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Posts tagged florida

It’s Now Cheaper to Own, than Rent

Nov29
2011
Leave a Comment Written by Dan

With interest rates hovering around the 4% mark on a 30-year fixed mortgage, owning a home has become cheaper than renting in 12 metropolitan areas, including Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago.

The Wall Street Journal states, “Home prices and mortgage rates have fallen so far that the monthly cost of owning a home is more affordable than at any point in the past 15 years and is less expensive than renting in a growing number of cities.”

Inventories of existing homes have begun to drop. Miami alone saw a 50% drop in their available inventory. South Florida has become a focal point for Northerners who are looking for a warmer climate, or Canadian property investors looking for homes to rent season to season.

Other areas where renting is becoming more expensive than home ownership include Jacksonville, Phoenix, Tampa and Las Vegas. All these areas are primed to see an increase in property sales and real estate values.

Although finding a buyer may not be as simple as it was five years ago, the recent figures show that people are looking for properties. The more properties sell, the higher property values will go. Listing a property now may gain you a buyer quicker than you think.

Posted in Market News, Press - Tagged chicago, jacksonville, miami, rent or own, rent vs own, tampa
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Featured City: Deltona, FL

Jun22
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

Deltona

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s City: Deltona, FL

Thinking of buying a home in Deltona? Located in the heart of southwestern Volusia County, Deltona is a principle city in Florida’s Fun Coast. Diverse in its cultural makeup, this dynamic community has about 90,000 residents according to the city’s official website.

Not only does Deltona offer a city website but also a 24-hour government-access T.V. channel (DTV) through Channel 199 on BrightHouse Networks and an Emergency Radio Station at 1610 AM. The WebPage, DTV channel and radio station offer a multitude of opportunities to stay informed about activities and issues throughout Deltona!

    Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Deltona!

  • $350K: 4 BDRMS, 3 BATH Cul-De-Sac Ranch on 1.5 Acres
  • $264,900: 4 BDRMS, 2 BATH Waterfront Cul-De-Sac Home in Master-Planned Community
  • $180K: 2 BDRM, 2 BATH Updated Ranch on Spacious Corner Lot
  • $124,900: 3 BDRM, 2 BATH Well-Maintained Home with Fenced Yard

Image credit: RealEstate.AOL.com

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, buying a home in deltona, buying a home in florida, deltona, florida real estate, profiled communities, real estate
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Florida Home Prices Dropping

Jun18
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

florida

According to a recent article at HousingWatch.com, Florida house prices are dropping, even in the state’s most expensive city: Key West.

What was once an impossible location for many buyers in the Sunshine State has become surprisingly attainable. A Miami Herald article cites a couple who “paid $157,000 for the foreclosure that an investor bought in 2004 for $370,000 and in 2006 was appraised for $463,000.”

So while it’s true these numbers reflect problems in the market, it’s also true that they offer good news for those looking to make the most of the downturn.

    For a few currently for-sale homes in Key West, check out these listing:

  • $375K: Vacant waterfront lot
  • $350K: ROGO exempt buildable waterfront lot
  • $132,900: Beautiful condo in adult community, 5 minutes from Key West

And for abundant listings throughout Florida and other states, head over to BuyOwner.com and begin searching!

Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas - Tagged home ownership, real estate, real estate market
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Featured City: Bradenton, FL

Jun15
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Bradenton

Today’s featured city: Bradenton, FL!

Located along U.S. 41 between Tampa and Sarasota, Bradenton is a beautiful Florida community loaded with waterways, bordered on the north by the Manatee River and separated from the outer barrier islands of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key by the Intracoastal. Enjoy beaches, water sports, boating and more! Plus, this area also features several golf courses.

Cultural attractions in Bradenton include Riverfront Theatre, the South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium, Parker Manatee Aquarium, ArtCenter Manatee and Village of the Arts, a neighborhood that’s specifically designated for residents to live and work in their homes. The Myakka River State Park is just seven miles east of Sarasota and

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Bradenton!

  • $479K: 3-bedroom, 2-bath pool home in country club community
  • $395K: 3-bedroom, 2-bath lakefront home with pool/lanai
  • $239K: 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in pristine community
  • $65,500: 2-bedroom, 2-bath fully furnished & remodeled condo

Image Credit: Byron Packwood

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged bradenton, buying a house in bradenton, featured city, regional information, tampa
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Featured City: Port Richey, FL

May18
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Nicknamed “Our Gateway to the Gulf,” Port Richey has long been a top destination for fishing and trapping, set right on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Less than an hour from Tampa, this city puts the sights and sounds of not just Tampa but also Saint Petersburg/Clearwater at your fingertips. From major shopping and dining to gorgeous white sandy beaches, you’ll be near it all in this community.

