From the monthly archives:

November 2008

Westshore Yacht Club-Tampa 149 Boat Slip Marina News

by Rae Catanese on November 30, 2008

in Boating Communities in Tampa, High Rise Condo Developments, Luxury Home Communities, Most Desirable Neighborhoods, Neighborhoods Near MacDill AFB, Waterfont Communities in Tampa, Westshore Yacht Club for Sale

State Dedicates Westshore Yacht Club as “Clean Marina”

–New marina opens for business with environmental stewardship a top priority—

Westshore Yacht Club Tampa, Fl Click PHOTO to view Community

TAMPA – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Clean Boating Partnership, recognized Westshore Yacht Club as Hillsborough County’s 2nd Clean Marina. “Running a Clean Marina is key to protecting Florida’s waterways,” said Deborah Getzoff, Director of the DEP’S Southwest District. “We are proud to welcome Westshore Yacht Club to the growing number of marinas in Tampa Bay who are recognizing the value in protecting our natural resources and have dedicated themselves to educating Florida boaters.” **Westshore Yacht Club built its facility using the Clean Marina Action Plan as its guide.

The 149 slip marina** also implemented a self-inspection process to continuously evaluate aspects of the marina including storm water, waste management and emergency preparedness, as well as fire safety. Some of the steps in the program include using environmentally-safe cleaning supplies, pump out stations and providing marina staff and boaters with information on how to minimize environmental impacts. “The Clean Boating Partnership congratulates Westshore Yacht Club for their commitment to Florida’s environment,” said the Partnership’s Chair, John Naybor. “Their dedication and hard work in **becoming a Clean Marina is an accomplishment this facility can be proud of and we welcome them to our growing Clean Marina family.”**

or call 813-784-7744 for more information on remaining developer residential units for sale or boat slip rentals and purchases.

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Tampa SuperBowl 2009 Guide to Best Things to do, Restuarants & more

by Rae Catanese on November 28, 2008

in Things to Do in Tampa

If you are coming to the Tampa Bay area for the Super Bowl you are probably wondering what to do while you are here.

I’m also going to share with you my favorite things to do, events for kids, the best places to go out in Tampa, Superbowl Parties, Concerts, and Tampa’s best restaurants.

I’m posting this for information purposes only, as I have not verified the information on the company who is booking the packages.

I HAVE however, been to all the restaurants, and done all the things I’m going to tell you about. I’ve lived here for 38 years so I think I’m qualified enough!

View Tampa Bay Area Photos

Photos of Tampa Bay provided courtesy of
www.jdmtampa.com. If you need a photographer for your Super Bowl Event
Please Contact Jerry Moores 813.220.1428

Super Bowl Packages. Location: Tampa, FL Venue: Raymond James Stadium Date:

When is the Super Bowl? February 1, 2009.

The 2009 Super Bowl will take place at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, 2009. Super Bowl Travel Packages and tours are available that include accommodations, tickets, and transfer….The best 2009 NFL Super Bowl Packages and Tickets 2009 Super Bowl packages exactly here: If you need more than just tickets and want to enjoy the Super Bowl week to the maximum then White Glove International is the right choice for you.

I also found a website for Superbowl Rentals. They have an online searchable database for Super Bowl 2009 housing. Find Super Bowl Rentals in Tampa for Super Bowl 2009. Contact the owner directly to arrange your Super Bowl housing for Super Bowl 2009 in beautiful Tampa Florida.

Concert in the Park Part of Super Celebration Series

Kicking off the Super Celebrations is a Concert in Hyde Park Village on Wednesday, January 28 from 6- 9pm. The Concert features the Jason Young Band.NFL players will be on hand to sign autographs and meet the crowd. All proceeds benefit YET.This is a FREE Event and open to the public

Things for Kids to do:

Join in the excitement of The NFL Experience presented by Bank of America. The NFL Experience is the most exciting continuous event surrounding Super Bowl XLIII – pro football’s interactive fan festival offering participatory games, displays, entertainment attractions, kids’ football clinics, free autograph sessions and the largest football card show ever. Click here to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or call 866.TIX.4NFL or buy at gate.
Gasparilla Extravaganza Including The Children’s Gasparilla Parade
Saturday, January 24
Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, FL
3:30 p.m. – Parade
7:00 p.m. – Fireworks

An alcohol-free event celebrating the return of the Gasparilla season in Tampa Bay! Featuring the Children’s Gasparilla Parade and the “Piratechnic” Extravaganza, one of the largest fireworks presentations in the country.

