New Construction Home Have?
When buying new appliances, they may come with warranties and an understanding of how they should be used. New homes usually carry a warranty, but a home buyer may not know what is included in them. Home buyers should investigate the details of the home warranty, so that they understand:
what is covered by the warranty
how long the various warranties last
when and how homeowners can make a claim, if needed
Keeping the paperwork in one place will help simplify the claim process.
Buying a new construction home can be very exciting, but buyers should make sure they understand all the details. The use of a <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater/" target="_blank">Clearwater</a> real estate agent for new construction homes often smooths the process and allows the homebuyer an ally and advocate when speaking with the builder. In most cases, the agent or representative at the builders model homes work for the builder, not for the buyers of the homes.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.2018-07-18T04:07:00-07:002018-07-18T07:08:40-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7197Home Buyer's Guide to Home Warranties<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/home-warranties.jpg" alt="Home Warranty Information Guide" width="950" height="713" />One of the nice perks of buying a new home is the home warranty. Having a home warranty policy can give homeowners assurance that if something in the home breaks down, the warranty may pay to repair or replace it. For new home owners, who are often strapped for cash, the home warranty can be a serious advantage at a crucial time. This guide will tell new homeowners everything they need to know about the home warranty.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
What Is A Home Warranty?
A <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-home-warranty-plan-1798347" target="_blank">home warranty</a> is similar to an insurance policy. In most cases, when an appliance or a covered system breaks down, the home warranty company will send a contractor to the house to make the repair. Usually home warranty policies require the homeowner to make a co-payment or pay a deductible before services will be rendered. If repairs cannot be made, the home warranty company may either pay to replace the item or send the homeowner money to replace the item.
Do All Home Purchases Come With A Home Warranty?
Home warranties are sometimes included in the <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/5-steps-to-take-to-buy-a-home/" target="_blank">home buying</a> contract as a bonus for home buyers, to sweeten the offer and make the contract more attractive. The home warranty is usually paid for by the home sellers when escrow closes. In some cases, if allowed by state law, your real estate agent may also pay for a home warranty. However, not all home purchases come with a home warranty.
Home warranties for preowned homes are usually valid for one year after the new homeowner takes possession of the house. Once the home warranty runs out, the homeowner may have the option of paying the premium to extend the home warranty for another year.
New construction homes often come with home warranties that cover the construction of the home. Different construction companies offer different levels of warranties and length of times of coverages. Be sure and ask your new home builder for information regarding any new construction home warranties.
What Does a Home Warranty Protect?
Home warranties vary in the systems that they protect. Typically a home warranty will protect kitchen appliances, the water heater, the home's heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical systems. Often home warranties also have "add on" services that homeowners can pay an additional amount to cover on their policy. Examples of add on systems include the washer and dryer, refrigerators and a pool pump.
What Does A Home Warranty Not Protect?
The home warranty does not usually cover anything structural, such as the roof, walls, foundation or floors. Home warranties also do not cover the sewer, chimney or septic tank. Some home warranty companies may offer some of these protections as an add on. Homeowners who are interested in getting these protections may pay for it themselves after purchasing the home.
Often, however, new construction home companies offer warrantied that may cover parts of the building, including the foundation, roof and other building parts. be sure and have a clear understanding from the new home builder what parts of the newly constructed home are covered and what items are not.
What's the Difference Between a Home Warranty and Homeowner's Insurance?
<a href="https://www.iii.org/article/what-homeowners-insurance" target="_blank">Homeowner's insurance</a> is a protection that is usually required by mortgage lenders, however, home warranties are not. Homeowner's insurance protects the structure of the home from covered disasters like fire, lightning, wind and hail. The home warranty does not cover damage from specific disasters, but instead covers specific systems.
Homeowner's insurance may help to pay to replace the home in the event that it is destroyed by a covered event, whereas the home warranty will only replace certain parts of the home. Finally, homeowners insurance offers additional protections that home warranties do not, like liability insurance. This type of insurance may protect the homeowner from financial liability in the event that the homeowner is sued.
How Can You Find Out More About Home Warranties?
If you're a <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/tierra-verde/" target="_blank">Tierra Verde</a> FL home buyer and you would like to know more about the home warranty for the property you are in the process of buying, contact the home warranty company or your real estate agent. Your home warranty company can answer any questions about the particular policy that will come with the home you are buying.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.2018-07-11T04:45:00-07:002018-07-11T05:45:45-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:71684 Reasons to Hire a Pro to Avoid Home Renovation Disasters<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/diy-or-pro-home-repair.jpg" alt="DIY or Hire a Pro? 4 Reasons to Rely on Home Renovation Experts" width="950" height="713" />While certain home renovation projects can be accomplished by even novice DIY'ers, most major tasks and improvements are best left in the hands of home renovation experts. Homeowners wanting to save money often ultimately discover that they have (or will need to) spend more through DIY efforts. Here are four reasons to put the tools away and hire a professional home improvement contractor to avoid renovation disasters.
1. Technical Proficiency From a Team of Tradespeople
There's a reason that only one ‘Y' appears in DIY, as most homeowners end up performing the majority of many home projects on their own. However, most renovations require multiple skills and require specialized tools, and some DIY'ers simply don't have the level of proficiency required to successfully complete all of the tasks involved. With a team of qualified tradespeople, all of the knowledge and equipment needed will be right on the job site.
It's also important to consider the serious and potentially disastrous consequences of even one seemingly small mistake when weighing the pros and cons of hiring home renovation experts. For example, improperly installed wiring may lead to house fires or electrical shocks. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/how-to-choose-flooring-for-your-home/" target="_blank">New flooring</a>, especially hardwood floors, often require special tools. Improper plumbing installations may create quite a costly mess in baths, kitchens and laundry rooms. Essentially, the expertise and technical proficiency of a pro can prevent a number of potential home improvement mishaps.
