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Clearwater, FL Real Estate News

By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
No, you can't bring your pet gator to go shopping....read the sign, please! Ron and I went to the flea market in Oldsmar Florida yesterday. I wanted to purchase a couple of carpet runners and figured the Turkish stalls at the local flea market was probably a pretty good place to look. As we were entering the flea market, I noticed this sign for the first time in my life! I am sure it has been there forever, but I never noticed it before. Being the blogger that I am, I had to take out my iPhone and photograph it! I wonder if somebody from another part of the country or even from overseas would read this sign and think that here in Florida, we bring our pet gator or iguanas with us when we go shopping! No, generally, we leave them at home so they can play with our pet dogs and cats! Just ...
Comments 16
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Why work with a Realtor? There are many reasons and one of them is that when you are dealing with bank owned property, you need somebody on your side.....that would be your Realtor. We are currently closing on a bank owned property here in the Greater Clearwater Area of Florida. The closing company is down near Miami.....not unusual when dealing with bank owned properties. Today my client received the package via email for signatures but with NO instructions as to what to do with it, where to sign or anything else. Naturally, I had asked for a copy of the package as well since I figured this scenario just might transpire. I went through the package, all 25 pages of it, and wrote a step by step email as to where it needed signatures and other information. While we deal with packages like...
Comments 7
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Advertising is indeed the key to success! As we begin 2012 I have decided to make a few changes to my advertising beginning with my new and improved business card:   I took a photo of Clearwater Beach Florida and uploaded it to VistaPrint. I then uploaded my own photo, company logo, MLS/Realtor logo and added other information I wanted to present. Last year my business cards had palm trees with sand and surf. I think this cleaner photo looks more professional. My next move is to have perforated vinyl window graphics installed on the back window of my SUV. Originally I was going to have my company logo with my name and phone number. Ron thought that a female riding around in traffic with her phone number on the rear window is asking for problems so now I am considering just putting my we...
Comments 16
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
The days of multiple offers are back and I am loving it! There is nothing sweeter than receiving multiple offers on your listing! When I hear people say that the market is NOT recovering, I have to ask what part of the country they live in because HERE in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor area of Florida we are indeed experiencing a real estate market recovery! Needless to say, my sellers are also thrilled! Three offers on their listing in two days is fantastic! Now let the bidding war begin! My personal crystal ball says if you are seriously considering purchasing, this is indeed the time to jump in!  
Comments 8
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Charles Rutenberg Realty welcomed in 2012 with a wonderful office luncheon. I consider myself lucky to work with such a professional group of people. John and Joann Nestor are our owners and they go out of their way to make us feel like one big family!   John Rurkowski, our on-site broker here in Clearwater, is always available and the ladies in the office (Pauline DeKeyser, JoAnn Roberts and Kristen Conover) comprise the most efficient office staff I have ever worked with! Last Friday there was a wonderful turnout for our end-of-the-year party! It was also an opportunity to meet Charles Rutenberg Realty Realtors that I did not know. With such a large group, covering so many counties, it is impossible to know everyone. If you are a Realtor looking for a change, give me a call. I would l...
Comments 3
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Seville Condo Under Contract - Clearwater Florida - yes, just two days after listing the 2 bedroom 2 bath condo at Seville, it is already under contract and set to close next week. Since this is a cash deal and NOT an REO or short sale, there is nothing to delay this closing. These are the changes that we are seeing more and more here in the Clearwater/Palm Harbor Florida real estate market. If the property is in good condition and priced right, it doesn't stay on the market long! Looks like 2012 is going to be a VERY good year for the Florida real estate market indeed!      
Comments 7
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Home Inspection Days Before Christmas - Closing Right After Christmas At this time of year the banks are attempting to clear out their bank owned inventory. That means that home inspectors and title companies are especially busy! We wrote the contract for this little bank owned house a couple of weeks ago and had the inspection yesterday. This cash deal will be closing right after Christmas. Paying cash is always the quickest way to get a closing done! This little home is going to be an investment rental for the new owner. It has a large backyard with grapefruit trees and plenty of room for children to play. Let me know if I can assist you in finding a new home or investment property!    
