Without question, a property tax crisis is overwhelming Florida.  If people are not being taxed out of their home, they are being held captive in their home.

On January 29th, Florida voters will decide if the state Constitution should contain “portability�, increased homestead exemption, a cap on assessments of commercial, second homes and investment property, and a tangible personal property tax exemption.

Portability allows homestead owners to take up to $500,000 of accumulated savings with them to their next homestead, and allows two years to establish that next homestead. 

There is a difference in how much you will “port� if you are buying a more expensive home versus buying a less expensive home.

If buying “up�, the homesteader simply transfers the difference of the just value and the assessed value from the old homestead, and subtracts that amount from the new just value.  In most cases, the homestead property owner will also receive an additional $50,000 in homestead exemption.  

If buying “down�, the homesteader will port an amount equal to the ratio of the old assessed value to the old just value. Rather than allowing the homeowner to “port� the actual Save Our Home differential, the formula was designed so if a homeowner had a 50% assessed value to just value ratio in the old home, they would maintain that 50% assessed value to just value ratio in the new home. This approach avoids the problems that could otherwise occur if taxpayers moved large differentials from high-priced markets to lower priced markets.

It is very important to note that if this amendment passes on January 29, 2008, portability will be retroactive to January 1, 2007.

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What is a magnet school? For those that do not have kids yet and trying to learn the jargon, here is the definition.  A magnet school in Tampa is a public elementary, middle, or high school whose curricula are theme-based and technology-rich. Magnet schools offer students opportunities to discover, explore, and refine their talents and interests while focusing on excellence in academics. 

One such school in Downtown Tampa is the Rampello Downtown Partnership School, K-8.  It has been beneficial to the new residents living downtown in Channelside Condos and Harbour Island condos.

The school opened in August, 1997, as a joint effort between the school district and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. The Tampa Downtown Partnership School of Choice where students become a community of learners utilizing the cultural arts district to reach the highest level of intellectual, social, physical and emotional achievement in education. Students benefit from enhancement of the Hillsborough County curriculum through field trips to the Tampa Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Tampa Museum, etc.

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Thanks to International Listings for including CondoLeaf.com as one of the Top 50 Real Estate Marketing Bloggers.  It’s quite an honor to be included on that list.  International Listings is the premier listing service for luxury homes worldwide and they have been doing this since 2001.

From their article: 

Every real estate agent and developer is different, and each one believes one form of marketing works better than another. Word of mouth, or viral marketing, represents just one method of marketing. Others include print, radio, television, Web sites, and blogs. This marketing “to-do� list can grow, and it would take a ’superperson’ to take advantage of every marketing situation - let alone to use each one to its peak performance.

This is where marketing bloggers can come to the rescue. The list below includes bloggers who focus on general and online marketing, including blogs. More specifically, the list below focuses only on real estate marketing, a necessity that can prove both very expensive and time-consuming unless you learn how to get around those obstacles.

Find out why CondoLeaf.com is the best way to buy and sell Tampa Bay condos, townhomes and lofts. This include St Petersburg Beach, Clearwater Beach, Apollo Beach, Downtown St Petersburg, Downtown Tampa and Downtown Clearwater and the surrounding areas.

Condo Buyer Representation…at No Cost to You!

An Important Decision: While it is possible to find and buy a Tampa Bay condo without an agent, this is one of the largest purchases and most important decisions you will ever make. A condo may account for a third of your monthly spending and a large part of your assets. The condo purchase transaction will require making many important financial decisions, understanding complex issues and completing a lot of paperwork. So it is not only comforting but extremely efficient to have an expert help you cut through all the red tape.

Buyers & Buyer’s Agents: Buyers’ agents specialize in helping buyers! Buyers’ agents listen to what you want and then help you find your ideal Tampa Bay condo. We can notify you the instant that a condo, meeting your requirements, comes on the market and we will make the appointment to get you in at the soonest possible moment. No more leaving voice-mails for agents who don’t bother to call you back. No more waiting for a Sunday Open House to see a condo. No more calling on a newspaper ad only to discover that someone already put in an offer.
 
CondoLeaf.com Buyer’s Agents are at no cost to you! We don’t get paid until you successfully buy your condo. We have a wide network of resources that we can share with you, helping you select inspectors and recommending service providers such as lenders, insurance agents, landscapers and contractors. Besides, in Florida, the seller pays the agents, so why wouldn’t you want someone working for you?