2. Building Codes and Permit Considerations
Depending on the type of renovation being performed and the home's locality, certain construction codes may be dictated and specific building permits may be required. The benefit of hiring a professional in these cases is multifaceted. For starters, experts in their field will be aware of current building codes and understand the process of obtaining the proper permits for the project.
Professionals can also ensure that all of the work performed meets safety standards, which is essential for homeowners—especially those looking to sell. Furthermore, <a href="https://www.esquirereb.com/unpermitted-construction" target="_blank">unpermitted construction can have severe repercussions</a> financially through violation fines. It's also important to note that most insurance companies won't cover claims associated with any type of non-permitted renovations.
3. Evaluating the Financials of DIY Vs. Pro
Most homeowners consider DIY projects as a way to save money. Unfortunately, just one project mishap can result in additional expenses that often end up amounting to—or surpassing—the estimated cost of hiring a pro. Another financial consideration involves homeowners determining just how much their time is ‘worth' so to speak. If the project will take up substantial time that could be spent at work making money, it's important to do some math when making a decision.
One financial aspect of DIY projects often never considered that could really be disastrous is that a homeowner can easily suffer an injury. Depending on the nature of the injury, this could mean days, weeks or months of recovery which could make working impossible. DIY injuries are more common that one might think. In fact, statistics indicate that more than 165,000 Americans seek medical treatment annually just for <a href="http://www.nasda.org/news/stairway-and-ladder-safety" target="_blank">ladder-related injuries</a>.
4. Planning to Sell? Pro is the Best Way to Go
No one is likely to be more critical of an obvious DIY job than potential homebuyers. Visible signs of repairs or shoddy renovations can have buyers wondering what else may be ‘wrong' with the home, and they may want to offer sellers less money as a result. To ensure a home is in the best possible condition before putting it on the market, it's best to use a professional for major home renovations.
Don't get caught up in a renovation disaster—contact a local <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/" target="_blank">St. Pete Beach</a> home improvement contractor instead of doing it yourself.2018-07-04T05:49:00-07:002018-07-04T08:55:00-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7149How to Choose a Real Estate Agent<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/choose-agent.jpg" alt="Tips for Finding the Right Real Estate Agent" width="950" height="713" />Home buyers and sellers often have their sights set on the next step on their real estate journey—whether that be discovering the house that has everything in their dream neighborhood or selling their property in a matter of hours for higher than asking price. These are important real estate goals, but the first step isn't scanning the online listings or getting a market analysis performed on a home. It's actually hiring a real estate agent, and not just any agent. Buyers and sellers need the right agent to meet their needs and achieve their goals.
Here's how to choose the best real estate agent, whether you're <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/5-steps-to-take-to-buy-a-home/" target="_blank">buying a home</a> or selling:
Interview Prospective Real Estate Agents
Anyone who is interested in getting involved in the local real estate market should consider <a href="http://www.bankrate.com/finance/real-estate/7-tips-for-picking-a-real-estate-agent-1.aspx" target="_blank">interviewing at least two or three agents</a> before making their final decision. During each interview, the client should discuss the professional credentials that the agent has, how many years they have been working in the real estate industry and the types of homes they typically sell. It's not a bad idea to ask for a couple of references as well.
Consider More Than Just Professional Experience
Professional experience is pivotal, as an agent needs to have the knowledge and finesse necessary to close the deal. But <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2018/03/22/14-tips-for-choosing-the-right-real-estate-agent-for-your-property-search-or-sale/#6f84c7c97f54" target="_blank">personality plays a big role</a> in any individual's real estate journey. The client should feel comfortable with the agent that they hire. Most people prefer to work with an agent who is approachable and friendly yet also motivated and dedicated to getting them the best deal possible.
Remember the Importance of Working with a Local Agent
Real estate agents are experts in home sales and real estate transactions, but they also are a huge resource for those who are moving into a new community. Hiring a local agent is advantageous, because a local agent has insight into the market conditions that outsiders do not. They understand the pulse of the community, and they can provide personalized recommendations for buyers and sellers based on their current situations. In many respects, the real estate agent can be the first neighbor that a person gets to know in their new town.
The best real estate agent is going to prioritize the interests of their clients, whether they <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/snell-isle/" target="_blank">live in Snell Isle</a> or elsewhere. They will advocate for buyers throughout the negotiation process, and make sure that their sellers get top dollar for their homes. For more information on what you should look for in a real estate agent, contact us today.2018-06-27T05:47:00-07:002018-06-27T08:47:43-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7120How to Construct an Outdoor Living Space You'll Love<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/outdoor-living-space.jpg" alt="How to Get the Outdoor Space of Your Dreams" width="950" height="713" />An outdoor living space is not just a nice thing to have, but a necessary component of a well-kept property. Plus, the outside of the home is the very first thing a person sees—whether it's the owner or a passing pedestrian. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/landscaping-tips-for-homeowners-boost-curb-appeal-today/" target="_blank">To spruce up the outdoors</a> and discover the motivation you need to spend more time in the sun and fresh air, consider the following tips for constructing a more appealing living area.
Use Creative Color Choices
Even the most uninspired home decorator can get excited about <a href="https://momprepares.com/colorblock-your-garden/" target="_blank">adding more color to the yard</a>. All those bright blooms and interesting shrubs can be a total eye-opener (not to mention a nose-opener). Extra plants around the home are perfect for improving the air quality, and they also provide plenty of shade for a home that's inundated by the harsh summer sun. Look for ways to camouflage a deck or patio so the eye-line flows with the natural greenery and flowers surrounding the home.
Design an Eating Area
Eating outside is usually easier said than done, but there are ways to design a space where homeowners will love to serve their favorite meals to family and friends. Place the dining table as far away as possible from the brightest and freshest flowers, and employ the use of bug-fighting candles to keep the rest of the pests at bay. Choose easy-to-clean furniture so that dinner parties don't end up becoming more hassle than they're worth.