Comments 4
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Metropolitan Ministries of Pinellas County Florida is one more organization that does so much good to help those in need within the community. This year their food pantries are in dire need of items such as peanut butter, canned fruit, canned meat, boxed cereal, diapers and pull-ups - the list goes on. You can find a comprehensive list at their website. There you can also find the nearest donation location for anywhere in the Tampa Bay Area as well as across the nation. Here in North Pinellas County you can leave donations at Countryside Christian Center located at 1850 N. McMullen-Booth Road in Clearwater. Their phone number for hours to leave donations is 727-799-1618. Donations are accepted seven days a week but the hours vary on the weekends. Weekdays are from 2:30-5:30 in the after...
Comments 4
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Clearwater Florida Market Report - November 2011   There were 69 single family homes that closed during November 2011 in Clearwater Florida. The most expensive closing was a beautiful 5 bedroom 4 bath 5660 sq ft 2 story home located on 3.6 acres off of McMullen Booth Road. This home also has a barn with 1800 sq ft! Listed at $789,000 this one closed after 197 days for $675,000.   At the other end of this list is a 3 bedroom 1 bath 976 sq ft bank owned home. This one was listed at $22,500 and closed after 123 days for $18,500.   When we look at townhomes, villas and condos there were 61 closings during November, starting with a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2425 sq ft townhome at Clearwater's Water's Edge Complex in downtown Clearwater right on the harbor. This new condo was listed and sold for $65...
Comments 1
By Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i
(Aloha Kai Real Estate)
Clearwater Florida Computer Service at Intolan Computers Whether it be supplies for upgrades or for computer assistance, one place I have relied upon is Intolan Computers. They have been in business since 1995 while I have been a client of theirs since about 2000. They provide friendly, helpful service which is very important to me. Services include computer repair, malware and virus removal, data transfer, data restoration, system upgrades, and hardware and software installation.They also offer a full line of high quality computer products. So far I had two systems built by them and have been very pleased with their service. They used to be farther south but as of August 29, 2011 are now conveniently located in the Serendipity Plaza located at 28909 U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater ...
Comments 4
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Charles Rutenberg Realty decorates for the holidays with the expert hand of Jo-Ann Nestor.  John & Jo-Ann Nestor are the owners of Charles Rutenberg Realty and each year, Jo-Ann makes the most fabulous Christmas wreaths and decorates not only the Charles Rutenberg Realty offices on South Belcher Avenue in Clearwater Florida but also the offices of Integrity Title Company, which is in the same building.   Integrity Title Company is jointly owned by Charles Rutenberg Realty  and my favorite real estate attorney, Michael J. Heath.   I love the way Jo-Ann personalizes her Christmas wreaths according to the tastes of the individuals working in the two offices. It is the little things, like this, that make Charles Rutenberg Realty such a great group to work with. There is a level of personal ...
Comments 2
By Lana Robbins Realtor ® Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed in Florida, Washington, and Hawai'i
(Aloha Kai Real Estate)
Sunset Pointe Townhomes Clearwater Florida 33763 Real Estate Sales October 2011 Sunset Pointe in Clearwater Florida is a townhome community centrally located in Pinellas County Florida. Sunset Pointe features a community playground and pool for you and your family to enjoy. There is a Public grocery store and Aldi nearby as well as a gas station around the corner which offers convenience for those who drive to work. For October 2011 one home in Sunset Pointe that was listed in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) sold. It was an REO, bank-owned property. Sunset Pointe Townhomes Clearwater Florida Real Estate Sales October 2011 Address // Bedrooms // Bathrooms // Square Feet // Listing Price // Sale Price   2525 Marina Key Lane 3 2.5 1,473 $122,500 $101,000 Prices have significantly decrea...
Comments 0
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Nature's Food Patch in Clearwater Florida is one place that I go when I am out all day and I want to get a healthy bite to eat. They offer a wonderful selection of soups, salads and also complete meals - with tofu, meat or just veggies. Today I took one of my clients there with me for lunch. While we were there I also did a little grocery shopping. There are always wonderful fresh apples and this is where I purchase my mango vinegar! If you happen to stop by, be sure to try the apple crisp! It is SO good and they always have it for sale. Naturally, they have a full line of herbs, vitamins and minerals as well as being a full grocery store. If you decide to go there for lunch, there is a dining room to the right of the check-out lanes where you can enjoy your fresh lunch!   Nature's Food...