Knowledge is Gold: Often we know about properties that are not yet on the market. Because real estate is all we do (sometimes 24/7!), we’re the first to know of price reductions, motivated sellers, exclusive sales and other important news. 

Your Own Personal Expert: Think of a buyers’ agent as your expert advocate. We will share our experience, represent your best interests during negotiations with sellers, and help you understand all the decisions you need to make. We will work tirelessly for you, and our goal is to make your transaction go as smoothly as possible.

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We had mentioned about this proposed project a few months ago.  Tampa Bay Business Journal recently stated that Orion Communities Inc. and RL Pearson & Associates Inc. are planning to build a 269-room Ritz-Carlton Tampa Bay and The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Tampa Bay in the Rocky Point area near Tampa International Airport.

It will be the 10th Ritz-Carlton in Florida and the first one in Tampa. The closest one is the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota which opened in 2002.

The project will have special amenities that include a 15,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, movement studio, boutique shops, retail space, separate hotel and residence outdoor swimming pools with whirlpools and a selection of dining options, including a signature restaurant and a South Beach inspired beachside bar and grill.

We now have stats on the sales of existing condominiums in Florida for the month of October.  Sales of existing condominiums in Florida decreased last month, with a total of 2,819 condos sold statewide compared to 3,508 in October 2006 for a 20 percent decline, according to FAR. The statewide median sales price for condos last month was $192,400, down 8 percent from October’s 2006’s condo median price of $209,500. NAR reported the national median existing condo price was $221,700 in September 2007.

Disruptions in the mortgage market and tightening credit continued to impact Florida’s housing sector in October. Statewide, sales of existing single-family homes totaled 9,165 last month while 12,846 homes sold in October 2006 for a decrease of 29 percent in the year-to-year comparison, according to the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR).
Click on icon  to see report of Tampa Bay condo existing sales report.

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A vibrant new website, www.HiLifeTampa.com, provides urban residents and explorers with one-stop planning when they want to check out the many exciting offerings in downtown Tampa.

Complementing HilLifeTampa is a newly upgraded interactive events calendar. The calendar is already available at www.tampasdowntown.com, which is the primary website of the Tampa Downtown Partnership – the TDP is behind the new website, as well.

Used in harmony, the new website and calendar will provide unprecedented information about everything from restaurants to events, from office space to residential units, from shopping to nightclubs, from cultural happenings to street vendors.

HiLifeTampa will provide visitors with details on downtown districts, services, celebrations and happenings of all kinds. And the digital upgrades arrive just in time for the holiday season.

Prior to launch, a click on www.HiLifetampa.com took visitors to a survey form – filling it out will ensure that you receive an e-mail notification when HiLifeTampa goes live. And the new HiLifeTampa website is just the beginning of new TDP services geared to downtown consumers and residents.

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Downtown is not a bad place to be if you get a flat.

A program offered since 1994 by the Tampa Downtown Partnership changes tires and jumps dead batteries free of charge in the area bounded by North Boulevard, Channelside Drive, St. Pete Times Forum Drive and Scott Street. About 10 “concierges” keep busy, roving in a mini-sport utility vehicle, on bicycles and on foot, changing four or five tires a day. They also offer directions to visitors and restaurant suggestions.

Call 813-267-2220 for assistance.

There’s some good news from financial analysts: Foreign investment in real estate—particularly in Florida—is likely to pick up. So says Mark Vitner, chief economist for Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia Corp. “The dollar is on sale,â€? said Susan Wachter, a professor of real estate at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

She points to the declining value of the dollar against the euro—the currency of 13 European countries: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Finland. Today, a foreign buyer would need only 34,100 euros to make a $50,000 downpayment on a house, compared to 37,920 euros to make the same downpayment at the beginning of the year.

The Tampa Bay area is ideal for foreign investors.  Contact CondoLeaf.com today to receive updated information on any Tampa Bay condo developments.

We now have stats on the sales of existing condominiums in Florida for the month of September. It has decreased in the month of September, with a total of 2,557 condos sold statewide compared to 4,032 in September 2006 for a 37 percent decline, according to FAR. The statewide median sales price for condos last month was $194,200, down 4 percent from September 2006’s condo median price of $202,800. NAR reported the national median existing condo price was $228,500 in August 2007.

Last month, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.38 percent, according to Freddie Mac, which was lower than the average rate of 6.40 percent in September 2006. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Mirroring the national trend, turmoil in the mortgage market impacted Florida’s housing sector in September, despite continued low unemployment rates and other positive economic activity. Statewide, sales of existing single-family homes totaled 8,688 last month while 14,044 homes sold in September 2006 for a decrease of 38 percent in the year-to-year comparison, according to the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR).

