House Talk with Silvia Dukes

There are many bridges great and small in the greater Tampa Bay area but this is one of my favorites!  This is truly a bridge that can leave you speechless offering views that can take your breath away.  The Sunshine Skyway bridge connects St. Petersburg with Bradenton in Florida. This drive took place Friday, March 27, 2009 with photos taken through the windshield.  Enjoy!

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If you are looking for waterfront property for personal or investment in Hernando and Pasco Counties including the communities of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, and Hudson Beach and want to work with a local Realtor who knows these areas, please contact me.

Let me help you find your place in the Sun!

Today I almost had a flash back to a few years ago.  Back then, buyers desperately trying to find a home would bid above the listing price and often more than one offer would be submitted on the same property on the same day ensuing in a price war (although in reverse if you want to stay true to the definition).

I'm currently working with two sets of customers: one an investor who would like to add to his rental portfolio trying to pick up inexpensive units.  The other a young couple, first time homebuyers as such, who are looking for an affordable home.

Both are looking are REO properties of which there are many at good prices.  Customer 1 feels he still needs to bid quite below list price to get a "deal".  Customers 2 are putting in viable offers but get discouraged when they learn that there are other offers on the same property.

In both cases, these customers are competing against other buyers looking for much of the same thing: good homes at affordable prices.  Almost every time, numerous offers are submitted on the same property and of course the highest and best offer is accepted which most of the times is above the list price. 

Buyers have been conditioned in the last couple of years to make lower offers than the asking price, and once again as Realtors we have to inform our customers of the changing rules in changing circumstances.

Yes, it is still a buyers market. However:

• there are now many buyers
• prices are at an all time low
• buyers come with cash or preapproved loans
• when more offers than one come in on the same property, you may get a second chance to better yours, then again,
• when more offers than one come in on the same property, you may NOT get a second chance to better yours
• effectively buyers are once again competing with each other,
• good, well-priced homes do NOT stay on the market very long, and
• homes are now selling above list price.

If this trend continues, home prices will increase again, although at a much slower pace than they did those few years ago, yet eventually, the market will turn away from favoring buyers putting sellers in a somewhat stronger position once again.

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If you are thinking about buying a home or land for personal or investment use, or you are thinking about selling in Hernando County, Florida, including the communities and neighborhoods of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville and Spring Hill, Glen Lakes, Timber Pines, Silverthorn, Seven Hills, Sterling Hill, Pristine Place, and Southern Hills Plantation and you want to work with a local area Realtor who knows these neighborhoods please contact me.

Let me help you find Your Place in the Sun!

As the waters in the canals around Hernando Beach are warming up, the smaller fish are returning and with it lots of birds who are looking for a meal.  This Grey Heron proved successful the other day on our dock having caught a needle fish and preparing it for dinner!

If you are looking for waterfront property for personal or investment in Hernando and Pasco Counties including the communities of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, and Hudson Beach and want to work with a local Realtor who knows these areas, please contact me.

Let me help you find your place in the Sun!

My mother's birthday is on St. Patrick's Day but her name is not Patricia.  I'm not Irish but I have many friends who are or can claim an Irish heritage.  So here is a happy birthday to mom and a wish for you on St. Patrick's day and all the days to follow:

Irish Friendship Wish!

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your windowpane;

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

                                   Good Luck!

Author unknown

Glen Lakes is a gated and deed-restricted golf course community located in Hernando County on the Gulf Coast of Florida, just West of US 19 and a few miles North of US 50 with easy access to shopping, medical facilities, major roadways, and all area amenities.  Tampa is just a short drive away, approx. 1 hour via the Suncoast Parkway. 

The community offers upscale country club living with 24-hour security, a 35,000 sf clubhouse including fitness facilities, restaurant, pro shop, pool and tennis facilities.  The private golf club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ron Garl that meanders throughout the neighborhoods with mature pines and oaks completing the landscape.  Properties available range from smaller maintenance free villas to elegantly appointed, large estate homes.

Closed Transactions February 2009: 3

Price Range:  $66,500 - $430,000

Average: $285,500

Median: $360,000

Average Days on Market: 107

Currently Active Listings:  67

Price Range:  $146,950 - $899,524

Average: $351,196

Median: $329,933

Average Days on Market:  206

Under Contract: 5

Pending: 4, Contingency Contracts: 1 

Price Range: $87,900 - $223,900

Average: $140,520

Median: $112,900

Four of the properties currently under contract are bank-owned properties, one is a short sale, the remaining one is sold at market value. 

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 8/8/09 and believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Please also read the home sales reports for the Timber Pines Country Club community.  For more information about Glen Lakes or other country club communities in Hernando County, Spring Hill, and Brooksville, please contact me.

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If you are thinking about buying a home or land for personal or investment use, or you are thinking about selling in Hernando County, Florida, including the communities and neighborhoods of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville and Spring Hill, Glen Lakes, Timber Pines, Silverthorn, Seven Hills, Sterling Hill, Pristine Place, and Southern Hills Plantation and you want to work with a local area Realtor who knows these neighborhoods please contact me.

Let me help you find your place in the Sun!

Timber Pines, a 55+ gated golf course community in the heart of Spring Hill, FL

Timber Pines Country Club community consists of approximately 3500 privately owned homes and villas ranging from 1 bedroom/1 bath villas to 4 bedroom homes.  Built between 1985 and 1998 by US Homes, units are resident owned. 

