Calum's Blog: All Categories

We were coming home from my Son's soccer game yesterday and as we were driving through the community I happened to see this Florida Bobcat out of the corner of my eye.  At first I thought it was a Florida Panther, which would have been a very rare citing, but after a little internet research, I think its tail is too short for a Florida Panther. 

Luckily I had my camera with me, I only wish I had a little better zoom lens.  This shot is a little grainy because I had to enlarge it a bit.

This was only about 100 yards from the Arbor Greene Clubhouse and after I took the picture the cat just sat under the bushes, totally ignoring the five or six cars that had now stopped in the street to check him out.  I actually drove off before he decided to move… Read Full Post

Homeowner’s insurance rates might be about to increase in Florida, but there are several ways you may be able to save on your premiums and offset the increase. Reviewing your policy, the carrier you’re insured with, and some key aspects of your home can cut hundreds of dollars off your annual premiums.

The good news is, doing just one or two of these things can save you a decent amount of money. Increasing your deductible, for example, is a good way to save on almost all types of insurance, but it can be even more effective when you’re insuring an asset as large as your home.   Easy ways to save include choosing the right insurance carrier, and working with your agent to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. It might be tempting to shop for… Read Full Post

Moderate income residents of some Florida suburbs can qualify for a USDA-backed home loan that allows them to obtain a mortgage without the need for a down payment. If you live in Land O’ Lakes, New Tampa, or Wesley Chapel or would like to relocate to one of those areas, you need to read this article—especially if the lack of a down payment is the one thing that’s holding you back from getting a home loan.

 

The USDA guaranteed loan program is designed to help you get a home loan if you can afford the monthly repayments, but don’t have the down payment you need to qualify for rates you can afford. With reasonable thirty-year fixed interest rates and no need for private mortgage insurance, the USDA-backed rural home loan is a fantastic option if you live…

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“Shopping”, is the word in Wesley Chapel in 2008. The 2007 Wesley Chapel real estate statistics have not deterred three new major retail centers in Wesley Chapel. See Wesley Chapel Shoppers Are You Ready?

The 2007 Wesley Chapel real estate sales mirror the overall Florida market with overall sales down 21.4% and the median home price down 11.6% . The lowest price home sold in 2007 was a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in Timber Lake Estates. The highest priced home sold was a 5,500 square foot home located in Saddlebrook.

There are currently 981 active listings in Wesley Chapel and there are a number of great deals. Some of the best deals right now are bank owned properties, they are priced right and, unlike many of the short sales, the banks are looking to close…

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I’m a little late with my 2007 real estate reports, but it’s been busy start to 2008. So although the 2007 report doesn't look good, let’s hope this recent activity bodes well for 2008. Below are the statistics for the 2007 New Tampa real estate market, which covers all single-family home, tonwhomes, villas, and condo sales in the 33647 zip code. 

The big news in New Tampa in 2007, was construction began on the Bruce B. Downs fly-over to I-75 South. The newly constructed fly-over when complete, will allow New Tampa residents to more safely and efficiently merge onto I-75 South, so those morning rush hour traffic jams will soon be a distant memory. Okay, maybe that’s wishful thinking, but it should be a little better and a lot safer.

Onto the 2007 stats,…

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A new website, www.FloridaPerforms.com, has been designed as promised by Governor Charlie Crist to better inform Florida’s residents on current events and to make it easier to access government contacts and information. The Governor hopes that this website will serve as a gateway from the public’s needs and wants to our officials who can act upon them. 

Data is complied from multiple resources, and useful links help Floridians easily and quickly find what they are seeking. Florida Performs provides all pertinent information pertaining to the current state of affairs, and touches on each issue with an explanation and suggested resolution, if there is one.    Governor Crist is very concerned about the state being informed as a whole, thus increasing… Read Full Post

As you may have noticed, over the past few years there have been massive high-rise condo developments underway in the Channelside District of downtown Tampa Bay. Unfortunately for many of the investors, the sales of the multiple units have not exceeded expectations- by a long shot. 

Even more regrettable is Towers of Channelside LLC, a developer who built a pair of 29-story luxury condos, has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to slow sales, only 89 of the 257 available units have been sold, combined with the fact their lender, Wachovia, won't release anymore money.    According to U.S. Bankruptcy Court documents, the company’s debt is between $50 million and $100 million, with assets between $100 million and $500 million; they currently owe… Read Full Post

 

The University of Florida regularly conducts studies regarding the population statistics and patterns in Florida. Through the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR), UF researchers have come to an important conclusion- that the so called “declining” population of our state has been intensely embellished. According to Stan Smith, director of the BEBR, recent news and media representation of the falling population numbers in Florida simply aren’t true.   In fact, the counties of Orange, Miami-Dade, and our own Hillsborough, are still flourishing with new residents regularly. Leading the state in terms of growth rates are Flagler, Sumter, and Osceola counties. Because of the state’s strong economy (compared to many other states in our region),… Read Full Post