Housing industry analysts previously predicted that mortgage disruptions would affect home sales in September. The National Association of Realtors’® (NAR) latest market outlook expects conditions for the mortgage industry to improve in the coming months and that widening credit availability will help homebuyers. Keeping the current housing market in perspective, 2007 will be the fifth highest year on record for existing-home sales, says NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun. “Although sales are off from an unsustainable peak in 2005, there is a historically high level of home sales taking place this year,� he says. “One out of 16 American households is buying a home this year.�

Click on icon  to see report of Tampa Bay condo existing sales report. 

West End Tampa is a gated community near the downtown Tampa area that is comprised of 545 apartment units, 340 condominiums, 57 town homes and retail spaces.  The West End Tampa community incorporates open public spaces to create a living environment that is distinctly different from the existing inventory of “urban lifestyle” product which is common today.  West End Tampa will have parks, public art, recreational areas, swimming pools, fitness centers and a business center.

The developer want this part of the downtown business district to once again be an emerging community central to all that Tampa has to offer.  I received a call from Lassiter Mason/Sales Manager of West End Tampa and they will be initially launching the townhome sales first.  The sales for the condos are planned for early January of 2008. 

We will be placing updated information for the West End Tampa project.  Contact CondoLeaf.com if you have any questions.

Buyers earn 1% Cash Back at Closing or an Exclusive Dale Chihuly Piece of Glass Artwork at Closing! The Arts of St Pete condos will be a first-of-its-kind residential arts community in downtown St. Petersburg.

Introducing a new innovation in downtown living and an invitation to become part of St Petersburg’s most desirable community, The Arts! A breathtaking architectural masterpiece created for a lifestyle marked by distinction and infused with creativity. In the heart of the desirable Gallery District just steps away from the Chihuly Collection and the Arts Center.

Contact us today for more details.

Upscale Living at its finest. Luxury 2Bed/2Bath 1667 sq ft, unique sought-out Emerald floorplan unit on the 7th floor. This is the 3rd largest out of 23 floorplans in Grand Central at Kennedy, an urban neighborhood concept contained in one city block. Enjoy entertaining your guests with the large amount of open living area and expansive glass walls from floor to ceiling.

Gourmet kitchen has huge granite countertop island and Viking Professional Series with stainless steel appliances including gas stove, microwave, and refrigerator. Hardwood floors and ceramic tile throughout. It also features a huge balcony overlooking the neighboring swimming pool and cabana, along with incredible views of the Channelside District and Cruise Ships.

Amenities include two Swimming pools, clubhouse with entertainment media and fitness room. Condo fees cover much of your needs including electric, gas, high-speed internet, cable TV, security, water and phone and much much more.

Virtual Tour: 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1667 sq ft with 120 sq ft Balcony

Contact us today for showing appointment.

The Epicurean Hotel will be located in historic South Tampa.  The condo hotel will have 75 fully furnished suites.

As a condo hotel suite owner, you will enjoy a wealth of benefits including:

• * Bern’s Family of Legends Personal Concierge - Impress your guests with a chef/culinary coach on call to assist you with menu planning, wine selections, food pairings and entertainment tips.  Sommelier Personal Wine Shopper.  Bern’s VIP access to the Wine Regions of the World.
• * Premium Personal Climate-Controlled Wine Lockers - Have your favorite wines on hand.  Receive a one-case locker in the new restaurant and ten-case locker in Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits Vault
• * Pet Access - No need to leave anyone behind.  Arrive with your four-legged friend and receive a pet goodie bag.
• * Daily Epicurean Offering Delivered to Your Suite When You Stay - Everyone loves a surprise and each day you stay at the hotel, you’ll receive a culinary treat in your suite, compliments of the Chef
• * Preferred Owner’s Rate at Spa Evangeline - You’re here to relax, so enjoy relaxing rates at the soon-to-be famous Day Spa Evangeline.
• * “Live The Epicurean Life” Club Membership - You will have an opportunity to acquire a membership at the preferred owners’ price; a membership to the club that provides you access to the pool and pool bar,  the fitness center and preferential spa scheduling.  Expect a monthly Epicurean offering delivered to your home too, even when you are not staying at the hotel.

For more information or questions, contact CondoLeaf.com.

