Tampa Bay Real Estate Blog

With Tampa Short Sales and Tampa Foreclosures up, and the Banks finally getting the hint that to get rid of these properties, they must work with the Realtors, the prices are finally in line to move alot of inventory.  The "cheap" homes, as I will call them, are really few and far between now except for those that are really homes that would require an "act of god" to get an occupancy permit.

The homes in the $100k-$200k are still plenty and there are some beautiful homes available with pools etc if you can look beyond the green water and foot high lawn.  If you can look beyond that, and with a little effort, you would have a really beautiful home.

In addition, the Tampa Luxury Real Estate Market is no stranger to the short sale arena and there are homes or estates that would normally go for millions of dollars can now be scooped up for a fraction of the cost.

If you are looking for great deals whatever your price range, take a close look at the tools we offer to help you find exactly what you are looking for in the Tampa Real Estate Market.

Here are some quick statistics for Hillsborough County Real Estate (Tampa is in Hillsborough in case you didn't know).

Active Listings	14660
Active Single Family Homes	10093
SFH under $100,000	828
SFH between $100k-$500k	7901
SFH between $500k-$999k	943
SFH Greater than $1 Million	421

So it looks like the sweet spot is the 100-500k.  The majority of the sub $100k homes have been gobbled up but there still are a few.  Hopefully you will be able to use this information to better help you in your future searches for real estate.

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Team Masse services the Tampa Bay Real Estate market and the following areas: Tampa, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Brandon, Lithia, Valrico, Gibsonton, South Tampa, and Channelside District.  Contact us at 813-546-5222 for more assistance.

We have been inundated by phone calls from clients who have received their tax bills and do not understand the assessed values indicated.  I must say, that I agree with them all.  Most of you out there have bills in the $130,000 range of assessed value which is a far cry from what the current value is of these condos currently.  There have been a few condos that have been repurchased by their lenders and placed back on the market for as little as $61,000.

My recommendation to all of you that would like to dispute your tax bill, get an appraisal done and submit the appraisal with your tax bill to the tax assessors office.  They do have a procedure to dispute your tax bill that requires you to submit a fee for them to process the paperwork.  I recommend you call them and ask them for the exact procedure and time frames to dispute your bill.  There should be information on your bill that discusses how to do that or you can call 1-813-272-6100 (Property Appraisers Office) or check them out online at http://www.hcpafl.org/www/downloads/appeal_process.shtml

As always, Looking for Tampa Real Estate or Tampa Foreclosures...look no further!

Blogging is something that has really blossomed into something that is truly a life of its own.  Many people still do not understand what a blog is and the power of blogging.  A Blog is an abbreviation of Web Log.  It is a persons point of view on whatever they choose to write about.  Blogs allow people to transmit news like nothing every before.  News was originally controlled by the news channels.  You had reporters that wrote the news, it went to the editor to scrub and put their own spin on it and then was transmitted to the general population, often only to those that were watching the program at the time.  Blogging puts the ordinary person in the seat of the reporter, with no editor so the information is un scrubbed and is given by the reporters point of view.  Many blogs have large readerships similar to the columnists of yesterday.  The wonderful thing about blogging is that it promotes interaction by the readership to give their point of view to expand on the topic of interest.

Blogs can also be used to report on events in real time streaming information live to blog sites to follow in real time.  For example, I am a big Iphone user.  I use it for my business and use it for my life.  I decided to see what was available to the Apple announcement today and there are bloggers streaming the event live via their blogs, almost like being there complete with photos as it happens.

Blogging can also be great for real estate.  Tampa Real Estate has its own set of challenges but by supplying information on a blog about a particular development, I can both promote the development, as well as supply information to potential clients interested in buying in that development.  In addition, the interaction goes beyond me and the interaction can occur between other people responding to the blog.

Blogging is a great way o identify yourself as an expert in a development, or expert in a field.  Either way, Blogging is changing the world as we see it and allowing others to comment and get involved in ways that were never thought of.

Facebook is a social network I have spent a lot of time with.  I am not surprised that Facebook has surpassed MySpace as the King of the Hill sort to speak.  Facebook is one of those sites that is so popular because it can be configured anyway the person likes.  In addition to that, there are these things call Facebook Applications that give the network whole new functionality.  Coming from a technical background, I tend to look for whatever technology I can to help me achieve my goals in the Tampa Real Estate or the Tampa Foreclosures Market.  Facebook is one of those "technical advantages".

The three keys I believe that makes Facebook effective is

1. Be honest with people on the site, people can smell a fake.
2. Create a complete profile, make sure you fill in everything the first time, tweak it later.
3. Contribute...Like anything, don't expect to just create your account and then forget about it.  The more you contribute, the better the experience, and the business in the end.

Social Networking is a fun means of reconnecting with people from your past.  On top of being a great business tool, it is a great way to find friends that you may have been looking for for some time.  Whatever your reason for using it, it's a ton of fun!

