Homeowners - Can Living GREEN Make A Difference?

Can green living save the planet? Can it save money or improve the landscape?
The Purtee Team and RE/MAX think you can make a difference with even small changes around your home. For that reason, we have a checklist of things you, as a homeowner, can do to bring your home up to a greener standard. The list contains practical, easy fixes to make your home more eco-friendly for your family or potential buyers! GREEN HOME CHECK LIST

This Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9am to 3pm, experts from Pinellas County Extension/ University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) will join other professionals at the Science Center of Pinellas to explain how even small changes add up to make a big difference.

Representing the Extension and UF/IFAS are:

Mary Campbell, Extension director, “Florida’s Future: Climate Change and Coastal Communities,” 10 a.m.

James Stevenson, “Home Energy Savings and Financial Incentives,” 10:30 a.m.

Vestina F. Clayton, “It’s Not Just About the Environment,” 11 a.m.

Wilma Holley, “Rain Harvesting,” 11:30 a.m.

In addition to the educational sessions, local middle school students will be displaying sustainability projects on personal carbon footprint reduction, carbon sequestration, water conservation, composting and energy conservation.

Pinellas County is the first municipality in Florida to earn the Green Government designation from the Florida Green Building Coalition, an honor earned in 2007. The county continues to emphasize the importance of sustainability, in both practice and community outreach.

Great Job, Pinellas County!

Redington Shores Yacht Club On The Move!

We are DEFINITELY seeing the market in our area bottom out! At Redington Shores Yacht & Tennis Club, prices had moved down like there was no floor! From the high $800,000 range as it was completed in 2007 to recent short sales listed just under $400,000... it has been a HALF PRICE SALE and no one knew where the bottom would fall to.

THREE condos, listed as short sales at $369,000 and $399,000 have ALL gone under contract. The least expensive now is $400,000 even. After that one goes, the next lowest deal is $460,000. Then $529,000... then $549,000. At each stage of these being swept up by savvy buyers, the low threshold becomes higher. Currently listed, there are the two units in the $400's, then six units in the $500's. After that, there are only four in the $600's, one in the $700's and another in the $800's.

Homes are finally showing up under construction in the community making the gated community with private homes and waterfront condos truly unique along the beaches of Tampa Bay. The boat slips that are available for separate purchase add that much more value! I can foresee a time in the not-so-distant future that buyers will be scrambling to get those six units in the $500's. Our advice is don't get left behind!

Planning Your Retirement? Things To Consider!

Retirement remains a great opportunity to finally enjoy the results of years of hard work. However... without a great deal of thought and planning, this transition may not go as smoothly as you would like. It is important to determine HOW you would like to retire. What is the Grand Plan? What lifestyle makes sense for you? Is traveling a priority... day after day of golf or tennis... daily strolls on the beach???

Once you have determined the lifestyle you aspire to for your retirement, the planning really becomes important! Where you choose to live should reflect that lifestyle. Golf every day? You may want to consider joining a golf club or living by a favorite golf course. Boating a priority? Pros and cons of having your own boatslip right out from your back door. Is weather a priority? Tired of brutal winters that involve slipping on ice or endless shoveling and hovering around the fireplace? You may want to consider a warmer climate. That takes care of the winters, but are you prepared for the hot summers? And owning two residences (in order to live half the year in each) requires a great deal of coordination to maintain both.

Financial Planning is critical! There are a variety of retirement plans that range from IRA's to 401K's to Credit Unions. A good financial planner is a good start. Having the means to support the type of retirement you dream of may take some serious strategic investment and saving. We particularly like this article - Fundamentals Of A Successful Savings Program. Another good one is Determining Your Post-Work Income.

Where to Live? Glenn Curtis in his Five Retirement Questions Everyone Must Answer gives a list of factors to consider when thinking about this question:

• Proximity to family members
• The cost of housing
• Access to health care facilities
• Access to entertainment (such as shows and sporting events)
• Proximity to a major airport
• Year-round weather conditions
• Taxes (state income, property and estate tax)

As I look at the list, I realize once again how much the Tampa Bay area has to offer! It simply makes sense that other retirement-oriented baby boomers will think the same. For a look at what is looming ahead for an aging population, read The PURTEE Team Blog Social & Economic Implications Of An Aging Population.

