The City of Largo Florida hosts the Largo Spooktacular each year in Largo Central Park.

 This event is well attended by families from Clearwater, Seminole, Largo and all over Pinellas County – they estimate over 30,000 people stroll through Largo park in the 5 hours the event takes place.

So with 30,000 people - that = lots of trash. The City Largo promoted a Green Halloween with lots of opprtunities to recycle as seen below. 

In honor of Halloween, I thought I would share some of the photos and fun we had this past Saturday.

 Wishing you Happy Halloween from Largo, Florida

My youngest loved this slide at this year’s Largo Spooktacular and must have gone down it 20 times while my older son worked the Carn”evil” Haunted House with the older Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts from Pack 455. Does anyone but me remember sliding down hills as a kid on cardboard – oh the simple pleasures!  

  More photos – Enjoy…we did!

Property Tax Changes Help Clearwater Beach Condo Investors and Vacation Home Owners 

Clearwater Beach Florida may see needed relief.

Tallahassee finally made some progress today on the on-going debate about Florida's Property taxes that could actually help our Clearwater beach real estate market, or Clearwater businesses and those Clearwater families who have outgrown their home or need to down-size.

While many Clearwater Beach home owners will debate it's too little and others will say it's just the first step - at least here in Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates many of the vacation condo owners are going to see additional property tax relief - and it couldn't come at a better time for many of them.

For example these proposed changes address property taxes for the second home owner, vacation beach condo owners and the Clearwater real estate investor by capping their annual property tax increase to 10% (even though many had wanted to see this capped at 5%) which is an improvement and under the new plan they will be seeing some relief and getting some peace of mind. 

I am also happy to see Portability addressed. I have seen too many Clearwater and Clearwater Beach home owners trapped in their current homes and condos because of this.

One example is an elderly couple we know living in Clearwater who approached us about down-sizing due to failing health. When we did the actual analysis for them we found that if they down-sized their Clearwater home their expenses wouldn't change because buying a Clearwater condo half as expensive would have been countered with the huge increase in property taxes. I believe this is a positive step forward, especially for older home owners.

The real questions for me are how much will the homestead exemptions and double exemptions really mean in savings to someone like me. The initial analysis by experts says very little. I'll have to do some more investigating as the details unfold.

Clearwater Beach Florida Update | 4 Key Property Tax Changes Agreed to

These 4 measures below were approved and are on their way to being to put on the January 29^th ballot as a new constitutional amendment.   

1. Portability. Those who qualify to Homestead (it's your primary residence) will be able to take up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes protections to a new home purchase.  If you buy a less expensive home then the amount would be pro-rated. This would applies to all property taxes. 
2. Double homestead exemption. If  you Homestead you can get a second $25,000 exemption on the assessed value on the value of your homes over $50,000. Note: This does not apply to school taxes. 
3. A Tangible personal property tax exemption. Businesses could now get a break on taxes paid on equipment.  
4. 10% annual cap on Property Assessments for all Commercial and Non-Homesteaded property. For those who don't qualify for homestead exemptions (for example vacation home owners, real estate investors, businesses) Property assessments could increase by not more than 10% each year on non-homestead property. 

Stay tuned for more information on Florida Property taxes and how they will effect Clearwater FLorida Real Estate.  

Submitted by Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Beach Real Estate Agent 

Clearwater Florida Real Estate | Luxury Golf Home Buyers

While Halloween is 3 days away we are happy to know that our most recent Clearwater luxury home buyers felt working with us was "a treat" - not a trick!

They contacted us from our Active Rain real estate blog in early September and shared their dream of wanting to purchase the vacation home in the Clearwater Florida area. They flew down from Washington DC two weeks later to spend the weekend seeing the properties that met their criteria.

They relied on us to be their real estate advocates locally along the way since they were back home during the time leading up to their home closing. When a few problems arose we worked with them and local home inspection experts to get them resolved to their satisfaction. We even arrange for them to get special pricing on the neighborhood's golf membership which they appreciated.  

6 weeks after they picked up the phone to call us to be their local Clearwater Florida real estate agent - they have their luxury Florida golf home. It was exciting to be a part of their journey and share in the culmination of it all coming true.

After the closing celebration we asked them to share a little about how it was to work with Jack and I. They explained that we were Clearwater real estate "experts" and they have already referred us to other friends looking to relocate to Florida and maybe even Clearwater. That is the greatest compliment we can receive - to have home buyer's we've helped refer us not out of obligation but because they know their family and friends will truly benefit when working with us.   

Clearwater Florida Real Estate Agents praised as Expert by Luxury Golf Home Buyers

Clearwater Florida Real Estate

Are you looking to buy a Clearwater Golf Home or Condo? or a Clearwater Beach Waterfront Condo? Here's what some of our past clients have to say about how we helped them....

Buyers tell us that selecting a Clearwater Beach Real Estate Agent,especially online or from a distance, can be a challenge. Some of our past clients agreed to share their experiences and tell you why they think you should work with us. 

Click on the photos below and meet some of our clients and now friends...we'd love to be YOUR choice too!     

  Want more info…click to get it now!         