The Tampa Real Estate market is heating up, and with that extra heat, we all need to cool off somehow.  Well, we have some great beaches here in Tampa Bay.  After all, we all live here because we love the water.  I came from Cape Cod prior to moving here and wanted to be in a place that was warm all the time, the water was warm, and I could go to the beach any time I wanted (and swim as opposed to just look at it).  Well, here is the place I am and love.  I took a few days off (first time in 5 years) and went to the beach with my wife.  It was wonderful to look at the surf, swim in the 90 degree water, and lie in the sun.

The tampa bay market is moving fast with people grabbing property as fast as they can get it, and the closer to the water the better.  But keep in mind, you don't have to live on the water to enjoy the beach anytime you like.  There are no private beaches in Florida so you can visit anytime you like...so enjoy it weekly!

The deals on Tampa Real Estate continue as the market is still a buyers market.  But like any "Blue Light Special" the market is moving very fast and many properties are going quick.  Some of the best deals are being bought up by out of state and out of country buyers that know an excellent deal and want to captialize upon it.

First time home buyers are making out like bandits as well as many homes that they could not afford only a year or two ago are now within budget.

If you are looking for a fantastic deal and can close in the next 60 days, this is the market to buy in.

Tampa Real Estate  |  Tampa Foreclosures  |  Tampa Real Estate Blog
Team Masse services the Tampa Bay Real Estate market and the following areas: Tampa, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Brandon, Lithia, Valrico, Gibsonton, South Tampa, and Channelside District.  Contact us at 813-546-5222 for more assistance.

One of the provisions of the New Housing Bail Out Bill is the removal of Seller Assisted Down Payments.  Why they would make this a provision of this bill is beyond me, but they did and it was signed into Law by President Bush.  These are some of the things that President Bush had issue with and why he threatened to veto, but caved in at the last minute.

This may slow down the Tampa Real Estate Market since many first time home buyers need additional funds due to the sometimes high closing costs associated with purchasing real estate in Tampa Bay.

These new rules don't go into effect until Oct 1 2008 so there is still time, but not much.  So if you are in the market and you are looking for a reason to jump off the fence, I would do it now!

Tampa Real Estate  |  Tampa Foreclosures  |  Tampa Real Estate Blog
Team Masse services the Tampa Bay Real Estate market and the following areas: Tampa, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Brandon, Lithia, Valrico, Gibsonton, South Tampa, and Channelside District.  Contact us at 813-546-5222 for more assistance.

The Tampa Real Estate Market has been on fire as of late...even with all the rain currently, it has not stopped anyone looking for a deal.  Prices are where they should be, sellers are getting reasonable with expectation and pricing, and banks are starting to move faster on those Tampa Short Sales and Tampa Foreclosures.  Really, the only limiting factor right now are the realtors.  Some realtors, those that don't understand this market, have moved more to a part time situation and this makes things difficult for those of us that do this for a living.  Sometimes, offers don't get any attention, or finding out what is going on with a current offer can take 20 or more phone calls.

Whatever the case, the market is starting to level out and stabilize which will make life alot easier for everyone.

I spend most of my time now a days trying to keep up with all the technology flying at me, seems at times at the speed of light.  I do this not necessarily to make my life easier, because it is not currently, but to make my clients life easier.  Here is what I mean.

If you hit out site, you want top notch tools to find what you are looking for as quickly as you can.  If I just offer to you the standard tools that every agent offers, why would you stop and stay at my site...what do I really have to offer, nothing.  Then when a client calls or requests more data on something that they find of interest, I need to respond quickly and accurately, hence my 90 second rule.  The 90 second rule is that I will try to respond to your request on Tampa Real Estate within 90 seconds of receipt.  This is very difficult to do but my track record is pretty darn good and most people that get to see it in action are truly amazed.  This is where good customer service is so critical.  I often have things break down (technology you know) and need to call tech support or customer service.  If I have to wait more than 5 minutes I get pretty upset and usually hang up as I just don't have time to wait.

Customer Service is pretty much dead in this country as when I do have to make a call, I am usually speaking to someone by the name of Sam from India (I know your name is not Sam so let's get that straight).

I am a firm believer that the person that can respond he fastest and deliver the best customer service will be the victor in this business we call Real Estate.  FindmyFloridahome.net will continue to pursue that goal.

Tampa Real Estate  |  Tampa Foreclosures  |  Tampa Real Estate Blog
Team Masse services the Tampa Bay Real Estate market and the following areas: Tampa, Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Brandon, Lithia, Valrico, Gibsonton, South Tampa, and Channelside District.  Contact us at 813-546-5222 for more assistance.

A report that was just emailed to me from NAR (National Association of Realtors) indicates that the Tampa Real Estate Market showed a 7% decline year over year.  Not really a surprise to me since I have been following inventory in the Tampa Bay Real Estate Market for some time.