Superbowl Half Time Show-Concert

On February 1, 2009 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform in the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLIII Halftime Show in Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium. They are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be part of the on-field audience for the show. Click Here for details

A red-hot destination, Tampa Bay is a vibrant waterfront area on Florida’s beautiful West Coast and offers a unique blend of urban excitement set in a natural surrounding. Roar down roller coasters in the morning; row down the nature rich Hillsborough River in the afternoon. Catch a ball game from the bleachers; catch some rays on the nearby beaches or go deep sea fishing!

Here are my favorite restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area:

You’ll have to google them to get the contact info. Menus are online as well.

It’s Stone Crab Season. The BEST place is Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach. You can’t come here without trying the Stone Crab! I like it served cold, however you can have them hot as well. It’s located about a half hour drive from the Stadium, directly on our white sandy beaches with beautiful sunsets. Also try the She Crab Soup. Trust me on this one! Share a bowl, it’s less expensive and everyone will want some! They also have great grouper sandwiches which are fresh off the boat!

The BEST Steak in Tampa is Bern’s Steak House on Howard Ave. (15 min. from Stadium) Everything is great there; the atmosphere, service is five star. They even organically grow their own fruits, vegetables and age their own meats. They have they largest private wine collection in the country. Please note they will ad a 12% service charge, as many people don’t notice it on the bill after a few glasses of wine. You also have to visit their dessert room upstairs. Get the Macadamia Nut Ice Cream with Dark Chocolate Sauce from France. Trust me, no one has ever said they don’t love it!!

The famous Columbia Restaurant at the St. Petersburg Pier is a Tampa Bay favorite (if you go, try the 1905 salad) which is also the year the Original Restaurant in Ybor City was established.

The BEST KING CRAB is at Salt Rock Grill on Redington Beach (45 min from Raymong James Stadium) They split the crab in half and grill it on a wood fire! All you have to do it take your fork, scoop it out and drench in the warm butter! Everything is wonderful there, so if you don’t want King Crab Legs, there are many other menu options. Located on the water, seating is inside or outside.

Where to visit while you are here:

Of course, Busch Gardens in Tampa is always popular for people who like roller coaster rides combined with an animal themed amusement park.

Downtown St. Pete has a large variety of art shops, galleries and museums. Visit the bar at the Vinnoy Hotel for a drink or appetizer on the front porch!

The Vinnoy Hotel, pictures to the left, is one of the nicest hotels in the area.

If you want a Historic Hotel with a great setting this is one of the best. There’s also a large park and the famous St. Pete Pier. overlooking Tampa Bay.

BEST BEACH- Clearwater Beach is one of the nicest beaches on the West Coast of Florida. The sand is pure white and very soft. You can go parasailing, deep sea fishing, take a dinner cruise on Yacht Starship, or just go to a laid back beach bar and relax. Check out the NEW Sand Pearl Hotel. There’s a nice outside bar, and very upscale restaurant as well.

If you’re up to seeing the Wilde Sid of Tampa visit The Serious Tip. They posted an article on 11 ways to keep occupied while you wait in joyous anticipation for kickoff.

Plan on looking a homes for sale while you are here? Stay an extra day or two! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the prices and inventory. We are #2 in the Country for foreclosures! You may decide to take advantage of our great deals and purchase a vacation home.

Search our homes for sale here.

Contact a Realtor. Send us an email or call us at 813-784-7744

Prudential Tropical Realty,Tampa, Fl. Rae Catanese PA, Real Estate Agent.

Hope you found this information useful. Feel free to print out and bring with you on your trip.

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Short Sales vs. Foreclosures and its effects on Credit…. Breaking the myth

by Rae Catanese on November 24, 2008

in Bank Owned and Short Sale, Financing and Mortgage News, Foreclosure Statistics Tampa, Selling Your Home, Short Sale vs Foreclosure

Short Sales vs. Foreclosures and its effects on Credit…. Breaking the myth

There has been so much misinformation out there on the process of Foreclosures and Short sales; that I asked Katie Cook Hughes, Sr. Loan Officer at Prospect Mortgage in Tampa, Fl to clarify the situation for us!

I think that many sellers have been misinformed in regards to the effect a short sale will have on their credit. Many sellers think that they can short sale their current home and then qualify to purchase a new home immediately after their current home is sold. This is incorrect.

A short sale will show up on a client’s credit report as a “pre-foreclosure in redemption status”. The short sale will cause a 200 – 300 point drop to your credit score. For example… if your credit score was a 680, it could potentially drop to a 380.

The effect of a short sale is almost identical to that of a foreclosure regarding your credit.