If it were annexed, Port Richey would be the largest city in Pasco County. Within its borders are six community parks, as well as access to the beautiful Pithlachascotee River,  blackwater river often called the Cotee.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Pembroke Pines!

  • $439K: 3 BDRMS, 2.5 BA Canal-Front Trilevel Home
  • $315K: 2 BDRMS, 2 BA Waterfront Townhome
  • $250K: 3 BDRMS, 2 BA Renovated Pool Home
  • $137,900: 2 BDRMS, 1 BA Move-in-Ready SFH
  • $97K: 2 BDRMS, 2 BA Condo with Negotiable Furnishings

Image Credit: City of Port Richey

Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged buying a home, featured city, port richey, port richey real estate, Regional Info, tampa area
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Tampa Spring Events 2010

Apr27
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

Spring in Tampa means spring festivals, concerts and Broadway performances. Spring is also the time of year when spring sports come back to life and fill the city’s stadiums! Whether you enjoy a day of sunshine and local craft venues, a day of cheering on a local team or a day indoors with live musicians or theatrical performances, you will surely find a event on this list that will interest you!

  • On May 8 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the USF Botanical Gardens for the Orchid and Rose Fantasy. Perfect as a Mother’s Day outing, this event offers an array of orchids and roses available for purchase, a gorgeous scene of flowers to appreciate, and botanical experts there to answer all of your questions. For more info, call 813-910-3274.
  • On May 14 and 15, attend the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival at the exotic and picturesque Con Cesar Resort on St. Pete Beach. This event celebrates the success of wine and spirits producers, culinary chefs and more, all while entertaining, educating and serving you. This year’s green theme features organic and sustainable dishes. For more information, visit UnleashYourPalate.com.
  • On May 8 and 9, visit Punta Gorda for the third annual Fishermen’s Village Mother’s Day Arts & Crafts Show. Tons of locals and travelers flock to this event to view artwork and crafts made by local boutiques, all while enjoying food and live music. If you miss this event, on May 15 and 16, you can visit Five Points Park in Sarasota for the Springfest Arts & Crafts Show! For more info, visit SunsetBoulevardPromotions.com.
  • Through May 9, head to Busch Gardens for a Serengeti Night Safari! The night begins with appetizers and beverages before takeoff, and the two-hour guided expedition transports you into a scene from the wild jungles of Africa, where you will view hippos, lions, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and rhinos! Finish the night with a bonfire, coffee and desserts. For more info, call 1-888-800-5447 or visit BuschGardens.com.

Sports:

  • Plan to attend a Tampa Bays baseball game to cheer your players on early in the season! Early competitors include Seattle, Cleveland, Boston, Chicago and more. Spring home games at Tropicana Field run from now through May 2, May 14 through May 18, and May 24 through May 30. For a full schedule, click here.
  • For a more affordable ballpark experience, attend a Tampa Yankees minor league baseball game. This team is affiliated with the New York Yankees, and they play at the George M. Steinbrenner Field. Spring home games run from now through May 2, May 10 through May 14 and May 20 through May 26. For a full schedule, click here.
  • Is baseball not your sport? Attend a Tampa Bay Storm football game at St. Pete Times Forum while you await the official fall football season. Spring home games include one on May 1 against the Arizona Rattlers, one on May 7 against the Jacksonville Sharks and one of June 5 against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs. For a full schedule, click here.
  • Through May 2, visit the Tampa Bay Downs for live horse racing and betting! During racing season, the track is opened seven days a week. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first race begins at 12:25 p.m. The Silks Poker Room is also open daily from 12:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For more info, visit TampaBayDowns.com or call 813-855-4401.

