condos

Overview of South Tampa Homes For Sale

August 29, 2014 by Lance Mohr

Hi everyone, I’m going to do an overview of South Tampa / South Tampa homes for sale. I do these videos to give potential home buyers a better understanding of the different area in and around Tampa, FL. I don’t believe Realtor should steer home buyer into an area just because they like it and live there. I like to tell customers about the different areas and let them make the decision for themselves. Of course, I will give my input based on our conversation. If you are looking to buy or view any South Tampa homes for sale please go to my South Tampa web page and get the most accurate information.

Below is the transcription of South Tampa Overview:

Hi everybody my name is Lance Mohr and I’m a real estate agent in Tampa, Florida and I’m going to do this overview to go over South Tampa and South Tampa homes for sale. I do these overviews to help people.

Most people who are going to be in South Tampa really know up front where they want to be. South Tampa, like any big city, this is the nucleus. This is where everything is. You just have a certain energy level in South Tampa that you don’t have further north or in the suburbs and people generally know that. Now most people, when they say South Tampa, they are really looking at everything from Kennedy which is just below Interstate 275. South of Kennedy you have everything such as restaurants, night clubs, car dealerships, convention center, waterfront homes and you are sitting right on the bay. Now one thing about the bay, it is not a place where you are going to go swimming. It’s brown murky water, but it can be beautiful. A lot of people who like really breathtaking sunsets are probably going to be more on the west side of the South Tampa. The east side is more Bayshore Blvd. and big huge high-rise condominiums overlooking the water. There are homes of every kind. There are little itty-bitty condos of 800 or 900 square feet, single family homes, all the way up to this huge McMansions sitting on the water, to penthouse condos. Like any major city, it is going to be expensive. You are paying for the area; location, location, location. That is why in areas like this they build up and they don’t build out. It is not too unusual for someone in an area to go and pay $200,000 for a home, rip the home down, and build a really big home there. You can pay $400,000 for just a lot in South Tampa or even more. You have some of them that are on Davis Island that are even more expensive than that.

If you are looking and you really liking that energy level and you really like to be in the action where everything is; South Tampa is a great place. It has condominiums, it has townhomes, it has a bunch of single-family homes. You can buy $150,000 home in South Tampa and two blocks away there are multi-million dollar homes. You can be in a multi-million dollar home and of course two blocks away there is a $200,000 home. So it just depends and there is always turnover in South Tampa. There are new homes, but predominantly you will find pre-owned homes. South Tampa pretty much started in the 1910s – 1920s, with all the cigarette factories from Cuba. South Tampa has a lot of vibe and a lot of things in the area and a lot of stuff to do. It is the nucleus of the city.

If you have any questions about the South Tampa homes for sale, the areas, anything around South Tampa don’t hesitate to give me a call. If you want to get information on school reports, crime reports it is all on my website Tampa2enjoy.com. Have a look at the lifestyle search and enter a zip code or an address and find out where the health clubs are, where the schools are, where the hospitals are. By the way on Davis Island which is in South Tampa, you have Tampa General which is known as one of the best hospitals in the country. I have a lot of great information on my website. Check it out; videos and how property taxes work, how short sales work, how bank-owned properties work, again if you have any questions on South Tampa, the condos, the homes for sale or any area in Tampa Bay don’t hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. I hope this helps you and I hope you have a great day. Thank you. I wish you the best of luck finding a South Tampa home for sale and I hope to hear from you.

Help Buyers See Your Home in a ‘New Light’

April 18, 2013 by Lance Mohr

There may be a lot you have already done to make your home presentable, but there is one more thing that can be done to make first impressions really last. Remember, the time for you to show your home is probably one of the most critical stages in house selling. The impression your potential buyer gets during the show will either increase or kill their interest. So what is this mysterious ‘thing’? Lighting.

Lighting can play tricks on the mind-enhance or minimize the room’s size, emphasize features and hide flaws. Using the right lighting can turn a room or even an entire house from looking average to extremely classy and desirable. The tricky part is how to use it. Experts recommend using high-hats or recessed down lights that have a control to go dim in every room. This allows you to adjust the effect according to the time of the day.

Make use of decorative lamps in rooms that are ‘boring’ so you can have an instantly dramatic effect with just a flick of a switch.

In your kitchen, use lights to focus on working areas such as the washing area or the stove.
Once you add a few lighting fixtures to your home, make sure that you leave them on. This simple addition may be the edge you need to compete with those expensive South Tampa condos everyone is after.

Be Prepared for Changes in the Purchase of Condominiums

October 6, 2012 by Lance Mohr

One of the biggest selling points about condominiums is the low-maintenance lifestyle that still provides the benefit of neighbors and social activities. From the typical one-bedroom of years ago, condos in Tampa and other areas have expanded to feature full-sized family rooms and kitchens, a laundry room, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.