The benefit of doing a short sale instead of letting your home go into foreclosure is the amount of time that will need to pass before you can purchase a new home. Based on Fannie Mae’s guidelines, a buyer can purchase a home 24 months after doing a short sale, whereas the same buyer would have to wait 48 months to buy after a foreclosure.

Got a question? Feel free to drop us an email at: info@TheTampaRealEstateInsider.com

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Tampa Real Estate Market #2 in Nation for Foreclosures

by Rae Catanese on November 23, 2008

in Bank Owned and Short Sale, Foreclosure Statistics Tampa, Housing Inventory, Tampa Housing Market, Tampa Real Estate Investors, Tampa Real Estate Market News & Updates

The Tampa Tribune reported that the Tampa, Fl area is now number two in the nation in foreclosures. This is unbelievable news, knowing how hot our market was just 4 years ago. According to the statistics Tampa had the most filings in September, 2008, then the rest of the Bay area.

TAMPA – Florida leapfrogged California and Arizona to seize the nation’s second-highest rate of foreclosure filings last month, according to California-based market researcher RealtyTrac. Here’s a look at the most recent numbers:

1 in 178 Housing units in Florida that received a foreclosure filing of some kind in September, ranging from early-stage notices of payment default to bank repossessions

47,956 Foreclosure filings in Florida in September, a 9 percent jump over August. Compared with the same month last year, foreclosures soared 44 percent.

4,663 Foreclosure filings in Hillsborough County (Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Riverview,) last month, a 146 percent increase over August. (It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the huge jump.)

1,873 Foreclosure filings in Pinellas County (Clw, St. Pete, Palm Harbor), a 9 percent slide.

1,175 Foreclosure filings in Pasco County (Land O’Lakes, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey), a 28 percent jump

If you enjoyed this article; and are considering taking advantage of the Tampa Real Estate market or would like more information on REO, Bank Owned, Short Sales and Foreclosed Homes for sale please contact us for more information 813 784 7744 ……….or pass on to a friend!

Search our New Tampa Real Estate Website, Save Favorite Listings,

Find out what homes are selling for and more!

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CNN Money-Tampa-St.Pete,-Clearwater Home Prices fell 20.6%

by Rae Catanese on November 22, 2008

in Bank Owned and Short Sale, Foreclosure Statistics Tampa, Tampa Housing Market, Tampa Real Estate Market News & Updates, Tampa Real Estate Statistics

Foreclosures take heavy toll on home prices but bargain hunters are re-entering worst-hit markets.

By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer

The Median Sales Price, for the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater areas has dropped 20% to $173,400 from October 2007 to October 2008

A flood of foreclosures has driven home prices down. As many as 40% of all sales made during the three months that ended Sept. 30 were short sales properties repossessed by banks. These are eager sellers. The longer the banks hold the vacant homes, the more it costs them in maintenance, taxes and insurance.

“A very large proportion of distressed home sales are taking place at discounted prices compared to more normal conditions a year ago,” said NAR President Charles McMillan.

Short sales are prior to the bank taking posession of a home. As a Realtor in the Tampa, Fl Market, I am noticing a large difference between pricing of short sales and bank owned (foreclosures), with the bank owned being a better deal.

My speculation is that the bank owned properties will be sold faster due to the price difference. We are noticing that people are realizing that there are so many great deals, that the interest levels and sales have picked up. It’s important NOT to compare the national market to our housing market. The Tampa Bay area, is number 2 in the Nation for foreclosures!

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Last Chance! Skypoint Condo Units for Sale-Downtown,Tampa

by Rae Catanese on November 19, 2008

in Condo Market News, Condos & Lofts, High Rise Condo Developments

Skypoint Condos for Sale! latest…Update for The Luxury High Rise Condo SKYPOINT in Downtown Tampa, Fl.

Skypoint Condo-29th Floor

The best deals are Resale units that are in foreclosure and short sales. Pricing is now starting in the 150’s! This is great news for buyers looking to get a deal now.

The condo building is now FHA approved, buyer’s only need 3.5 percent down. Don’t forget about the 8,000 tax credit to be used before the end of the year. This is for first time home buyers or anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years.

Call 813-784-7744 for more information and pricing on remaining Skypoint Condos for sale. Or send an email to Info@TheTampaRealEstateInsider.com

Also see: article we posted back in August about Skypoint Condos You’ll see a link for a virtual tour and more information on this luxury hi-rise building in Downtown Tampa.

