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The buzz between the residents of Wesley Chapel is all about the up and coming retail scene that will soon be in full swing. Three major developments for mixed use retail space are well underway. The existing JCPenny on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. anchors the start of the 800,000 sq ft Shops at Wiregrass, which will soon include Dillard's and Macy's as the other main tenants. Many upscale stores like Pottery Barn, Crabtree & Evelyn, Williams-Sonoma, and Aveda are scheduled as well. With a variet... Read Full Post

Dramatic Price Drop! This perfectly maintained, corporate-owned home in New Tampa's NO CDD neighborhood, Pebble Creek Village, has just been reduced over $30K! This home is truly spectacular with clean, neutral colors throughout, an open and spacious floorplan and enclosed pool, all on a huge corner conservation lot. The side garage entry adds to the inviting curb appeal and lends to the extra large and beautifully landscaped front yard. This three bedroom, two bath gem is just over 2000 sq f... Read Full Post

In the wake of the US dollar’s slide down the value scale, there’s been a lot of speculation that the dropping value of the dollar is likely to spur investing in the US real estate market (and foreign investment in the US in general, to be fair). While there’s some truth to the suggestion, there’s more truth to the fact that US real estate has always been an attractive investment for overseas investors. The relative stability of the US economy – which, despite the recent downturns i... Read Full Post

A couple of weeks back, I did a series of articles about ways to lessen your impact on the environment in three stages – easy, inexpensive things you can do right now, changes you might consider if you are remodeling or upgrading and ways to build green from the ground up. This week, I’ve pulled out some of the cash incentives offered by the federal and state government and by utility companies that can cut your costs if you decide to green your home or property. - Federal Incentives Ther... Read Full Post

The buzz in the building industry is all about being green, but there’s still an underlying belief that building green is expensive. In reality, green building practices often cost no more than conventional building practices, and often costs less up front. The real bonus comes in after you’re done with the building and all moved in. Most environmentally friendly building options are designed to reduce your use of energy – and that adds up to subtracting your energy and utility costs. H... Read Full Post

If you’re planning to renovate any time in the near future, it only makes sense to go for the greenest options available. When you take the environment into account, your renovations and improvements will be good for you AND good for our world. Greenovating adds value to your home in a number of ways. Here are five good reasons for greenovating instead of just renovating. Stay ahead of the curve. It’s not a matter of keeping up with the Joneses anymore. Over the past few decades, the fede... Read Full Post

With the world population scheduled to hit 7 billion people in 2011, it’s getting more and more clear that we all have to do what we can to reduce our impact on the environment that supports us all. Over the next three weeks, here and on my Tampa Real Estate Blog, I’ll be talking about ways that your family can help save energy and reduce its impact on the environment. This week, I’ve offered some suggestions for little changes you can make in your home and your daily life. These things... Read Full Post

Having trouble selling your house? A little ancient wisdom might help – and it certainly won’t hurt. Feng Shui Front Door Tips Any Realtor can tell you that most houses are sold before the buyers ever step through the front door. We talk about “curb appeal”. Feng shui consultants talk about making your house welcoming to chi. Many of the tips that feng shui consultants will give you to help your home seem more welcoming are similar to those that Realtor’s will suggest to increase yo... Read Full Post

Given the current state of the mortgage industry, the days of no money down and poor credit loans are all but gone. With that in mind I just completed a series of good articles on my Tampa Real Estate Blog with information on building your credit score and saving for a down payment. The first article, The Credit Fixer Upper – 6 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score, provides practical advice on how to improve a poor credit score. Learn how to get a free copy of your credit report, dispute error... Read Full Post

There is a good article in today’s Wall Street Journal on the Libor, London interbank offered rate. Why should you be concerned? Many adjustable rates mortgages (ARM) here in the U.S. are indexed to the Libor and despite the Federal Reserve’s recent cut in short term rates, the Libor has continued to rise. The article gives a great explanation on why the Libor has continued to rise and what the consequences might be. If you have an ARM that’s indexed to the Libor, it’s definitely wort... Read Full Post