neighborhoods

Things to Know about Your Neighborhood

October 10, 2012 by Lance Mohr

If you are a sports fan that enjoys catching a big game on big screen TV with other fans around you, the community clubhouse is one reason for you to consider purchasing one of the homes in Seven Oaks. Those that enjoy quiet walks and seeing spectacular scenery along the way will find that opportunity, as well. Located in Pasco County, Seven Oaks covers 2500 acres of homes, parks and nature preserves.

Those, of course, are good things to know, but there are other important things to know about your neighborhood, whether it is where you live now or one of the areas of real estate in Tampa Bay you are considering for a move.

One thing, for example, is a library and the hours and books on hand. The New River Library serves homes in Wesley Chapel, of which Seven Oaks is a part, and Zephyrhills. The quality and number of books, as well as hours of operation, is very good. Libraries provide free internet service and a variety of reading material to enhance reading skills and knowledge of residents of all ages.

Shopping for groceries, sundries, clothing and accessories should be easily accessible. Residents will find a variety of stores nearby, including Target, Publix, Walmart, JC Penney and Macys. Shipping packages is convenient with the UPS store.

Imagine the delight of enthusiasts who only need to travel about 30 miles to see three pro teams during their respective seasons. Football features the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while baseball provides games from the Tampa Bay Rays. For hockey fans, the Tampa Bay Lightning, winners of the 2004 Stanley Cup, conducts its home games at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Of course, living in Florida requires that you know where the closest public golf course is so you can either direct or accompany friends and relatives that come to visit. Located off Bruce B. Downs Boulevard is Pebble Creek Golf Club, a nice 18-hole public course with challenging play and beautiful scenery.

All of the above are excellent things to know about this neighborhood.

Great Living Abounds in Live Oak Preserve

September 1, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Like many other cities across the world, the Tampa area is much larger than it looks. Towns, communities and neighborhoods within the greater Tampa area spill into other counties, but retain their roots with this beautiful Florida area. There is still area to build and architectural designs to make each section beautiful, such as the homes in Tampa Palms.

Tampa Palms covers more than 7,000 acres and is the largest community in New Tampa. Forty-five lakes (ponds) and 3,500 acres of nature preserves provide residents the opportunity to enjoy outdoor adventure close to home. River Park provides quick access to the Hillsborough River and additional recreational activities. Traditional native plants and newly-adapted flowers, trees and shrubs produce incredible landscaping that captures the attention of neighbors and passersby. Stylish townhomes and apartments complement the single-family houses and assorted custom estates. Gated villages reduce traffic through the area.

Subdivisions frequently develop a style and atmosphere of their own. There are a number of different styles of homes throughout New Tampa, setting up different environments from which potential homeowners can choose. Family friendly neighborhoods near the center of New Tampa include homes in Live Oak Preserve. That particular community covers 1,300 acres. Designed to provide the active lifestyle preferred by families in the area, the century-old oak trees emphasize the outdoor beauty of Florida. Located within Hillsborough County, it is bounded by County Line Road and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard (BBD).

Neighborhoods within Live Oak Preserve carry theme names based on wood, like Cedarwood and Laurel Oak. Besides the impressive oak trees, wildlife and ponds provide scenery. There are 362 acres of wetland preserves, offering the opportunity to explore the wilderness close to home. Schools in this area are highly rated. There is no need to leave the community to reach a park, school or even another village. Wide sidewalks and private roads connect each area, providing additional safety while traveling or getting in daily exercise.

The clubhouse is truly impressive with its resort-style pool and children's playground. Play basketball or tennis to your heart's content on the well-constructed courts. The workout center is equipped with state of the art equipment. Wiregrass Ranch Mall is just minutes away, providing a variety of shopping and other mall conveniences. Enjoy a picnic at one of the local parks or treat yourself to a special meal at one of the restaurants in this beautiful part of Florida.

Interesting Living in Carrollwood Homes

July 1, 2012 by Lance Mohr

One of the most respected planned communities in the Tampa Bay, Carrollwood lies north of downtown Tampa. Located in Hillsborough County, the development started in the 1960s with a theme of quality and upscale living. Condos and townhomes vie with the stylish homes built throughout the neighborhoods, as they have maintained their appeal even as they mature into classic beauty. The large lots, lakes and beautiful landscaping provide the feeling of home and elegance.