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Off the Beaten Path-Things to do in Tampa Bay Florida

by Rae Catanese on November 18, 2008

in Things to Do in Tampa

Here’s a guest post from Robert Payne’s Blog Where I End Up, What Life Presents, and What I Have to Say About It

Picnic Island Tampa, Fl

Sep 29th, 2008 by Robert

My guess is that the city of Tampa offered up Picnic Island as a concession to give a large amount of oceanfront land over to industry. They also built a bunch of lifeguard towers, but later realized they would have to pay trained people to sit there. No matter, a lifeguard tower is a great place to watch the sun set.

Picnic Island Park, located in Port Tampa, has a breathtaking view of the city. It encompasses 7.8 acres of sandy beach access. Enjoy a day in the sun and on the beach, go canoeing, picnicing, fishing from the pier or escape and explore Picnic Island Bayou. There is something for everyone at Picnic Island Beach.

Picnic Island Beach offers shelter rentals. If you are interested in renting a shelter at Picnic Island Beach or finding out more information about other shelters within the City of Tampa, please call the Parks and Recreation Department Shelter Reservation Line at 813-274-8184.

Lifeguards on duty Memorial Day – Labor Day

Picnic Island is located off S. Westshore Blvd, past Interbay Blvd, approximately 3 miles south of the Westshore Yacht Club Community. Please look at map below for directions.

[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=picnic+island+tampa,+fl&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=27.781434,72.509766&ie=UTF8&cid=27853110,-82550555,16606724449787120678&s=AARTsJq9mkLvsMWTsYGfL7_zBjmEpwg3mw&ll=27.854406,-82.54612&spn=0.022766,0.025749&z=14&output=embed&w=300&h=300]

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Citigroup puts foreclosure moratorium on 500,000 homeowners

by Rae Catanese on November 17, 2008

in Financing and Mortgage News, Foreclosure Statistics Tampa

Looks like there’s some good news for people who are at risk for foreclosure. If your loan is through Citigroup you may want to contact them for more information on how you can take advantage of this program.

Citigroup plans to rescue 500,000 homeowners

On the heels of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s loan modification program, Citigroup Inc. is putting a moratorium on most foreclosures as it reaches out to 500,000 homeowners who are not currently behind on their mortgages but who are deemed to be a potential risk. The company will assign 600 salespeople to assist the targeted borrowers by adjusting their rates, reducing principal, or increasing the term of the loan.

Citigroup reported losses in the last four quarters. The moratorium is designed to stem the flow of red ink. “Typically the lender loses the most money when a house goes into foreclosure,” says Barry Zigas, director of housing policy at the Consumer Federation of America.

Source: The Associated Press, Sara Lepro

Search foreclosed homes on our Real Estate Website or call for list of bank owned homes in the Tampa, Florida area.

Rae Catanese, PA

Real Estate Agent

Prudential Tropical Realty

Tampa, Fl

813-784-7744

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Important facts about Asbestos when remodeling older homes

by Rae Catanese on November 12, 2008

in Remodeling and Renovation Tips

Remodel Safely: Protect yourself and the Environment while saving Money

There are many things to consider when remodeling or buying buying an older home. Homes built before 1980 could easily contain asbestos. Of course, even homes build after 1980 still may contain products that are worth taking note of. As technology and long-terms cost efficiency is constantly evolving, so too is our need for environmentally and health safe building materials. If you are interested in remodeling, saving money and improving your environmental standing in the world, then here is some information to get a project started in the right direction.

In the Beginning

If you’ve thought about remodeling a home that was built before 1980, you’ll probably be faced with a number of toxic materials during the process, not the least of which will be asbestos. Asbestos insulation was used in millions of homes during the housing boom of the 20^th century and though it’s safe to be around when it’s enclosed or in good condition, damaged asbestos can be a real problem. It can cause dfferent types of mesothelioma, such as peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. In addition, removing asbestos in order to replace it with a healthy alternative can be a pain as well – it needs to be removed by a licensed professional – but the end result is well worth the time and expense.

Asbestos Removal

Nonregulated asbestos material can be legally performed by homeowners, regular contractors, or licensed asbestos abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated.

The health risks involved in handling non regulated asbestos materials is small but the removal should be done in a manner that will minimize the release of fibers due to breakage. It is recommended, because breakage in inevitable, that one wears asbestos related safety equipment including a disposable tyvek suit, gloves and must be medically able to wear a half mask respirator with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, and adhere to the principles of wet removal and without visible emissions.

Removal in workplaces, schools and public facilities must be done by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor.

Disposal

The best way to dispose of asbestos is to bury it or any way that will prevent it from becoming airborne.

Service area landfills will often accept large amounts of asbestos provided it is properly contained or shipped in bulk.

For a list of home inspectors, builders or contractors in the Tampa Bay area send us an email with your request.