Set Up a Cooking Area
Grilling outside is a cultural favorite, especially in the spring and summer, and the addition of a grilling area can be well worth the effort. For those who really want to dive deep into a new hobby, it's probably time to install a fridge, sink, and countertop space so that no corners are cut during meals. Homeowners who are <a href="https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/outdoor-spaces/how-to-build-a-grilling-island" target="_blank">watching their wallets</a> can look for used cooking equipment or build the grilling island themselves. This particular step can make it far easier to entertain more often, which can be a great way to improve a homeowner's quality of life.
Select Comfortable Patio Furniture
Once a homeowner is all through with their gardening, cooking, and eating, they should be able to sit back and kick up their feet. Picking out patio furniture should be done with a practical as well as an aesthetic eye. For example, a water-resistant chair will still allow water to seep in if it first pools on the fabric. Search for weatherproof fabrics, cast iron chairs, or aluminum side tables to ensure the furniture will hold up for many years to come.
Install Luxury Features
Fire pits, fountains and hot tubs may seem extravagant for a regular home, but few people regret installing them—if only because they increase the resale value of the home. These extras can be much more affordable than people realize, especially considering that most of the extras can be made with a little hard work and ingenuity. Homeowners should look at a gazebo or a fountain as an investment in themselves and in the property. It simply encourages them to get more out of an expensive purchase.
Outdoor spaces that are neglected can slowly turn a proud <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/pass-a-grille/" target="_blank">Pass-a-Grille homeowner</a> into a jaded one, and it's unfortunately all too easy to do to let it go for multiple years. As you add to the space over the years, it will become readily apparent how small changes can add up to big differences.2018-06-20T05:51:00-07:002018-06-20T08:51:37-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:70975 Ways to Identify Roof Damage<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/identify-roof-damage.jpg" alt="How to Identify Roof Damage In Your Home" width="950" height="713" />Homeowners are always on the lookout to make sure their home is in peak condition, and a home’s roof should be no exception, especially given that a roof in good condition is <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/4-home-improvement-projects-with-high-returns/" target="_blank">a valuable improvement to home buyers</a>. While it may be difficult to know what to look for when it comes to a damaged roof, there are a few telltale signs that all homeowners should keep an eye on when doing a regular inspection. Here are five different types of damage homeowners may spot on their home’s roof and what it means.
1. There Are Shingle Granules In the Gutters
In autumn, homeowners may notice while cleaning leaves out of their gutters that there are shingle granules at the bottom. While this is normal for new shingles, as some of the granules are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knockoutroofing.com/roof-shingles-and-granule-loss/">loosely applied</a> and will come off easily, for an older roof, it means that the shingles are getting old. Fortunately, this isn’t a death sentence for roofs. Though it means that replacement is imminent and should be done in the next few years, it isn’t yet an emergency.
2. Shingles Are Missing
Missing shingles is often the easiest way to identify roof damage as there will be obvious gaps in the roof where they should be. In heavy rain or wind, it can be common for shingles to be ripped off of a roof, especially if the roof is already getting old. However, if the roof is new and there are shingles missing, it likely means that the shingles weren’t properly installed, and the homeowner should call their roofer to alert them of the problem. In any case of missing shingles, the homeowner should call a roofer quickly because the gaps can allow leaks inside the home.
3. Shingles Are Misshapen Or Broken
Along with extreme weather conditions pulling shingles off a home, they can also cause them to break, curl, and crack. Most of the time, this sort of damage is caused by extreme heat and cold, and any damage like this can lead moisture and wind to get into the home just like as if the shingles were missing. While broken and misshapen shingles aren’t quite as noticeable as missing shingles, homeowners can spot them by looking to see if the shingles are laying flat and by looking for small gaps between them.
4. There Is Damage From Hail
Hail is known to damage anything it slams into, especially when it gets larger, and roofs are no exception. After a hailstorm, homeowners should pull out the ladder and look at their roof. If there are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.roofing.life/hail-damage-roof/">circular areas</a> on the shingles where the granules are missing, that’s a sign of damage from hail. If you’re having difficulties spotting damage on the roof, try looking at the gutters or air conditioner. If they have dents from hail, it’s very likely that the roof felt the impact as well.
5. There Are Visible Leaks In the Roof
Not all homeowners go into the attic very often. However, when the homeowner suspects roof damage or sees definite signs of it, going into the attic can be very helpful in seeing just how bad the damage is. On a sunny day, homeowners may spot sunlight streaming through cracks in the roof, and if that’s the case, it means that wind and rain can get in as well. If this is the case, homeowners should keep an eye out for mold growth or hire a professional who can identify it.
Keeping these five things in mind during while inspecting a home can help <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/madeira-beach/" target="_blank">Madeira homeowners</a> identify damage on their roof. When damage has been found, be sure to hire a professional roofer who can repair or replace it.2018-06-13T05:37:00-07:002018-06-13T07:41:03-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7075How to Choose Flooring Materials For Your Home<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/home-flooring-guide.jpg" alt="How to Find the Right Floors for Your Home" width="950" height="713" />Choosing floors for a home may not seem very difficult until a homeowner considers the sheer volume of choices available, and this is one very <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/4-home-improvement-projects-with-high-returns/" target="_blank">common home improvement project </a>that most homeowners will undertake. From natural stone to plush carpeting, the options can seemingly stretch out for days. To get a handle on their choices, homeowners need to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each type of common flooring material before deciding which one would find their rooms best.
Carpeting
Starting with the number one choice for homeowners today, carpets are commonly found in family rooms, dens, and bedrooms alike. The biggest advantage of carpeting is comfort, in that people can walk around in bare feet without feeling the cold seep up through their socks. But carpeting is also a safer choice than hard flooring because it gives everyone the traction they need to travel from room to room without slipping. Extra traction is good for everyone, but especially necessary for those who might be unsteady on their feet. The downside is that carpeting and mildew go hand-in-hand, so homeowners need to be careful of its exposure to moisture.
Hardwood Flooring
Known for its ability to handle sturdy dining room tables and heavy foot traffic, hardwood floors are a durable and beautiful choice for those who want their dining room to carry a certain kind of gravitas. Hardwood floors are also a huge selling point when it comes to the resale value need to be kept away from water because they can warp and bend. Unlike carpeting, they're slippery enough that they can be a hazard for those who take a turn too quickly around the corner.
