Calum's Blog: All Categories

Beginning in 2007 households earning less than $100,000 annually will be able to take a full deduction on their private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI is typically required when a homeowner puts less than a 20% deposit down on their home.   This is obviously good news, especially for first time home buyers who often have a difficult time coming up with an initial deposit. In the Tampa real estate market where prices have risen dramatically in recent years, it’s difficult for many first time home buyers to save enough for a 20% deposit. First time home buyers interested in purchasing a home in Tampa can search the Tampa MLS here.   See the full story at Florida Association of Realtors. Read Full Post

Our new Tampa school search is now up and running. You can now search via map for the top area schools in Tampa Bay, check it out Tampa School Map Search.    I believe this is the first site that let’s you search for local schools via map, based on their Florida Grade. Our goal is to eventually incorporate private schools along with universities. Let us know what you think or what else you’d like to see incorporated. For those you not familiar with the Florida School Grading System, each year The Florida Department of Education grades Florida’s public schools on a scale of A, B, C, D, and F. The grades are based on a point system using the schools results on the FCAT tests. To learn more about this grading system visit the Florida Department… Read Full Post

Although the volume of sales are down in New Tampa, single family homes sales are down 33% year-to-date, prices continue to hold steady. The average single family home price in New Tampa, zip code 33647, in November 2006 was $399,464 which is actually a 2.25% increase over November 2005.    November 2006 No. of homes sold = 65 Average home price = $399,464 Median home price = $350,000 Average days on market = 69   November 2005 No. of homes sold = 94 Average home price = $390,686 Median home price = $339,950 Average days on market = 30 Read Full Post