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Westshore Yacht Club Update-Tampa-Good News for buyers!

by Rae Catanese on November 10, 2008

in Bankrupt Developments, Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, Boating Communities in Tampa, Condo Market News, High Rise Condo Developments, Luxury Home Communities, Most Desirable Neighborhoods, Neighborhoods Near MacDill AFB, Tampa Real Estate Market News & Updates, Waterfont Communities in Tampa, Westshore Yacht Club for Sale

In August 2008, a U.S. bankruptcy judge approved a relief package for WCI Communities that’s designed to assure homebuyers would not be impacted for future purchasers at the Westshore Yacht Club here in Tampa Bay.

If you are looking for a great deal this is the time to invest.

This is GREAT NEWS for one of the premiere boating communities on the West Coast of Florida. Since August, West Shore Yacht Club has created the furious pace of the trading floor with a promotion that has people taking action. This is a very positive sign for the Tampa Housing Market; especially for those who are looking to invest their money NOW while prices are aggressive.

From Westshore Yacht Club

Unlike some other developments here in Tampa, The West Shore Yacht Club IS selling their townhomes, hi-rise condo tower, and accepting contracts for the single family homes yet to be built.

More good news…..They are not turning into rentals. Many other developments have caused the people who purchased in the begining to live amongst mainly renters; which is not what buyer’s signed up for originally.

When you take a tour of the community you’ll notice that the people who are living there are enjoying life and taking advantage of the wonderful amenities this luxurious, resort style community has to offer. There are so many things to do, you may just decide to stay home and relax on the weekends.

I love the tranquil Spa! The fitness center is state of the art with views of the water. They offer complimentary towels, a very nice locker room with showers, blow dryers, and toiletries. It’s really everything you’d expect a high-end club to be. There are also 2 heated pools, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, a billiards room and a yacht shop for supplies.

If you’ve been looking to purchase in South Tampa, you’ll know a single family home is nearly impossible to find under 400K. Other options are townhomes and condos. If you need a 3/2 and 2 car garage, approximately 1900 square feet of living space, you may want to consider one of the townhouses or condos for sale at the Yacht Club. They are solid block construction on all floors, built to current hurricane standards, and have many upgrades like granite, stainless steel appliances and high ceilings. Best of all, these properties are brand new and never lived in. Another nice feature of the community is that there is plenty of parking for guests. Something you don’t find in a South Tampa Townhome communities.

This year there have been approximately 35 units sold by the developer due to their very aggressive pricing and incentives. These Townhomes were once selling for 450-650K two years ago. The same units are now listed for 325K and up.

View Map of Westshore Yacht Club, Tampa Bay

These are the BEST prices we’ve seen in a Tampa Bay waterfront community.

The Westshore Yacht Club has become a lifestyle choice for many buyers…… “where you live is as important as how you live”. Isn’t that the truth?

Please contact us to schedule a showing of the remaining developer units. Or call Rae at 813-784-7744

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← Previous Entries

Rae Catanese

November 2008

If you are coming to the Tampa Bay area for the Super Bowl you are probably wondering what to do while you are here.

I’m also going to share with you my favorite things to do, events for kids, the best places to go out in Tampa, Superbowl Parties, Concerts, and Tampa’s best restaurants.

Super Bowl Packages. Location: Tampa, FL Venue: Raymond James Stadium Date:

Things for Kids to do:

Superbowl Half Time Show-Concert

Here are my favorite restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area:

Where to visit while you are here:

Plan on looking a homes for sale while you are here? Stay an extra day or two! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the prices and inventory. We are #2 in the Country for foreclosures! You may decide to take advantage of our great deals and purchase a vacation home.

Search our homes for sale here.

Contact a Realtor. Send us an email or call us at 813-784-7744

Prudential Tropical Realty,Tampa, Fl. Rae Catanese PA, Real Estate Agent.

Foreclosures take heavy toll on home prices but bargain hunters are re-entering worst-hit markets.

Skypoint Condos for Sale! latest…Update for The Luxury High Rise Condo SKYPOINT in Downtown Tampa, Fl.

Skypoint Condo-29th Floor

The best deals are Resale units that are in foreclosure and short sales. Pricing is now starting in the 150’s! This is great news for buyers looking to get a deal now.

Picnic Island Tampa, Fl

Looks like there’s some good news for people who are at risk for foreclosure. If your loan is through Citigroup you may want to contact them for more information on how you can take advantage of this program.

Citigroup plans to rescue 500,000 homeowners

Remodel Safely: Protect yourself and the Environment while saving Money

Disposal

If you are looking for a great deal this is the time to invest.

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