Tiling
Tiling is found in bathrooms and kitchens because it <a href="https://www.daltile.com/inspiration-and-tips/inspiration-and-diy/top-4-benefits-of-tile-floors" target="_blank">staves off both water and stains</a>. Clean-up is a breeze and the decorative choices are impressive. There are more shades, shapes, and materials available than ever before. Tiling is usually a fool-proof choice, though it's important to think long-term before choosing tiles. Inferior quality is an invitation for chips or even full breaks. If the grouting of the tiles isn't properly sealed, mildew can accumulate on the tiles and potentially pollute the air in the home.
Stone Flooring
Luxury homes may want to choose limestone or marble in their kitchen or entryway. Not only is natural stone one of the smarter choices a homeowner can make to increase the value of the home, but its durability ensures the investment will last for many years to come. One drawback to stone flooring is that it <a href="https://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Tips-To-Maintaining-Stone-Floors--20229" target="_blank">takes more effort to maintain</a>. From cleaning to sealing, stone flooring requires constant attention to keep its beauty.
Modern Options
It might not surprise owners to learn that there are businesses looking to make money by offering new flooring choices on the market. The idea is to refashion traditional materials to meet <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater/" target="_blank">a Clearwater homeowner's</a> needs without sacrificing the look and feel of the flooring. Homeowners who want hardwood floors but are nervous about spills can now buy prefinished wood that's more resistant to water. Concrete is also an affordable and an aesthetically attractive option while sheet linoleum has been redesigned to fit any decor.
The floors of the home may not be the most important decision a homeowner makes, but it's certainly a major one. Understanding the types of flooring available can make it easier to set priorities based on your personal preferences.2018-06-06T08:13:00-07:002018-06-06T09:16:55-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:7015Is It Better to Rent or Buy a Home?<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/buy-vs-rent.jpg" alt="Is Renting or Buying a Home the Better Choice?" width="950" height="713" />Some renters are building up a nest egg in order to make a down payment <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/5-steps-to-take-to-buy-a-home/" target="_blank">to buy their first home</a>. On the other hand, there are homeowners looking to downsize and reduce their maintenance obligations by renting. According to one study, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/02/your-money/to-buy-or-rent-a-home-weighing-which-is-better.html" target="_blank">more than a third of families rent their home</a>. There are pros and cons to either situation, in addition to unique challenges that apply to renters and to homeowners.
Learn more about important considerations when it comes to choosing whether to rent or buy a home.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Do You Have the Down Payment?
In order to get buy a home and get approved for a home mortgage, traditional lenders may prefer to work with those that can <a href="https://www.fha.com/fha_article?id=292" target="_blank">come up with a 20 percent down payment</a>. Applicants that can do so often get better terms and may not need to pay for mortgage insurance on their loan. This will help them to pay down their mortgage loan faster. However, those looking to buy need to account for additional costs, such as lawyer fees, closing costs and those expenses associated with moving.
The costs associated with buying a home may put off many who want to own their own property. There are additional options, such as a USDA loan or VA loan, which may make it easier for renters to buy their first home. It may be preferable to rent until one is in the position to make a large down payment or to address other factors which may make it difficult to buy a home.
Do You Have Decent Credit?
Lenders want to know about an applicant's credit score and credit history. Those who have low credit scores, have had recent issues with making timely payments, or do not have a consistent job history may want to rent while making improvements to these factors. Grab a <a href="https://www.usa.gov/credit-reports" target="_blank">free credit report</a> and address inaccuracies while paying down debt and improving credit. This can make it easier to get approved for a mortgage loan when the time is right.
How Much Maintenance Can You Handle?
Those who are working full-time or going to school and have little spare time may appreciate the ease of renting. Individuals with mobility issues may find renting less stressful for them as landlords are often responsible for major repairs. People who have only rented before may be surprised at the amount of work involved in maintaining a home. From routine maintenance, to leaking roofs and busted pipes, homeowners have to take action to keep a home looking and functioning well. Avoiding or putting off major problems can potentially reduce the home's value. This means that responsible homeowners need to create a budget for such tasks and choose a reputable contractor or professional. Renters do not have to dig into their own pockets as these concerns are often quickly addressed by the landlord.
Those who rent can be at an advantage as there are fewer maintenance expenses as a tenant. However, they often have little say when it comes to repairs, contractors and more. Contending with maintenance and home repairs are responsibilities worth thinking over when deciding on renting or buying a home.
Love Your Home
There are good reasons to rent or buy. However, specific factors may influence whether or not renting or buying <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/treasure-island/" target="_blank">a Treasure Island home</a> is the best route to take. Prospective buyers may want to speak with a reputable agent to understand when it might be a good time to buy or to continue to rent, depending on market conditions.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.2018-05-23T06:24:00-07:002018-05-23T07:25:43-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:69924 Home Improvement Projects with High Returns<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/home-improvement-roi.jpg" alt="Home Improvement Projects that Yield High ROI" width="950" height="713" />Homeowners have a difficult job of deciding how to maximize their property's potential. They have to maintain a balance of doing what they need to feel comfortable and doing what they need to make future buyer's comfortable, which can be a tall order for anyone. It's helpful to understand how buyers view the home before diving into the average returns a seller will get from their specific home improvement projects.
The Long and Short
The structural unity of the <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/st-pete-beach/" target="_blank">St. Petersburg Beach home</a> is the most important factor when it comes to whether or not it will generate solid interest. In other words, don't update your bathroom fixtures if there's an unstable tree located right outside the master bedroom's window. Unless the property is located in a clear seller's market, a buyer isn't going to want to put their own money into repairs if they don't have to. Flippers and bargain hunters may only buy a home if they think they'll get an incredible deal. Ideally, these structural values will be shared by the individual homeowner too, but it's all too easy for homeowners to miss some of the home's more obvious flaws due to the strong bond they have with the structure.