Another reason for purchasing a condo is the price and easier qualifying for a mortgage. When home prices rose so high in the last decade, a number of people took advantage of the ability to qualify for lower-priced condos that offered most of the benefits of a single-family home. At the same time, the hours normally dedicated to yard work and outside maintenance were eliminated, freeing up time for other activities. Now that the economy is settling down, homeowners are considering refinancing to get a lower interest rate and do some upgrades, while others are thinking of purchasing a condo.

Fannie Mae recently announced changes effective October 20, 2012 that affect applicants in search of refinancing and condo buyers. At this time, extra paperwork to determine loan qualification is required when the down payment falls below10 percent. On October 20, the down payment criteria changes to less than 20 percent.

Additional documents required include a copy of master insurance policy and completion of a two-page condo questionnaire about the HOA finance goals. At the same time, Fannie Mae is cinching up the criteria that underwriters use to approve condo loans. As jobs were phased out, unemployed entrepreneurs went into business for themselves.

Now self-employed borrowers will need to provide tax returns for the past two years, rather than one, so underwriters can determine an average income. Those whose business has grown and is going strong may suffer from this analysis. The additional paperwork and financial analysis seem designed to deny, rather than approve, loan requests for condos.

For more information and available condos for sale in South Tampa visit Tampa2Enjoy.

Living The Life In Tampa. Florida

September 26, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Selecting a home is a big decision involving more than square footage and landscaping. Potential homeowners also consider accessibility of schools, grocery stores and medical centers for themselves and their pets. Taxes and HOA dues are considered before signing on the dotted line. Homes in Tampa and surrounding areas provide quite a few variables, with some master-planned communities delivering almost all the basic needs.

Communities in New Tampa feature some of the most unique designs in Hillsborough County. Properties in Live Oak Preserve are built across 1300 acres of prime property. It is a private gated community that includes wetland preserves, ponds and wildlife. There are over a dozen villages, including Royal Oak Village and Briarwood Village. Besides single family home villages, there is a townhome village. Live Oak Preserve is across from Wharton High School.

Only minutes from I-75 and I-275, Shops at Wiregrass and downtown Tampa are reached quickly. Driving to the University of South Florida is convenient, as is a venture to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The university provides excellent formal learning, while Busch Gardens provides wonderful informal learning opportunities in Tampa. Although Busch Gardens is open year-round, some attractions may be closed for scheduled maintenance. Check their website before you leave to be sure your favorite events and rides are open.

Enjoy seeing wild animals in a natural habitat. Cheetahs, meerkats, lemurs, hyenas, peacocks, and elephants are part of the wildlife found at Busch Gardens. Rescue and shelter animals deliver a wonder show, Critter Castaways, at the Bird Gardens Theatre. Children and adults delight in this presentation, bringing about a greater respect for those creatures who share the world with humans.

Children and teachers also benefit from staff expertise. The Gardens offer a structured program called Zoo School. Wild places and wildlife are better understood by each class that participates. Teachers can participate in an expo to learn about the educational resources for students. An informal overnight session with other Florida teachers provides the opportunity to plan comprehensive classes and better student participation. Youth summer camps are also available and quickly filled with participants.

These informal classes point out that choosing a proper location and home is important to every living being on Earth. Just as some people choose to live in tall waterfront condos in Tampa or oak-covered areas in Wesley Chapel, so do the animals know what is best for their well-being and survival.

Condos in South Tampa

July 30, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Not everyone wants to own a single-family home or a stylish mansion. Many people want to own their own residence, however. The tasteful and varied fashion and convenience of condos in South Tampa creates a great alternative choice for those potential owners. What are some of the most-desired features in this type of living for singles and families?

Safety
There is safety in numbers and with others living around you, there is a welcome feeling when you get home at the end of the day. Lights are shining from windows, casting a cheerful glow as you make your way to the level your home is on. Perhaps you purchased one of the high-rise condos that overlooks the waterfront, providing you with an upfront view of the sunrise in the morning or the lovely sunset across the Gulf in the late afternoon. Either way, other property owners are making their way to their place and giving a good feeling of security.

Features
Not everyone has experienced condo life. One of the ideal things about condos in Tampa is that there is one for nearly every type of person or family. High-rise or just two or three-story buildings are beautiful with faux-brick or stucco exteriors. Some have that Florida type of structure, while others resemble old Victorian homes. Garages and covered parking areas offer convenience to residents and visitors.

People who own condos and its surrounding areas want the same conveniences that others expect in their homes. One bath, one bedroom condos are available, of course, but many opt for the larger two and three bedroom condos with two baths, ranging in size from 1100 to 1700 square feet. Paneled walls, plenty of cupboard space and granite countertops in the kitchen area are features that provide quality living at both economical and upscale prices.