The Timber Pines Country Club community offers its residents a variety of amenities including two swimming pools, tennis courts, club house, activities and clubs, performing arts center, and not to forget several golf courses that include a 18-hole Championship golf course, all in all 63 holes to put a golf ball in!

As expected, number of closed transactions in Timber Pines for February increased overall with four single family homes and five villas transferring to new owners.  64% of homes that were reported to be under contract in January closed in February.  Total number of homes currently under contract has increased by 20% from 14 last month to 17 this month. 

As many of our winter residents are now faced with either returning to their northern home states or staying in the warm Florida sun, they might consider buying a permanent winter home in this area especially with prices being as low as they have been in years. 

Timber Pines is located off US 19 in Spring Hill, West Central Florida on the Gulf Coast of Florida, also called the "Nature Coast".  Tampa International Airport is just a 45 min drive via the new Suncoast Parkway. 

1. Single Family Homes:

Sold February 2009: 4

Price Range:  $125,000 - $171,000

Average: $144,250

Median: $140,500

Average Days on Market: 198

Currently Active Listings Single Family Homes:  116

Under Contract: 10

Pending: 5, Price Range: $114,900 - $255,750

Contingency Contracts: 5, Price Range: $85,500 - $189,900

Average Price Under Contract: $154,625

Median Price Under Contract:  $146,700

2. Villas:

Sold February 2009: 5

Price Range:  $90,000 - $174,000

Average: $127,200

Median: $120,000

Average Days on Market: 334

Currently Active Listings Villas:  81

Under Contract: 7

Pending: 5, Price Range: $80,000 - $157,000

Contingency Contracts: 2, Price Range: $149,900 - $150,000

Average Price Under Contract: $137,329

Median Price Under Contract:  $149,900

Data derived from Hernando County MLS as of 8/8/09 and believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

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If you are thinking about buying a home or land for personal or investment use, or you are thinking about selling in Hernando County, Florida, including the communities and neighborhoods of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville and Spring Hill, Glen Lakes, Timber Pines, Silverthorn, Seven Hills, Sterling Hill, Pristine Place, and Southern Hills Plantation and you want to work with a local area Realtor who knows these neighborhoods please contact me.

Let me help you find your place in the Sun!

Green - Green - Green!

It's everywhere and not just because St. Patrick's Day is upon us!  Have you noticed how green is no longer just a color?  It's always been associated with environmentally friendly living but it now seems to become really mainstream. 

Everywhere you go, there is something that is being declared to be "green" or you are asked to participate in some effort labeled "green".  My bank and health insurance carrier want to save paper and postage thus they are asking me to sign up for electronic statements and updates, thus making the process "green". 

The building industry is introducing "green" building, essentially putting a new emphasis on energy efficiency of a home with more efficient appliances, windows, and lighting products and the use of environmentally friendly materials such as bamboo flooring.  Hernando County is building its first "green" High School out on US 19.  Next time you take a drive, have a look!  Ironically, in order to do this, they still had to clear the site of every last blade of grass.

On a larger scale, the use of solar energy is gaining interest as a natural resource that is certainly abundantly available in our state, aptly named the "Sunshine State". 

Actually, I think it's a good thing, it just amazes me how something that's been around for a long time and has been viewed rather "alternative" all the sudden is becoming trendy!  And even if we can't afford to build a new "green" home or make expensive upgrades in our existing one, we probably all can participate in some smaller ways even if it's just by planting some native plants that will grow in our environment without too much attention.

Now here is something that's always been green:  Spring is finally "springing", and there is new green all around us!  I think we are all ready for some warmer weather! 

Happy Spring!  

Happy St. Patrick's Day  

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If you are thinking about buying a home or land for personal or investment use, or you are thinking about selling in Hernando County, Florida, including the communities and neighborhoods of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville and Spring Hill, Glen Lakes, Timber Pines, Silverthorn, Seven Hills, Sterling Hill, Pristine Place, and Southern Hills Plantation and you want to work with a local area Realtor who knows these neighborhoods please contact Silvia Dukes, P.A., Tropic Shores Realty.

Let me help you find Your Place in the Sun!

 All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Silvia Dukes, P.A., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Silvia Dukes, P.A., Tropic Shores Realty, Spring Hill, Florida. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2009.

The 16th Annual Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest is taking place this weekend, March 7 and 8, 2009, at Linda Pederson Park on Shoal Line Blvd. between Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee.  

The annual events features several contest including the ever popular Swamp Costume contest --- if you haven't seen the "Swamp Monster" you should not miss this event!

There will be lots of entertainment throughout the weekend, many arts and crafts vendors with a wide variety of items, not to mention good food, as well as many community organizations with information about the area and their services.

The Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest is organized by the Weeki Wachee Area Club, Weeki Wachee Crime Watch and Hernando Environmental Land Protectors as a fundraising event with proceeds going to these local organizations.  Entry fee is $2.00 per person, free admission for children under 12.

Shuttle service is available from parking areas in Hernando Beach and Weeki Wachee Hills on Hwy 550.

Come out and enjoy this family fun festival!

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 If you are thinking about buying a home or land for personal or investment use, or you are thinking about selling in Hernando County, Florida, including the communities and neighborhoods of Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, Brooksville and Spring Hill, Glen Lakes, Timber Pines, Silverthorn, Seven Hills, Sterling Hill, Pristine Place, and Southern Hills Plantation and you want to work with a local area Realtor who knows these neighborhoods please contact Silvia Dukes, P.A., Tropic Shores Realty.

Let me help you find Your Place in the Sun!