Tackling the Outside
A potential buyer usually makes up their mind about a home before they even step foot inside it. A poorly tended lawn or a decomposing exterior can be enough to turn them off entirely to making an offer, the curb appeal of a home is not something to overlook. That's why replacing the siding can <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/which-home-improvements-pay-off" target="_blank">yield up to 93% of the total cost</a>, and replacing the roof and windows can return an average of 80%. Homeowners can also consider replacing an old garage door to provide additional security to the new owner or adding more space to their current deck for better entertaining. When tackling these projects, consider the fact that buyers can spot inferior materials (even if they can't define them) from a mile away. Composite wood on a deck yields an average of 6% less than real wood, so it helps to spring for better quality if the additional cost isn't prohibitive.
Kitchen Remodels
Kitchens are undoubtedly the place to show off a home's functionality, which is why they're touted as one of the easiest ways to increase the resale value of a home. And yet, it is possible to lose money on a kitchen remodel if owners don't understand the rules. In general, an owner is better off performing a minor remodel than a major renovation. Major remodels return about 60% of the original investment while minor updates will <a href="http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2017/" target="_blank">recoup about 80%</a>. Unless the homeowner is remodeling only for themselves, it helps to keep their expectations in check. The only possible exception to this rule is if the home is located in an area that's increasingly becoming more in demand.
Updating the Bathroom
Bathrooms that look like they've seen better days will undoubtedly benefit from a spruce. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/6-essential-tips-for-preparing-to-paint-a-room/" target="_blank">Homeowners can repaint</a>, replace broken or old tiles, or change out old bulbs for softer lighting. A very basic remodel will return about 70% to the owner. However, just as with the kitchen remodels, owners should reign in their wallets before they go too far. An easy way to balance the budget is to stay in touch with the property values of an area. While there's some leeway to how much homes sell for in a neighborhood, there's usually a cap that homeowners can rely on to help them make decisions. So if the home is worth $100,000, it's practically impossible for expensive bathroom appliances to bump the value up to $150,000.
Improving the Insulation
Insulation is a magic word when it comes to home improvement projects because it has the ability to save the homeowner quite a lot of money on their energy bills. Homes with older insulation will pull conditioned air directly to the outdoors, which is why new insulation typically returns more than 100% of the value. Insulation standards change constantly, which is just one reason why those with newer homes aren't immune to this project. If an owner doesn't want to do a full insulation replacement, they can start by having the air bypasses inspected to see if they need to be resealed.
Before choosing which home improvement project is the best to tackle, it helps to understand which ones are most likely to yield the highest returns. It starts with setting the right priorities before getting started. Adding a second story or a third bathroom may be the key to securing the perfect offer, but not if the roof is starting to fall apart at the seams.2018-05-16T05:32:00-07:002018-05-16T08:33:18-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6977Downtown St. Pete church agrees to sell its parking lot for $5.6 million<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/Blog_Images/downtownstpetechurch.jpg" width="950" height="647" alt="Downtown St. Pete church sells parking lot" title="Downtown St. Pete church sells parking lot" />
ST. PETERSBURG — A downtown congregation has agreed to sell a portion of its prime property to a Connecticut developer.
Christ United Methodist Church said it has signed a contract to sell its parking lot at First Avenue N and Fifth Street to Miles River Development for $5.65 million.
The developer could not be reached for comment, but church leaders say they believe there are plans to build a mixed-use tower on the little more than half-acre lot.
In an area zoned for mixed-use, the property is in the city’s downtown core district, which allows the highest densities and building height. Elizabeth Abernethy, the city’s zoning official, said there is no height restriction, but buildings more than 158 feet above mean sea level require an airport obstruction permit to verify that there are no airspace safety hazards. Buildings more than 375 feet high require a public hearing, she said.
For Christ Church, the contract provides a major thrust to the Rev. Jacqueline Jones-Smith’s plans to shore up the historic downtown congregation’s finances and expand its ministries.
"The signing of this purchase agreement is a milestone event. It represents over 15 months of intense effort by our business development group and all of us working together," she said, referring to the required congregational vote and assent of its overseeing bodies of the United Methodist Gulf Central District and Florida Annual Conference.
Jon Wittner, managing director for KW Commercial Tampa Bay, which had the listing in the <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/downtown-st-pete/">booming downtown market</a>, said late last year that nearby properties were selling for $6 million to $9 million an acre.
Alan DeLisle, the city’s development administrator, said the agreement to buy the 0.65-acre parking lot near City Hall is another testament to the strength of St. Petersburg’s economy.
"It’s saying that the market is very appealing to development and development is driven by the demand for office space, more retail space and more residential space,’’ DeLisle said. "We had a very good year last year with our job creation numbers. We had 3,000 net new jobs in St. Petersburg between 2016 and 2017. That was one of the best job creation numbers St. Petersburg has had in recent years."
"We are seeing an unprecedented demand for office space and developers are beginning to respond to that. And the church site is a great site, right in the middle of everything."
Jones-Smith, a former lawyer and chairman and commissioner of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, was hired in July 2016 to revive the struggling church and has been focused on tapping into that potential.
She established a "2020" plan for the church and created a business development group that includes Bob Stewart, a former Pinellas County commissioner and St. Petersburg City Council member. The group spearheaded the sale of property, part of which the congregation had once talked of turning into an urban garden.
"This is an out-of-the-box move for an older downtown church to take," Stewart said. "I think maybe it was a bold move, but I think it is going to pay great dividends for downtown and the growth of the church."
The sale comes with other benefits, Jones-Smith said.
"Not only do we get revenue from this, we will get sufficient parking, which is critical to a downtown church," she said. "We will have parking for our Sunday services and also parking during the week. It is critical to growth and sustaining the ministry."
The church will get 150 parking spaces on Sundays and 30 Monday through Saturday in perpetuity, Jones-Smith said.