This report took into account condos, townhomes and single family homes.  The reason for this decline in my opinion, is due to low interest rates, clients with cash, and reasonable home pricing.  If this trend continues on this path, the market will begin to turn to a neutral market within 5-6 months (my opinion).

In either event, the decline of homes available for sale is an excellent indicator of things to come...stay tuned!

The Tampa Real Estate Market has been moving at a very fast pace lately.  1 Year ago the Tampa had 24 months of inventory.  3 Months ago Tampa had 15 months of inventory...and now Tampa has 10 months of inventory.  Tampa Homes are moving onto market and back out again with well priced property only lasting less than a few weeks at times.  The market is not like how it was in 2004-2005, but it is getting pretty close.  Anyone with decent credit and/or money is jumping into the market to buy as much as they can.  It is never possible to time the market, but you won't be able to play the game if you don't have a game piece in play.

Warren Buffet said that now is the time to buy real estate...Usually when the wealthiest man in the world speaks, people listen, are you?

Team Masse would like to wish a happy and safe July 4th for everyone and we look forward to helping all fulfill the American Dream of home ownership here in the Tampa Bay Real Estate Area.

Take it safe, enjoy family and friends, and god bless.

Best Regards,

Robert and Carla Masse
Team Masse

There is a little known development known as Little Harbor in Ruskin Florida which overlooks the waters of Tampa Bay.  This well hidden development offers Waterfront views from almost every property.  This is a unique development for the Tampa Bay Real Estate Market.  There are Condos and Townhomes that overlook Tampa Bay or the Private Marina available only to owners, a fantastic waterfront Restaurant with weekend live music and Tiki Bar, tennis courts, a private beach with Boardwalk and the sunsets are like those you would see in Key West.

For more information on property starting at $80,000, please call Carla at 813-546-5222.

Team Masses has secured 12 Brand New Townhomes, never lived in, from Park Square Builders out of Orlando Florida.  These townhomes are located in the Tampa Suburb of Gibsonton.  These townhomes range in price from $130,000 to $160,000, come with a multitude of upgrades, garages, appliances, etc.  The square footage ranges from 1582 to 1810. 

Please give Carla a call at 813-546-5222 for a private tour of these oversized townhomes today.  Now is the time to enter the Tampa Bay Real Estate Market and at these prices, they will not last!

Looking for Tampa Real Estate or Tampa Foreclosures...click the buttons below

The agents of Team Masse have been working day and night to compile some of the most complete set of tools in the Tampa Real Estate Market.  We have tools for Buyers looking for Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Bank Owned Homes, Tampa Commercial, and the list goes on.  For Sellers, we offer tips to get you home sold fast, improvements that pay off, home valuation and so on.  Please feel free to roam the site, we offer video tours of our listings and we have far more than what is currently displayed.  Our inventory is constantly changing.

If you have any questions, please let us know.  We look forward to speaking with you.  Please call Carla at 813-546-5222

Little Harbor, a waterfront community in Ruskin Florida, has some of the best views of Tampa Bay in the Area.  In addition, the condo available for sale are some of the best deals in Hillsborough County for a direct waterfront condo for under $100,000.  If you are looking for Tampa Real Estate or even Tampa Foreclosures, looking for Investment property or enjoy living on or near the water, you must check out Little Harbor waterfront Community...you will not be sorry!

For more information on Little Harbor or other great communities, Please call Carla at 813-546-5222.

There are many deals out there in the Tampa Real Estate market today with Tampa Foreclosures and Tampa Bank Owned Homes.  We have worked many deals with many different banks and know how to negotiate with the banks to get you the best deal and make sure that your offer is accepted.

If you are in the market for one of these properties and need expert representation, please give Carla a call today at 813-546-5222.  We look forward to speaking with you!

With the summer sun in the Tampa Bay area comes pools and beaches.  Pools are great because they are convenient, usually out your backdoor or within your community, and are typically clean and safe.  Beaches are great as well because they have that crashing sound of the waves, long sandy strips, warm water and usually safe as well.  When people go shopping in the Tampa Real Estate Market, I usually hear "Pool Required" when setting requirements for their new home.  Are you sure that is really what you want.  With pools comes pool cleaners, electricity, chemicals, maintenance, etc.  That pool that you just wrapped up in your shinny new mortgage is going to keep costing you year after year, day after day.  My neighbors on either side of me have pools and I must say, I see them in their pools maybe, and I said maybe, once a month.  Is that price tag worth the swim once a month?  For me, no.

I was like them when I first moved here to Tampa, I thought I wanted a pool and I thought I wanted a boat (that's another blog post)...but now, for the amount of use I would give it due to my busy schedule...no way...I'll hit the free beach.

So when you are setting your requirements about that new house, and you find that perfect house butt doesn't already have a pool, think about it.  Is that pool really required...you decided!