Indoor Events:

Concerts are an ideal way to spend a rainy day in Tampa. Upcoming options include:

  • Straight No Chaser on April 27 at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
  • Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum on May 7 at the Ford Amphitheatre
  • Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on May 9 at the St. Pet Times Forum
  • Angels and Airwaves on May 13 at The Ritz Ybor
  • Country Throwdown on May 14 at the Ford Amphitheatre
  • Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate! from May 20 to May 23 at St Pete Times Forum

For more information:
Tampa Concert Schedule

For a different type of performance, sit down and enjoy the beauty of creativity at the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Shows include:

  • Godspell from now through May 16 in Jaeb Theater
  • Spring Jazz Jam on May 14 in TECO Theater
  • Jonatha Brooke on May 17 in Jaeb Hall
    Mary Poppins from May 20 to June 6 in Carol Morsani Hall
  • Annie Jr. from May 27 to May 29 in TECO Theater

For more information:
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts Schedule

Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged south, spring, Spring Events 2010, tampa
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Orlando/Jacksonville Spring Events 2010

Apr20
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

Florida bursts into action in the springtime, as families travel on spring breaks, people sell their homes and move to new locations and tourists begin the summer vacation season early! For this reason, both Orlando and Jacksonville offer an overabundance of outdoor festivals, specialty events, concerts, live entertainment and more! With such a wide variety of themes, there is definitely something in this list for everyone to enjoy.

Outdoor Events:

This April and May, visit SeaWorld Orlando for the annual 2010 Viva La Musica! This event celebrates Hispanic culture with live performances of Latin musicians and dancers, while serving up traditional Hispanic cuisine and showcasing original Hispanic exhibits. Performances begin at 4 p.m. daily in Seaworld’s Bayside Stadium. For more info, call 407-363-3359.

Plan to attend a Jacksonville Suns baseball game as an affordable day at the ballpark! The Jacksonville Suns are a minor-league team affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and they play at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. For tickets, call 904-367-1423.

If you’re bummed that we have to wait a couple years for another Olympics, plan to attend the World of Nations Celebration from April 29 to May 2 in Jacksonville, where over 25 countries come together to showcase and celebrate cultural values and entertainment. For more information, call 904-630-3690.

From May 20 to May 31, attend the Orlando International Fringe Festival taking place in Loch Haven Park and other venues around downtown Orlando. This festival includes over 500 performers and 70 theater companies showcasing uncensored, cutting-edge musical performers and creative works of art. For more information, visit www.OrlandoFringe.org or call 407-648-0077.

Throughout the season of spring, the Jacksonville Riverfront comes alive with seafarers and landlubbers! Sail Jacksonville is an annual event that displays tall ships from around the world. Activities include the Pirate Battle for Treasure, seamanship demonstrations, live entertainment and more. For exact dates and continual updates, visit Coj.net.

From May 23 to May 23, May 28 to May 30, June 4 to June 6, and June 11 to June 13, visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort for the annual Star Wars Weekend 2010! Meet dozens of your favorite Star Wars characters while participating in a plethora of Star Wars activities, trivia contests, collectibles and pin trading, thrill rides and more! For more info, visit www.StarWars.com.

Visit the heart of downtown Jacksonville between May 27 and May 30 for the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival! This free event draws tons of jazz enthusiasts each year to experience live performances from renowned jazz performers and from locals! Special highlights include the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, the ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam, Jazz Talk, Sunday jazz brunches and more! Visit Coj.net for more information.

For a small-town festival atmosphere, head out to Zellwood, located Northwest of Orlando, for the 2010 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival on May 28 through May 30. This festival has it all, from corn-eating contests and live country entertainment, to carnival rides, games, arts and crafts and more. For more info, visit www.ZellwoodCornFestival.com.

On May 31 at 10 a.m., plan to attend Memorial Day Observance at the Veterans Memorial Wall, 1145 East Adams Street. Listen to keynote speakers and family tributes while watching the wreath presentation and hearing the 21-gun salute. There is no better way to honor the local heroes who have and are still protecting our country’s freedom. For more info, call 904-630-3680.

Indoor Events:

From April 30 to May 16, visit the Mad Cow Theatre for the Orlando Cabaret Festival, which features 40 different shows in areas of jazz, pop, Broadway and more. Many notorious entertainers have performed at this event in the past, including Jaimie Roberts, Amy Baker, The Lascivious Biddies and more. For a listing of performers this year, visit www.OrlandoCabaret.com.