The real estate deal will also allow Christ Church to create new ministries and expand and restore old ones such as its laundry ministry, which offers quarters, prayers and other assistance at coin laundries. Jones-Smith also plans to restart the church’s after-school arts program called JAM, or Jesus, the Arts and Me.
The church also will now have money to revamp its large campus and lease some of its space, said the pastor’s husband, Joshua I. Smith, who served on such boards as FedEx, Caterpillar, Allstate Insurance and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and chairs the church’s business development group.
The sale will not be complete for about 90 days, pending due diligence by the buyer.
"Once that happens," Smith said, "we can be more focused on growing the church and really be a stakeholder in the business community in St. Petersburg."
<a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/economicdevelopment/Downtown-St-Petersburg-church-agrees-to-sell-its-parking-lot-for-5-6-million-_168084779">Original article</a>2018-05-14T09:56:00-07:002018-05-14T10:04:29-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:69466 Curb Appeal Tips for Home Sellers<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/curb-appeal-guide.jpg" alt="How to Boost Curb Appeal" width="950" height="713" />The first steps toward selling a home beyond consulting with an agent and determining a price point all start with assessing a home's overall appeal to buyers. Curb appeal is something that home sellers think about a lot, and with good reason. <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/10-curb-appeal-tips-from-the-pros-pictures" target="_blank">Boosting curb appeal</a> can help increase the sale price of a house, or may even lead to a faster sale. These tips will help home sellers improve their home's curb appeal and make their house more marketable to buyers.
Open Curtains
Closed curtains can make a home look enclosed, isolated and uninviting. Opening the curtains to allow light into the home can help a lot. <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/sand-key/" target="_blank">Sand Key</a> homeowners who leave the curtains partially visible should pay close attention to ensure that the curtains don't clash.
Clean the Roof
Roofs can become dirty with time, but they rarely get cleaned. Homeowners hoping to boost curb appeal must step back from the house and look up at the roof. Lichen, moss, leaves and twigs can be a deterrent for home buyers. If any of this debris is found on the roof, it should be removed by a professional.
Install Lighting
Outdoor lighting makes the home look more inviting and cheerful in the hours around dusk. Some home sellers assume that home buyers won't care or notice what their home looks like in the dark, but this isn't always the case. Remember that home buyers can choose drive by the house any time.
Repaint the Front Door
Giving the front door a fresh coat of paint can help draw the eye to the entrance of the home. Many people struggle to decide what color to paint their front door. Some choose stunning colors that intentionally contrast with the rest of the house. Others choose colors that match and blend in with the rest of the home.
Plant Colorful Flowers and Shrubs
Colorful flowers and shrubs can <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/landscaping-tips-for-homeowners-boost-curb-appeal-today/" target="_blank">help the whole home stand out</a> for home buyers. Home sellers looking for the right flowers and shrubs to plant on their property can turn to easy to grow annuals like petunias, and drought-tolerant, slow-growing shrubs like <a href="https://www.gardenia.net/plant/Buxus-Sempervirens-Suffruticosa-Boxwood" target="_blank">English boxwood</a>. Both of these plants are easy to maintain and look very attractive in front of a home.
Fix the Porch and Deck
A rotting, peeling front porch or deck can scare away buyers quickly! Home sellers hoping to make a fast sale can do so by repairing their porch and deck. This might involve replacing rotten wood, sanding away old paint and reapplying fresh paint.
For more information about how to make your home more appealing to home buyers, talk to a reputable real estate professional. He or she can answer your questions and help you pick the look that's right for your home.2018-05-09T04:31:00-07:002018-05-09T06:53:07-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6932Is Buying a Condo Right for You? 3 Key Considerations Before Investing<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/condo-or-single-family.jpg" alt="How to Decide if Buying a Condo is Right for You" width="950" height="713" />Buying a home is an exciting time, but deciding what kind of home to invest in can be confusing. After all, there are several things considerations <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/5-steps-to-take-to-buy-a-home/" target="_blank">when buying a condo or a single-family home</a> to keep in mind. Because they offer owners the ultimate in convenience in many aspects, condo ownership can certainly have its privileges. However, one should carefully consider these pros and cons of buying a condo before making a final decision.
Condominium Maintenance: Convenient or Cumbersome?
With exception to incidents caused by neighbors or poor community maintenance, interior repairs are generally the full responsibility of condo owners, just like with single-family homes. However, maintaining any common areas outside of your property are typically handled by outside contractors hired by those operating the property's day-to-day affairs. Condominiums typically run under the guidance of some type of <a href="https://www.caionline.org/AboutCommunityAssociations/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">community homeowner association</a> (HOA) that collects monthly dues and implements the community's covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs).
Maintenance Pros: The HOA or a management company hires professionals to handle all of the exterior property's landscaping, painting and general repairs in addition to the cleaning and upkeep of common areas such as pools and clubhouses.
Maintenance Cons: There are limits to a condo owner's creative freedom concerning their home's exterior appearance. Want to paint those shutters green, install new windows or plant a tree or some flowers? It's likely going to require the approval of the HOA, and changes made without permission can result in hefty fines and legal action by the HOA.
How Great is the Value of Privacy?
Those who've lived in an apartment have had a taste of what most condo communities are like. There's lots of neighbors milling about, multiple pets, shared walls, and shared common spaces. Along with all the friendliness and companionship of these living arrangements, some people may prefer more privacy for a number of reasons.
Privacy Pros: Some condo communities feature incredible noise-reducing insulation and wall dividers, and there are occasionally units that are freestanding or single storied, which minimizes noise. Furthermore, some enjoy having an array of neighbors to visit with, making condos an attractive choice.
Privacy Cons: The obvious con is that there are all those people, some milling about just feet away behind the wall, and neighbors cannot be chosen in condo communities. However, they may be signs of noisy neighbor situations if there are clearly pets and children living next door to potential units. Eyes wide open when house-hunting can save privacy lovers from making the wrong choice.
How Much Can Be Invested?