Planning To Sell Your Home? Preparation Is Key!

In preparing your house to sell, ask yourself over and over if your house looks like someone else's dream house. Houses in move-in condition tend to be inviting to buyers; houses that are like new typically sell the fastest and procure the best price.

It is amazing how often we take clients into a home or condo with chaotic furnishings mixed with personal items, soiled carpets, peeling wallpaper or unpleasant odor... all of which give a lousy first impression. In today's market, a seller can not afford to overlook the importance of getting his or her home in beautiful condition BEFORE putting it on the market.

When it was a Seller's market, a buyer would often look for a "fixer-upper", but not so today. With all the inventory to choose from, a buyer wants to walk into a property and know it is ready to move in and enjoy. Especially here along the beaches of Tampa Bay where many buyers are looking to relocate or find second homes in which to "winter" in Florida! Staging offers one way to give a buyer the vision of what a home COULD look like... but beware, often the buyer will see it furnished that way and want the furnishings too!

As professional realtors, The PURTEE Team offers real estate TIPS for both buyers and sellers. Learn more about preparing your home... Click Here.

September Statistics For Pinellas County Are In!

The September sales statistics for Pinellas County are now posted on our PURTEE Team website. You can link to them from our Home Page or simply click here.

One thing we are watching closely (and this month of September truly emphasizes the trend) is the Absorption Rate of existing properties for sale - both single family homes as well as condos. The Absorption Rate (or inventory turnover) is determined by dividing the number of units sold during the month by the total number of listings in the MLS. The chart below tracks both homes and condos starting in 2006 when sales were at their highest... and month by month up until September 2009. It becomes very easy to see the struggle for 2007 and 2008. But look at the trend unfolding in 2009!

As the price points have lowered to a point that buyers are ready to make a move, these deals at the highly discounted rates are being gobbled up... leaving less and less inventory behind. What does that mean if a buyer is looking to make a purchase? Looking at the statistics we are seeing, the time is NOW!

Just Listed - Short Sale In Clearwater Beach!

JUST LISTED... Harborview Grande #600 in Clearwater Beach fits the profile perfectly for a property in the perfect location with lots of extras to make it an incredible second home/rental income-producing investment!

1. One of the few complexes in Clearwater Beach that allows 7-day rentals. Excellent rental history.

2. Desirable 6th floor corner location on west side of building with bay or beach views from every room!

3. Built in 2006, solid block (concrete) construction with all the current building codes.

4. 11 ft ceilings, 30 ft balcony stretching across living room and master suite.

5. Large master bath with large soaking tub and separate shower, double sink vanity and separate water closet.

6. Inside washer/dryer.

7. Digital thermostat with temperature and humidity control!

8. Fully designer furnished down to the coordinating dinnerware!

This is a short sale and therefore subject to lender approval of any offer. This unit originally sold for $690,000 PLUS the upgrades and furnishings. Listed last Friday at $459,000!!! In the first two days, there have been 7 calls on it. THE GOOD DEALS ARE SELLING FAST! Other Hot Deals

Sunset Cruise In Boca Ciega Bay

You will often hear about the majestic sunsets here along the west coast of Florida... just 20 minutes from Tampa. There is good reason why they are so discussed! Every night brings a little different twist so you never know which direction it might take. This photo on the left was taken a few nights ago and struck us to the point of jumping to grab the camera. We entitled it "Go into the Light" because the distinctive cloud cover separated for one dramatic opening.

Last night was different. The Purtee Team joined friends and tourists on a sunset cruise that departed from St Pete Beach and cruised through Boca Ciega Bay and out to the Gulf of Mexico. We have just uploaded a video of that sunset to U Tube - Take A Look.

I got into a long conversation with a woman vacationing from Rochester, NY. She and a friend were determined to leave behing the rainy, cold and dreary weather to capture a moment or two of paradise. She was actually an amazing person and I loved seeing her reaction to such a beautiful sunset! Did you see that the clouds really did form what looked like an alligator eating the sun? Amazing. Needless to say, by the end of the evening, many of the tourists were already strategizing as to how they could permanently relocate to such a great area!