Comments 9
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
FIRPTA exemptions are something you don't generally deal with on a daily basis and it is a good idea to know a little about it. I am lucky to deal with foreign transactions on a regular basis but do realize that many Realtors don't. If you are selling a home that belongs to a foreign national there is a 10% withholding that takes place at the closing table to satisfy the IRS taxes. Your foreign national must complete a tax return to get this money back but there is a way around this. According to Internal Revenue Service Code 1445, if your foreign seller is selling a home that is under $300,000 in value, they can ask the buyer to sign the Buyer's Affidavit for FIRPTA Withholding Exemption. This is a form that states that the buyer is going to reside in the new home for a minimum of 50% ...
Comments 6
By Toni Weidman, 20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL
(Sailwinds Realty)
  Christmas Under the Oaks in Clearwater-FL- 35 years and countingWe spent Sunday afternoon at Coachman Park which sits along the water in Clearwater, Florida. The event was Christmas Under the Oaks Arts & Crafts Show which is held each year and has been for the past 35 years. Presented by the Clearwater Junior Women’s Club, Inc., this is always a fun event to go to and stroll around on a beautiful Fall afternoon. The Coachman Park view We have been going since the early 1980’s ourselves and we used to meet Craig’s Mom there. She passed away last December and as I walked around the park, I could feel her with me enjoying the many handcrafted items, plants, and food.       Golden Retriever Rescue was there with Cali.       If you’re thinking that you might like to be able to go to a beau...
Comments 19
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Clearwater Florida Market Report - October 2011   From Clearwater Beach we turn our attention to the much larger area of Clearwater Florida. In Clearwater there were 62 single family homes sold during October 2011. These ranged from a short sale on Sunset Drive that was listed at 550k and finally sold after 548 days on the market for only $363,900 down to a small 2 bedroom 1 bath short sale home with structural damage that sold for 23k. I was really surprised that the home on Sunset Drive sold for so little since it is directly on the Clearwater Harbor with views across the waterway to Island Estates. The home has a boathouse and dock with plenty of room to add a pool. The 4 bedroom 2 bath home has 2415 sq ft and while built in the 1950's, has been updated. Single family homes in our st...
Comments 2
By Jim Poole, Zero Down, USDA Purchase Loans, FHA 203(K) Rehab & VA Streamline Loans
JIMBO DOES JUMBO IN CLEARWATER FLORIDA Looking for that perfect loan for your new dream home? Well look no further. Jimbo has been closing JUMBO loans in Florida for over 10 years. The key to getting the best rate for a non conforming loan such as a JUMBO is to have an experienced loan originator put the file together for you in the right manner. Shortcuts and files that make for messy presentations end up costing you money. Jimbo is an experienced loan originator that knows how to present your loan in it's best light to the investors. Call Jimbo today for a Free no obligation interview @ 813.205.7958
Comments 0
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Fantastic Price Reduction! 2389 Weymouth Drive in Clearwater Florida is just south of Belleair Road, off Sherbrook, between US 19 and Belcher. This beautiful home has had yet another price reduction since the owners want to leave the state and be up north with their family for the Holidays! A beautiful single family home in a non-deed restricted community just behind Sharon Oaks. You can park your RV or boat here and the backyard is large enough for almost any size pool! Three bedrooms, the third bedroom is a smaller room and used as an office but would make a great small child's bedroom as well. Hardwood flooring, newer roof, over 20k in upgrades in the last two years alone! New list price is only $175,900! Accepting all offers! Take advantage of this and be sure to see this fabulous h...
Comments 7
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Should I buy or rent? THAT is the question! This is something that people constantly ask themselves and the answer is an individual one. Renting makes sense if you are only going to be in an area for a short period of time. Examples of that: your company transferred you here for a temporary assignment or you are a student and will leave once your studies are complete. Naturally, renting also makes sense if you simply cannot afford the down-payment or if your credit scores are so low that you cannot get any financing. However, IF you are one of the masses that wants to purchase a home or condo and take advantage of the deductions on your tax returns, there is no better time to purchase than right now! Interest rates are at a 50 year low and, especially in Florida's market, the inventory ...
Comments 0
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Now is the time to purchase that retirement condo/vacation condo on the beaches that you have been dreaming about! Prices are the lowest they have been in years and according to both the Florida Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, the Florida market has bottomed out and is beginning to SLOWLY climb once again. What does that mean for YOU, the buyer? With interest rates at an all time low and the condo market offering fantastic deals, it means that NOW is the time to make that purchase! You don't have to restrict your search to short sales and foreclosures either. Regular sale prices are fantastic right now. Those who are serious about purchasing are taking advantage of this market and the inventory is being reduced at a rate that we haven't seen in the last...
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