Depending on where one lives, the cost of a condo can be comparable with a single-family dwelling or substantially less. However, in certain cities like New York, a condominium can be a hot commodity that costs far more initially. The pros and cons of investing in a condo may ultimately reside in the long-term costs, as both owners are responsible for interior upkeep.
Pros of Condo Investments: As mentioned, there's no need for landscaping supplies or outdoor renovation materials in a condo, whether it's in <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/old-northeast/" target="_blank">Old Northeast</a> or elsewhere. The cost of such supplies or those for siding or roofing replacements and periodic painting are covered through HOA dues. Those looking to save money every month will love condos.
Cons of Condos Financially: Condos may be a bit harder to sell in certain economies and cities than freestanding homes. Second, some HOA's may be underfunded due to the community's size or non-paying owners, which can spell trouble down the line if the board instills <a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/homeowners-association/when-hoa-associations-can-impose-special-assessments.html" target="_blank">special assessment fees</a> for needed neighborhood maintenance. The good news is, there are insurance policies that can assist for such surprises.
Go in fully prepared to land the condo of your dreams with the backing of a local real estate professional today.2018-05-02T09:50:00-07:002018-05-02T12:52:41-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:68985 Steps to Take to Buy a Home<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/basic-home-buying-guide.jpg" alt="Your Guide to Home Buying" width="950" height="713" />Purchasing a home can be more time-consuming than home buyers realize, which can be a surprise during a transition period. While it's impossible to eliminate the stress entirely though, buyers can cut down on the uncertainty if they take it one step at a time. Before a buyer even sets foot in an open house, consider the following tips before mapping out the first move.
Loan Shopping
The lender a buyer chooses has a lot to do with how their home ownership experience will go. Buyers can start with their personal bank, but it helps to get a few quotes for comparison. No matter which financial institution they choose though, a buyer should scrutinize the reputation of the lender before making their final decision. Online reviews will help, but a financial professional or real estate agent may give a buyer a better idea of <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/how-to-get-approved-for-a-conventional-mortgage/" target="_blank">what choices they have available</a> to them.
Financial Considerations
Home buyers should ideally be spending about a<a href="https://real-estate.laws.com/financial-considerations-when-buying-a-house" target="_blank"> third of their income</a> on their mortgage or less. They should also keep in mind that pre-approval does not necessarily mean approval — a fact that has caused many delays during the escrow process. Buyers should get some advice during this time about the type of loan that's right for them. For example, a fixed-rate loan is usually recommended for luxury homes, while an adjustable-rate may be better for someone buying a more modest property.
Neighborhood Questions
No matter the must-haves for their new home, it helps for a buyer to determine the ideal community during the home buying process. Buyers may only consider the amenities of the home and not the overall living situation. Understanding the conditions of the neighborhood during all times of day may help decide whether a home is the right one for the buyer.
Talk to a Real Estate Agent
Even the most prepared of home buyers will usually still <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/top-reasons-to-hire-a-real-estate-agent-1798906" target="_blank">hire a real estate agent</a>. The paperwork alone is so complicated that no one wants to risk the possibility of a costly mistake. Once a buyer has their information together, they can bring it an experienced agent who will look it over and provide the big-picture advice a buyer needs to make the right decisions. Agents can also take care of putting together attractive offers and finding the right properties to tour.
Wrapping It Up
Once a buyer has their finances in order and they've found a home that works for them, it's time for the final steps. This can include anything from negotiating on the final price of the home to having the home inspected to paying property taxes. The details of each <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/largo/" target="_blank">Largo</a> home sale will not only depend on the buyer and seller's specific wishes but also the state in which a buyer purchased the home. For example, buyers in some states will need to hire an attorney to approve the paperwork before the home transfer can be officially recorded.
There have been a lot of changes in home sales in the past few decades that has made the process a lot more complicated for buyers. The paperwork alone can be overwhelming enough to make people want to give up! But with the right support and planning, buyers can take each step as it comes so they can end up in the property of their dreams!2018-04-25T07:30:00-07:002018-04-25T10:31:20-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6868How to Show a Home: Steps to Promote a Positive Home Showing<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/home-showing-tips.jpg" alt="4 Home Showing Tips for the Savvy Seller" width="950" height="713" />Once homeowners have decided to sell their home, the first step any real estate professional will prepare them for is the home showing. Although showing a home is such a crucial part of the <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/5-strategies-to-help-your-home-sell-faster/" target="_blank">home selling process</a>, many sellers may not know how. They need to get the showing aspects as perfect as possible, because they never know when the right buyer will come along. Here are a few tips to make it easier.
Create a Checklist
Selling a home usually involves several home showings before one or more prospective buyers come back with an offer. This means that sellers have to get their homes ready to show each time. Starting with a simple checklist of cleaning items and preparation will make this repetitive process faster and less stressful. Sellers should keep the list in a place that is easy to find and execute quickly, since they may not get a lot of notice before a buyer arrives.
Clean Efficiently
People getting ready to sell a home often perform or pay for a deep cleaning to the home before they list it. Once this step is complete, all they really have to do is work to <a href="https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/clean_living/cleaning_tips_for_home_sellers.aspx">keep it clean</a>. There are two ways to clean for a home showing. The first involves regular maintenance to keep the last-minute cleaning tasks minimal. The second is the shining up sellers do right before a buyer shows up. Sellers who put together a portable cleaning station can move speedily from room to room.
Stick to the Staging
A home that was <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/30-cant-miss-home-staging-tips">wonderfully staged</a> and photographed for the listing and other marketing materials should really stay that way for home showings. Buyers who loved the way a particular room looked in the pictures are eager to see how it looks when they come to the house. Sellers might keep the pictures handy, so that they can replace each item in the correct place every time. They can also put a list in each room of tasks to complete, for a faster reference.
Allow Buyers Lots of Time
Buying a home is such a significant investment that buyers really need time in the home to make an effective decision. If a buyer wants to stay in a <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/clearwater/" target="_blank">Clearwater</a> home longer, it often means that they like the house. They should be allowed as much time as they need, even if they want an hour or two. Sellers can set up areas that are comfortable for the buyers to sit and talk, with plenty of encouragement to linger.