This is a long time coming.  On Friday, September 28th, the #18 USF Bulls will play our Big East rival #5 West Virginia Mountaineers. 

Mayor Pam Iorio has declared Friday, September 28, 2007 Green and Gold Day in the City of Tampa.   The mayor, Doug Woolard, University of South Florida Athletic Director, and a herd of fans will be on hand to hoist a banner on the side of the Tampa Municipal Office Building in support of the USF Bulls as they prepare to go head-to-head with West Virginia. The mayor is encouraging all fans to show their Bull pride by wearing USF gear or school colors on Friday.

The event will take place Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Tampa City Hall Plaza (Courtyard) located at 306 East Jackson Street.      

Thinking of buying a condo in Harbour Island?  Take a close look at Harbour Place City Homes with some of their new incentives.  You still can get 100% financing with no money down and with 5.25% fixed rate.

Harbour Place City Homes have 1 and 2 bedroom (plus loft) condominium homes on Harbour Island from $200k. They still have a great selection of 2 bedroom homes available but only five 1-bedroom units left.  All units come with new ceramic tile, stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops and hardwood floors.

Contact CondoLeaf.com today for more details.

*special financing available now to qualified buyers for contracts closing on or before 10/31/07. All loans subject to credit approval. Income restrictions may apply. Information subject to change without notice. **Tax savings is based on 28% tax bracket. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is tax deductible with incomes under $100,000 a year.

We now have stats on the sales of existing condos in Florida for the month of July.  It has decreased in July, with a total of 3,610 condos sold statewide compared to 4,449 in July 2006 for a 19 percent decline, according to Florida Association of Realtors. The statewide median sales price for condos in July was $193,900, down 7 percent from July 2006’s condo median price of $209,100. National Association of Realtors reported the national median existing condo price was $228,900 in June 2007.

In the month of July, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.70 percent, according to Freddie Mac, which was lower than the average rate of 6.76 percent in July 2006. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Click on icon  to see report of Tampa Bay condo existing sales report. 

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Join CondoLeaf.com to see the Grand Opening Party for Belfair Park Townhomes. 

When: Saturday, September 15th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Where: 1413 S. Howard Ave, Bella’s Italian Cafe

Belfair Park realizes that we all have increased awareness of concerns about our health and our environment.  This has contributed to the design of Belfair Park. They have incorporated sustainable design features focused on providing a healthier home, a home that reduces energy usage and thus consumption of our natural resources, and a home whose smart and efficient design can reduce operating and maintenance costs.

Some of the “Green” amenities include Energy Star stainless steel appliances, EcoTimber plank hardwood floors certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, Kohler low-flow toilets and VOC-free paint products.

Contact CondoLeaf.com for questions or details.

One of the feedbacks I receive from my prospects and clients is that they enjoy looking at the multimedia of a condo project.  They want to see muliple photos, videos, sound, aerials and renderings about a Tampa Bay condo project.  Especially to those that are out of state and do not have the luxury of a physical visit, buyers want to have that experience.  In most cases, CondoLeaf.com is able to make a customized video focusing on the buyers’ areas of concern.  For example, a view of the pool from the East view, surrounding neighborhood of a project, or a video showing a floorplan of a unit.

We believe a condo project’s website is merely an extension of its marketing to enhance the buyer’s senses.  The ability to hear, feel and see their future Tampa Bay condo, townhome or loft.  After marketing, the developers still need to provide a condo residence with a vibrant community, great floorplans, great amenities and most importantly, great price.

CondoLeaf.com thought we should give 2 awards today highlighting a condo project’s website, featuring the following categories:  Best Tampa Bay Condo Song and Best Tampa Bay Condo Video Rendering.

And the winners are…

Top 3 Condo Song for a Tampa Bay Condo Project:
Blue Meridian
Grand Bohemian Hotel & Residences
Grande Oasis

I believe the songs above are very pleasing to the ear; Too bad I can’t buy these on iTunes.  It’ll make your day peaceful and keep you focusing on only the positiving things around you.  Try it.  You’ll see (ehh…hear) what I mean.

Top 3 Condo Video Rendering for a Tampa Bay Condo Project:
Venu Tampa
Aqualea Resort and Residences
The Sage

Check out the virtual tour and video presentation for the above projects.  This category had multiple winners but I wanted to make it a short list of three.  Other notable winners for this category included The Slade at Channelside and also Element.

To see condo, townhome and loft projects in the Tampa Bay area, visit CondoLeaf.com and browse on map to view.