The biggest feature of condo living is the elimination of yard work, which is handled by an outside agency. You know your yard will always look nice and be in compliance with any local ordinances. Outside maintenance is taken care of, leaving you more time to enjoy the convenience of living in this beautiful part of Florida. Take in an NFL game, attend the races, head to the beach for some sailing, or do one of hundreds of other things that prove what a wise choice you made selecting the Tampa area for your residence.

Exploring Ybor City in Tampa, Florida

July 13, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Both families and single people are moving to the Tampa area to take advantage of South Tampa waterfront condos for sale. Once the first week of settling into a new home, job and lifestyle is over, give yourself a short break. Participate in some rest and relaxation while pursuing a day trip in Tampa. The history and culture of this section of Florida is influenced by the natives, past explorers and visitors from around the world. That, in turn, provides a number of opportunities to become familiar with the city and its background.

Proximity to a navigable bay and the ocean is a significant part of Tampa’s growth. One of the intriguing day trips from Tampa is to Ybor City. Vicente Martinez-Ybor, born in Spain, was a respected cigar manufacturer in Cuba. He moved the business to Key West, but was not satisfied with the results. A friend advised him to inspect Tampa as a probable site, which he did. After considering several areas in the South, it was decided that the warm Tampa climate was ideal for cultivating the tobacco. In addition, Tampa already had an established port and railroad.

In 1885, Ybor received assistance from the Tampa Board of Trade as they helped broker a land purchase. The forty acres was a start, but Ybor purchased even more and started developing Ybor City. More than 3,000 workers came to continue the tradition of quality cigars. The Pedroso family was among them, living at the corner of 13th Street and 8th Avenue. The Jose Marti Park is on this property. Soil from every province of Cuba is within the park, and the Cuban government owns the title to the land. A marker is evident, although few remember to read and realize they are standing on Cuban soil without leaving the United States.

Ybor City now delivers the flavor of a bygone era to visitors. Both a streetcar and walking tour are available to learn about the industry and families from that time. Delightful restaurants feature Italian, Cuban or Columbian cuisine. It is a welcome tour for both children and adults, as it demonstrates the importance of selecting the right area to establish both home and business.

Getting Better Deals with Condos

June 12, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Finding an interesting neighborhood in Tampa to settle in is easy, but finding the right high-rise condo home has become more challenging. The projected growth of residential development in Tampa, Florida opened more housing opportunities for families like yours. One by one, FHA approved buildings are breaking ground, opening new listings for condos for sale in Tampa. Acres and acres of residential and retail towers bordered by the Jefferson and Whiting Streets as well as the southeast corner of the Morgan and Whiting streets are underway. With more condominiums on the rise, you and your family will be facing a lot of options in living within the busy district of this rising new community.

When more condo units are under construction, stricter rules made Florida condo mortgages difficult to manage. To solve this financing problem, condo unit mortgages are now backed and owned by the building developer or building company. Even if this move resulted to big down payments, this somehow traded strict mortgage rules with simpler mortgage rules.

Are you hunting for great deals on condos for sale? Then you must be wary about choosing which unit to settle in. Buyers of condo units from troubled developers and companies, including those with high share of borrowers and those that fail to meet association dues, are bound to deal with a huge mortgage nightmare. It would be a smart move to take the time to do your research to make sure that the unit you are considering to buy is in a sufficiently stable building – a buildings that meets the standards, which institute every review of Tampa condos.

Take a Look at New Downtown Tampa Condos

May 28, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Trendy and urban Tampa neighborhoods are now on the rise. With Tampa condos, living within walking distance of the community’s busiest spots has been made possible. Imagine living where everything happens. Right at that corner is your favorite shopping mall, which is only a few steps away from your office. Having the leisure of walking through the park while going home from work or fetching the kids from school makes these living abode most inviting. Turning great architectural works into modern homes have become most profitable in this part of sunny Florida. Combining the essence of city vibe into suburban quiet family homes has never been made this exciting.

A few years ago, today’s busy Tampa districts were practically ghost towns. Thanks to the community’s supportive financing and strategic real estate projects, this once boring suburban community evolved into a modern yet family-friendly community. Condo projects approved by the FHA have created homes for thousands of families who saw the convenience and practicality of living in Tampa. Apparently, the list for either rental or condos for sale have become very limited. This only shows that more and more families are beginning to come to Florida and change their address to Tampa. [Read more…]

South Tampa Homes for Sale

August 8, 2010 by Lance Mohr

Whether you are looking for homes for sale in South Tampa or condos you basically have everything down there. If you are a first time home buyer, you could find homes for $100,000, $150,000, granted they are going to be very small and older but you could definitely find them if you want to live down there.