Showing a home is an excellent way to help buyers determine if it is right for them. By using these home showing tips, sellers maximize their potential and simplify the entire selling process.2018-04-18T05:37:00-07:002018-04-18T08:39:07-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6854Landscaping Tips for Homeowners: Boost Curb Appeal Today<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/home-landscaping-guide.jpg" alt="How to Landscape for Curb Appeal" width="950" height="713" />A home's landscaping can have a big impact on its curb appeal, which in the long run can improve the overall value of a home and help <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/5-strategies-to-help-your-home-sell-faster/" target="_blank">sell the home faster</a>. The best way to improve landscaping and curb appeal is to promote healthy growth on the lawn and in the garden beds. These tips can help homeowners make their landscaping and their home look more attractive.
Prune Spindly Bushes
Bushes have a way of growing lanky and spindly over time. When this happens, the best way to make the shrub look healthy and strong is through pruning. Pruning causes a spurt of healthy, lush green growth. For most shrubs, the best time to prune is in early spring. Pruning in early spring gives the shrub all growing season to produce leafy green growth. This ensures the plant will be strong enough to handle cold weather when the winter comes around again. Homeowners who aren't sure how to prune their shrubs can find out more about pruning at a local nursery.
Fertilize, Water and Trim the Grass
Grass needs regular attention in order to look its best. This attention usually includes trimming, regular watering and fertilizing. Grass needs special fertilizer with a lot of nitrogen to develop green, healthy growth. For many homeowners, the first fertilization of the year occurs in <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/g237/the-quick-and-easy-guide-to-fertilizing-your-lawn/">early to mid spring</a>. Fertilizer is applied again one month later, and then every 6 weeks following.
Most grass needs to be watered one to two times per week to a depth of <a href="https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/g849/the-smarter-way-to-water-your-lawn/">six inches in the soil</a>. Grass should never have more than 1/3 of its length cut at any time, as this can cause the grass to become unhealthy and diseased.
Plant Easy to Grow Flowers
Flowers make lawns look much more attractive, especially flowers with an abundance of colorful blossoms. Homeowners who want to improve the appearance of their <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/tierra-verde/" target="_blank">Tierra Verde home</a> quickly can generally do so by planting flowers that grow fast. Common examples include annuals like petunias and impatiens.
Use Ground Cover On Bare Earth
Grass may not grow very well under trees with deep shade, but bare patches can mar a lawn, leaving it looking unhealthy. Even shade-tolerant grass has a problem growing under shade trees. When this is a problem, some homeowners turn to ground cover instead of grass. Some types of ground cover, like hostas, grow very well in shady conditions. These beautiful plants with long, heart-shaped leaves are attractive and non-invasive, so they're easy to control or remove when the time comes.
Homeowners hoping to make their landscaping more attractive can talk to a professional landscape artist. Working with a good landscape artist, a homeowner can improve their property's value and turn their home into a masterpiece.2018-04-11T04:41:00-07:002018-04-11T07:42:10-07:00Marc Rasmussentag:stpetersburgrealestate.com,2012-09-20:6833Want A Smart Home? How to Install Home Automation<img style="display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: 15px; width: 475px;" src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/603/image/home-smart-tech.jpg" alt="Want A Smart Home? Tips to Get Started" width="950" height="713" />A smart home can make life convenient while also potentially reducing a home's carbon footprint. In many cases, smart home upgrades will also add considerable value to the home. Homeowners who are interested in making their home a smart home can do so by starting a little at a time, by choosing good products to install and by picking the right home assistant. These tips can help.
Know Your Priorities
Homeowners who haven't yet started to pick their smart products must first decide why they want a smart home and what they hope to achieve. Some smart products make life convenient, others help <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/blog/the-best-energy-upgrades-with-high-roi/" target="_blank">improve energy efficiency</a> and others still increase security or improve quality of life. Homeowners who know what their goals are for their smart products can pick the best products for their needs.
Get a Home Assistant First
A <a href="https://www.clickatell.com/articles/technology/home-automation-smart-home-assistants/">home assistant</a> is a centralized hub that can control all the other smart products in the house. A home assistant can be as simple as an app on a smart phone, or as complex as a robot device that can be moved from room to room. The home assistant should be picked first, before any other smart products are purchased. This enables the homeowner to choose smart products that are compatible with the home assistant. This makes it easy for the homeowner to network all of the smart products, so that the entire home is easy to control.
Read Online Performance Reviews
Every time a new smart product is selected, it's important to read online reviews. Going over online reviews makes it possible for the homeowner to choose products that perform well and hold up over time. When reading online reviews, it's important to select a range of reviews written by product owners as well as professional companies. By looking at the Consumer Reports and technology reviews, the homeowner can get a good feel for which products <a href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm">fit in their price range</a>.
Start One Product at a Time
A smart home doesn't have to happen overnight. In fact, it shouldn't. Homeowners often do best when they start small, installing one product at a time. After getting used to one product, the <a href="https://www.stpetersburgrealestate.com/snell-isle/" target="_blank">Snell Isle homeowner</a> can install another. Installing products one at a time can help consumers learn what they like and don't like about smart products and which brands work best for them and their home assistant. Since smart products tend to be expensive, this is also a good way to reduce the cost of creating a smart home, thus making it a more attainable goal for a normal homeowner.
Know When to Get Professional Installation
Some smart products are best installed by a professional. For example, a professional locksmith will know how to properly install a smart lock, which can help ensure that the lock will function as it should. Homeowners who choose to install their own smart products should read the instructions carefully and may need to watch online tutorials to ensure that the job is done right.
A smart home is a great investment. Smart home products can help improve quality of life, save money on utilities and even increase home security. If you're a homeowner hoping to install smart home products, following these tips can help ensure that you'll be satisfied with your smart home installation.2018-04-04T06:52:00-07:002018-04-04T07:53:51-07:00Marc Rasmussen