On a rainy day, head to a concert in Orlando or Jacksonville, both offering ample options, which include:

  • Uncle Kracker on April 26 at The Club at Firestone, Orlando
  • Goo Goo Dolls on April 27 at Hard Rock Live, Orlando
  • Elvis Costello on April 27 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
  • Ben Harper and Jack Johnson on April 29 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
  • Loudon Wainwright lii on May 1 at Plaza Theatre, Orlando
  • Flogging Molly on May 1 at Florida Theatre, Jacksonville
  • Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum on May 6 at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
  • The Spill Canvas on May 11 at The Social, Orlando

A list of Broadway shows is also available for the Florida spring season:

  • Xanadu from April 27 to May 2 at the Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando
  • Grease from April 27 to May 2 at the Moran Theater-Times Union Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville
  • Chicago from May 21 to May 23 at the Moran Theater-Times Union Performing Arts Center, Jacksonville
  • Spring Awakening from May 18 to May 23 at the Carr Performing Arts Centre, Orlando
Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged jacksonville, orlando, profiled communities, Regional Info
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Featured City: Riverview, FL

Mar30
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s featured city: Riverview, Florida!

Located near Brandon in Hillsborough County, Riverview is a Tampa suburb with easy access to I-75. Location alone makes it an ideal place to call home, as it’s not only 30 minutes from Tampa but also 50 minutes from Bradenton beaches, an hour from Disney and under three hours from the Kennedy Space Center.

Within Riverview, natural beauty abounds, from Lithia Springs State Park and Alafia River to the Gulf of Mexico’s fishing, surfing and water sports. Take your pick of golf courses, entertainment options and plenty of shopping and dining.

With its excellent location and amenities, Riverview is a perfect place to call home.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Riverview!

  • $249,900: 3 BDRM, 2 BA Upgraded Single-Family Home on Corner Lot
  • $225K: 6 BDRM, 2.5 BA Single-Family Home with Modern Kitchen
  • $178,500: 3 BDRM, 2.5 BA Like-New Single-Family Home
  • $160K: 2 BDRM, 1 BA Log Cabin
  • $88K: 2 BDRM, 1.5 BA Villa

Image Credit: shane_guy

Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged featured city, profiled community, riverview, tampa
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Featured City: Pembroke Pines, FL

Mar09
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

pembroke pines

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s featured city: Pembroke Pines, Florida!

The second most populated city in Broward County, Pembroke Pines is an award-winning area that offers the best of South Florida living! Residents of this community enjoy access to A-rated schools, numerous parks and recreation opportunities, shopping, dining and championship golf courses like Grand Palms Golf Club.

Commuters will love the convenience and proximity of I-75 allowing easy access to all major South Florida highways. For beach lovers, a mere 20-minute drive east leads to South Florida’s most beautiful sandy shores, including the vibrant Hollywood Beach and its new and revitalized boardwalk.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Pembroke Pines!

  • $397K: 4 BDRM, 2.5 BA Single-Family Pool Home with Lake Views
  • $246K: 3 BDRM, 2 BA Single-Family Home in Guard-Gated Community
  • $109K: 2 BDRM, 2 BA Lakefront Condo in 55+ Community
  • $89,900: 2 BDRM, 2 BA Raised Mobile Home with Lot

Image Credit: NewCondosOnline.com

Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged featured city, pembroke pines, Regional Info
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Featured City: Hudson, FL

Mar02
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

As part of a special feature at the Buy Owner Blog, we’ll be highlighting cities throughout the nation, profiling their attractions and conveniences, as well as pointing out some currently for-sale homes in the area!

Today’s featured city: Hudson, Florida!

Located south of the Florida Nature Coast and 40 minutes north of Tampa, the city of Hudson has been called one of the top three vacation-home destinations in the country by the Wall Street Journal.

Greater Hudson extends across 50 square miles of northwest Pasco County, which include the three distinct areas of Waterfront, Old South and Suburbs. Its small beach is a favorite of locals and increasingly of visitors, and there’s outstanding natural beauty throughout, with pines and oaks and impressive waterfront.

Take a look at these Buy Owner properties currently for sale in Hudson!

  • $649K: 2 BDRM, 2 BA Waterfront Single-Family Home
  • $439K: 3 BDRM, 2 BA Waterfront Single-Family Home
  • $265K: 2 BDRM, 2 BA Single-Family Home with Inground Pool
  • $179K: 3 BDRM, 2 BA Manufactured Home

Image Credit: city-data.com

Posted in Buying Tips, Regional Info - Tagged buying a home in hudson, hudson, hudson florida real estate, southeast
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