Travel by Car
One of the most focused words in real estate is location, and the Carrollwood area displays that feature. Public transportation consists of busses which stop along the main roads, but do not travel back into the neighborhoods. Locals find traveling by car is much easier and quite a bit faster. The main thoroughfares lead to Dale Mabry, which connects to Veteran’s Expressway or Fletcher and Gunn, which head towards I-275 and a great commute to the University of South Florida, about seven miles away, or downtown Tampa.

Things to Do
Centralized community planning provides schools, sports and activities within the area of Carrollwood. The Lake Magdalene neighborhood hosts the Carrollwood Cultural Center, which is a 26,000 square-foot building. Residents will find activities for children and adults of all ages, including a computer lab and dance floor. There is also an on-site gallery, art studios, and a main stage.

Individual exploration and the building of a sense of community add to the success of the center. Musical events consist of performances such as ballet and jazz concerts. Participation in yoga and ceramics classes offers the opportunity to spend some quality time with physical fitness, relaxation, and art. Book clubs and classes in foreign language encourage shared learning.

Lighter entertainment is found at the Side Splitters Comedy Club, where some of the top names in comedy can be seen while guests enjoy great food and company. The club sponsors an Open Mic program, offering would-be comedians and comediennes an opportunity to try their skills in front of a live audience.

Shopping is close by, including stores such as Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot. A variety of eating establishments offer a choice of good food and a pleasant way to relax during the day or after work. Discover a bargain price on short sale homes and grab the opportunity to live in a Carrollwood neighborhood.

Prime Communities in Lutz, Florida

June 16, 2012 by Lance Mohr

Did you know that Lutz started as a train depot used to ferry construction material from Tampa to Brooksville? Lutz was named after William Lutz, the person behind the construction of the train depot. Since the inception of the train depot, Lutz has continued to grow as a result of people moving from the rural communities in search for new homes in Tampa. However, many people have found a home and settled in Lutz. Examples of people who live in Lutz communitiess include Batista, the wrestler, and Busanky, the supervisor of elections in 2008. Prices of homes in Lutz neighborhoods vary with the median price being calculated at US $330,000. Here are the prime neighborhoods/communities in Lutz:

Cheval West Village

The Cheval West Village is a prime Lutz neighborhood covering an area of 1.44 square miles. It has a population of approximately 1,330, with a combination of White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian communities. According to CityData.com, the median age of this neighborhood is 21.5 years meaning that most people are youth. 47% of the people are married with 20% of those married having children. The average estimated value of a house in Cheval West Village is US $436,000.

Cheval East Bordeaux

The Cheval East Bordeaux is a gated golf course community in the Lutz neighborhood. This neighborhood covers an area of 0.12 square miles with a population of approximately 77. This population consists of White, Hispanic, and Asian communities. The median household income of the people living in the Cheval East Bordeaux is US $138,000, and the approximated value of a detached house is US $890,000.

Heritage Harbor

According to AgentArchive.com, Heritage Harbor in Lutz, has a population of about 1600 people per square mile. 47% of these households have children, with the average household having three people. Most houses, about 72%, in this neighborhood are owned with the rest being vacant. The median price of a house as of December 2011 was US $215,000.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a house in Tampa, you may consider Lutz. Prime locations in this city include the Cheval and Heritage Harbor.

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.

Down Payment Assistance Program – Neighborhood LIFTSM

June 9, 2012 by Lance Mohr

For a limited time, if eligible, you can receive up to $15,000 for down payment assistance for the purchase of a primary, owner-occupied residence in the city of Tampa. This amount you receive from the program is fully forgivable after you live in the home for five years.

Who can qualify?

The program is available if you are approved for home financing and your household income is equal to or less than 120% of the area median income. Whether this is your first home or you are ready to buy again, there are a number of homebuyer education requirements that must be completed prior to the home purchase.