Also if you are looking for luxury homes in Tampa, there are just tons of luxury home communities, areas like Westshore Yacht Club, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, Beach Park, Sunset Park, and Culbreath Isles. When it comes to condominiums whether you want to be over in the Channelside area or you want to be in Harbor Island or if you want to be in Bayshore, there are just a string of high-rise condominiums and very, very luxurious condominiums on Bayshore that have both the city and the ocean view.

The downfall about South Tampa and it is like this in any downtown area, it is very expensive for what you get, because keep in mind this is the nucleus of the city and the lots are expensive. Give Hyde Park for example, if they are in Hyde Park and it is a little teeny home usually someone will buy that home, rip it right out of the ground and build a mansion there because the land is so valuable. If you buy a home for $120,000 you have to understand the land is the major value not the home. There is also a community hospital; Tampa General is on Davis Island which is real convenient. There are some little parks there; there are all kinds of shopping and restaurants, there is just everything. As far as downtown areas go and all of South Tampa the downtown area in Tampa is relatively nice. Unlike a lot of cities out there that have a lot of people sleeping on the street, a lot of homeless people, there is not a lot of that in Downtown Tampa. So it makes for a really nice option for people who want to live there.

Like I said, the biggest problem is, you are not going to get nearly the bang for your buck in the South Tampa area or communities that you will a little further north, south, or east. You are going to get a lot more bang for your buck. In areas like New Tampa, Westchase, or Riverview.

Should You Buy Tampa Condos? Something to Think About

July 5, 2010 by Lance Mohr

Should I buy a condo? That is a question I have been getting a lot of. Now, I cannot speak for the rest of the country, though I would imagine a lot of them are in the same situation that the Tampa real estate market place is in. A lot of it is going to depend where you are buying, are you buying a condo in South Tampa, are you buying a New Tampa condo, a Riverview condo, or are you buying a Tampa waterfront condo, big difference.

First, let me say it this way, condos right now are very risky unless you are on the water and here is why. A couple years ago private mortgage insurance companies pulled out of Florida, so anybody who is buying a condo now pretty much has to put down 20%. Now, if you are on the water along Bayshore and other areas in South Tampa you are usually going to be okay because those are expensive condos. A lot of people that are buying them are putting down 20%, but the majority of people that are buying condos are having to pay cash or they are wanting to pay cash. Well here is the problem with condos; first a lot of the condominiums were conversions out there. Now, I am not talking about the condos that are in South Tampa or Bayshore in the really old complexes, but some of the newer complexes whether they are ten or twenty years old a lot of them were conversions. The problem with that is when they were originally built they were not built to meet FHA or HUD and VA guidelines, so they were not approved by HUD and VA. So if they were not approved by HUD and VA if a buyer is getting a FHA or a VA loan they cannot buy the condominium. Now because private mortgage insurance companies pulled out you have to put down 20% and a lot of people just do not have that 20% to put down.

There are also a lot of criteria that you are just not getting with single-family homes. You could check this out with your lender. These are general underwriting guideline rules from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, each lender may be a little bit different, but you cannot have over 40% investors. So if some of these out there are 40%, 45%, 50%, 60% rentals or investment they are not going to make a loan on it. If people are not paying their homeowners association dues and a lot of them are at 15%. So if over 15% are not paying their homeowners association dues you are going to have a problem there as well. The lender is not going to loan on it. It has to have proper insurance, if it does not, the lender is not going to loan on it.

The other problem is a lot of these are short sales, a lot of people are in very dire straits to get rid of the home and they are not properly disclosing things. The other thing I would check out and make sure if you are looking into a condominium then definitely call the management company, see if you could befriend someone over there, see if there is any litigation. Because a lot of companies who owned the condos in Tampa and I know throughout Florida and a lot of other areas, they were dilapidating, they did a condo conversion, they sold them, and now they are in litigation or they are just falling apart.

So definitely make sure you have your ducks in a row, pick someone who really understands condominiums. I really do not work a lot of condominiums; I will work the ones by the water and in more affluent areas only because they are the ones that are selling. A lot of the other ones, there is just a lot of liability out there for the real estate agent. I always tell the buyer they really have to do their do diligence when looking for a condominium. So, I would definitely say hire a real estate agent that understands and knows condos and hopefully this helps.

Again, if you are looking for the Tampa waterfront condos your going to be in a lot better situation or the luxury condos in Tampa your going to be in a good situation there as well. It is a lot of these in the lower end that are having all the problems.

I hope this helps you, and I hope you have a great day. So if you have any questions, feel free to get a hold of us at www.tampa2enjoy.com. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you have. We specialize in South Tampa, FL waterfront condos.

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