Program description

• Up to $15,000 for down payment assistance for the purchase of a primary, owner-occupied residence in the city of Tampa.
• Program is administered through NeighborWorks America and its affiliates. [Read more…]

Create a Sustainable Lifestyle with Tampa Foreclosures

October 30, 2008 by Lance Mohr

With its warm weather, great year-round access to beaches and natural amenities plus an abundant supply of foreclosures available for purchase, real estate might be the perfect ticket to creating a long term sustainable lifestyle.

Whether you are committed to reducing your carbon footprint or simply want to lower your cost of living, foreclosures in Tampa Bay offer a low cost lifestyle that is simply impossible in other cold weather climates. Save money, enjoy life in the fun and sun of Tampa Florida with these quick tips:

1. Convenience. Tampa is often considered a sprawling city but with a little advance planning it is possible to dramatically reduce the driving (and cost) required to commute across town. Simply search for neighborhoods near the bus route, major shopping/grocery plaza, schools and other amenities. Car pooling or taking public transportation just one day per week can make a big impact on your budget plus, living near everything means you spend less when you drive.

2. Go Green. Plant a garden and grow your own healthy organic foods year-round. With its sub-tropical climate and mild winters, Tampa is a gardeners delight! Everything from fruit trees to traditional vegetables can be grown nearly year-round. But the benefits don’t stop there. Cut your costs even more by tapping into environmentally friendly products for your home. Florida is known for sunshine so consider investing in alternative energy sources like solar power to heat your pool or back-up the house. Energy efficient appliances, weatherization and updated LED lights are also great way to save money. Investing in ceiling fans is another easy and inexpensive way to reduce utility costs.

3. Think Newer. Tampa foreclosures are a fantastic way to save money on the cost of a home and eliminate many common costs associated with older homes. For example, newer homes need fewer repairs, less maintenance, are often located in the most convenient areas and take advantage of the most up to date building codes, weatherization and energy efficient products available. In fact, newer homes may even cost less to insure especially compared to older homes with old wiring, plumbing or other problems.

Prices might be rising and the economic outlook appears downright dangerous but for those in the know, Tampa foreclosures are an affordable way to create a sustainable life you will love. No state incomes taxes, year-round sunshine, affordable housing and more choices than ever make the Tampa lifestyle on you can live with for years to come.

Most Annoying Hidden Home Defects

October 25, 2008 by Lance Mohr

Almost every Tampa home buyer knows how to keep an eye out for the most major defects when making an offer to purchase a home; roof repairs, electric problems and worn-out carpets can add thousands of dollars in out of pocket expenses. Unfortunately, some of the most annoying hidden home defects are not the ones likely to show up on an inspection report. ..in fact, many have little to do with the house at all.

Find out the REAL reason many Tampa home sellers want out of their home then use it as a negotiation tool. Remember, value is in the eye of the beholder and what bugs one buyer may not be a problem for another whatsoever.

1. Noise. If a home sits adjacent to a rail-road track then chances are you have already noticed the noise but some sources of noise pollution are much more difficult to spot; from jet planes flying overhead en route to Tampa International to a bus stop in front of the house, find out what the noise level is likely to be in the new home before making a final offer. On the other hand, if you are relocating from New York or LA then the level of noise in most Tampa, FL neighborhoods is probably easy on the ears and might allow you to make a competitive offer on an otherwise higher priced home.

2. The Neighbors. Sometimes perfectly wonderful people just don’t see eye-to-eye. The NASCAR fan who likes to work on engines every weekend might have little in common with the elderly couple who want plenty of peace and quiet. Those little personality differences can lead to big price reductions.

3. Bad Schools. Retirees and others without children can easily save an average of ten percent or more by buying a home with less than stellar schools.

4. Homeowners Associations. The democratic nature of most HOA’s occasionally creates a situation where the majority vote for rules that conflict with the personal goals of specific condo or home owners. Finding a disgruntled owner is an easy way to find instant equity when buying your own condo in Tampa.

5. High Utilities, Taxes and Insurance. Despite a cap on owner-occupied homes, the rising rate of taxes, insurance and other utilities can create a burden on fixed-income Tampa homeowners.

6. Size Matters. Sometimes a home simply doesn’t fit any longer; Baby Boomers without children at home increasingly find a large home is more than they need while others just getting started with a new family might need more space to fit a growing family.

We are experts in the Tampa home buying process – whether you are looking at waterfront condos or homes for sale in Tampa.

The 21st Century Ghost Town: The Aftermath of Bankrupt Developers

January 8, 2008 by Lance Mohr

As you go about the process of shopping for a home, you likely are finding yourself looking at newer developments. Depending on where you live in the Tampa area, you likely have found yourself considering homesin new developments. When it comes to considering purchasing residential Tampa real estate in a new development, there are some considerations that you need to keep in mind.

If you are looking at making the purchase of a home in a new development in the Tampa Bay area, it is crucial that you take the time to find out everything you can about the financial stability of the developer itself. You need to make certain that you only consider making a home purchase in a Tampa real estate development that is being created and developed by a reputable developer that is on a sound financial footing.

The underlying reason that you need to make certain that you only consider making a purchase of a residence in a development being built by a financially sound developer rests in the fact that doing otherwise can have dire consequences. As referenced previously, some financially unsound developments actually are becoming 21st century ghost towns.

What happens when a developer goes belly up during course of development is that the development itself ends up being incomplete. For example, if you make the purchase of a home in such an unstable and financially insecure development, you can end up having partially built homes on your block and in your neighborhood … forever. You can end up with unfinished streets, holes where swimming pools were to be constructed. In short, you can end up living in a development that has ever decreasing property values because of the unfinished nature of the neighborhoods and so forth. Your residential real estate purchase can start dropping in value causing a real disaster for you even beyond the cosmetic appearance of your neighborhood.

At the present time, these financially unstable developments are not widespread in the Tampa Bay area. However, they do exist and they are more common today than they were even a few years ago. Moreover, this is a trend that is spreading across some of the Sunshine State at this point in time. Additionally, in many major U.S. cities, the contemporary ghost town effect is becoming more prevalent all of the time.

One step that you can take to ensure that you are only seeking to purchase a home in a financially stable development is to retain the services of a qualified and reputable Tampa Realtor. You will find that by hiring a Tampa Bay Realtor you will have access to all of the information you will need in regard to which developments are financially stable and which developments are ones in which you seriously consider making the purchase of your home.

Pricing Your Home for Sale

December 21, 2007 by Lance Mohr

One of the more challenging tasks that needs to be undertaken before you put your home onto the Tampa Bay real estate market is the pricing of your home. With this in mind, there are some steps that you need to take in order to ensure that you price your home most appropriately when you bring it onto the market for sale.

The most fundamental and important step that you need to take when it comes to pricing your home for sale is to get an appraisal of your home. There are some very reputable certified appraisers in business today in the Tampa and Tampa Bay areas. You will want to make certain that you do utilize the services of a certified appraiser who has developed a reputation for providing solid valuations in the community.

In addition, you will want to review comparables when it comes to pricing your home in advance of putting it on the market. In the simplest of terms, comparables are the values assigned to similarly situated homes in proximity to where your own residence is located. In other words, you are looking at what values have been assigned to homes or properties like your own. It is rather like comparison shopping on some level.

You will also want to take the time to look at the prices that have been placed on homes that are similar to your own in your area that have not sold (active and pending homes for sale). You can glean information through this process about prices that might in fact be too high for certain types of properties in your neighborhood. While you certainly want to set an appropriate sales price for your residence, you do not want that price to be too high so that your property ends up stuck on the market unsold.

You may also want to consider undertaking a square foot calculation to determine a sales price for your home. In other words, you will want to consider the square footage of your residence and comparable properties. You will want to analyze what sales prices have been assigned to these other comparable residences. Through this process, you will be able to come up with a sales price for your own property. You will need to do this not only on sold but active and pending homes for sale.

Of course, when it comes selling your home, you need to remain flexible. You may come up with a sales price in the first instance; however, you need to pay attention to market trends to make certain that the offering price remains appropriate to the circumstances that prevail at any given point in time.

Now more than ever it is vitally important to select a qualified Realtor to represent you in the sale of your home. I would like to be that Realtor.

Find Your Perfect Home

Lance Mohr & Team