*The above information and images are Copyright © 2007 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Beach Real Estate Consultants and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published. All rights reserved. Plagiarism will be detected and is punishable by law.

Clearwater Florida Prepares for Halloween

Halloween is a fun time of year around Clearwater to cut loose, decorate your home or condo, carve a pumpkin and enjoy the lighter side of life by dressing up, attending Halloween parties and even going trick or treating with the kids.

Before you go out....Did you know that in the state of Florida, not just in the City of Clearwater, it is actually Illegal to wear a mask in public is you are over the age of 16.

It’s true. Now you might be wondering why? Well the way I understand it is that it is actually aimed at robbers – especially with respect to banks and convenient stores. 

So if you are planning to attend a Clearwater party or be out in the Clearwater or Tampa Bay area – be sure to take your mask off before going into public places to be safe. :-)

We always enjoy a good laugh and this was just for fun on Friday!

Halloween is just 5 days and counting – are you looking for Fun things to do in Clearwater? Here’s a list of things we found and thought we’d share: 

Clearwater Florida Things to do

The City of Clearwater is hosting several Clearwater Halloween Events around town most are free or low cost – phone numbers were included for you to be able to get more details.   

Tonight, Friday 10/26/07

• 6–8pm Halloween Spooktacular – Countryside Recreation Center for ages 13 and under. More info (727) 669–1914
• 5:30–8:30pm Parents Night Out Halloween Party – Morningside Recreation Center for kids Kindergarten to 8^th grade. More info call (727) 507–4064
• 7:30–9:30pm Fright Night at Ross Norton Recreation Complex – for ages 6–11. More info call (727) 462–6025

Saturday 10/27/07

• 7pm Halloween Enchanted Forest at Moccasin Lake Nature Park – Enchanted night hike for all ages. More info at (727) 462–6024

Tuesday 10/30/07

• 6–8pm – Halloween Carnival at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center at 69 Bay Esplanade. For more information call (727) 462–6138

Wednesday 10/31/07 – HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

• 3pm – Childrens Costume Parade at the Clearwater Main Library Free trick or treating around the Library – wear your costume – More info call (727) 562–4970
• 5:30–8:30pm – Boo Bash at the Bright House Network Field on Old Coachman Road – Free Trick or Treating provided by local merchants. For more info call (727) 712–4300 or (727) 562–4800

Have a great weekend and if you see a Clearwater Beach condo or Clearwater home for sale that interests you just give us a call – we can go incognito, I have a spare set of Groucho Marx glasses or two. TGIF from Clearwater Beach Florida.

Want to start your search for Clearwater Real Estate then Search the complete Tampa Bay MLS        

Clearwater Florida Home Owners – Are you killing your kids and pets Cleaning?

As we approach the holidays and families prepare for guest and companies I became aware of some surprising information.

1. You need to reserve your spot to have your carpets cleaned NOW or you may not get the one and 
2. You need to understand your eco-friendly carpet cleaning options and why your care!

Did you know when you clean your carpets you may slowing be poisoning your kids and pets?

Read what Larry West, National Environmental Issues expert, explains in a recent article that “Traditional commercial carpet-cleaning solutions contain a cocktail of noxious synthetic chemicals. One, perchloroethylene, commonly called “perc” in the industry, is a notorious dry cleaning additive known to cause dizziness, fatigue and nausea if ingested or inhaled. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also links perc to kidney and liver damage. Another chemical, naphthalene, a solvent manufactured from coal tar, is considered toxic to the human central nervous system and a possible carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.” Click here for complete article: Where to Find Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Options.

Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning offers solutions to Clearwater Florida Home Owners 

We are lucky in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area to have one of the best Carpet Cleaning companies I’ve ever seen who also specialize in Green Solutions which includes: 

• Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning,
• Eco-Friendly Upholstery and Fabric Cleaning,
• Eco-Friendly Odor Removal,
• Eco-Friendly Tile and Grout Cleaning;

I asked Rick Griesheimer, (727-639-8035)  Owner, Inside Homes Carpets and More to explain why consider Green Carpet Cleaning in your home: 

Leading the Clearwater Florida Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning Trend  

Rick Griesheimer, is a long standing 30 year member of the Clearwater and Tampa Bay business community and also the owner of Inside Carpet Cleaning and More is a carpet cleaning professional you can trust. His philospohy is “We clean for health first and the apprearance follows”  

He takes his ongoing education seriously and is certified in zero residue and EPA approved products. He has held the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration Certification (IICRC designation) for 14 years – the mark of a carpet cleaning expert.

So what does IICRC mean to you and your Clearwater Home? It mean’s that at Inside Carpet and More they use:

• EPA Safe products in your home so not unintended toxins left behind;
• Zero residual left in the carpet so it’s safe for your kids and pets  
• They ensure the proper disposal of waste water – to protect our environment and your home.

His stays busy and works mostly by referral, especially at this time of year so let him know Cyndee & Jack Haydon referred him. He offer’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

We’ve had home sellers and real estate investors who thought they would have to replace their carpets and after Rick’s carpet cleaning team worked their magic – they said “it looks brand new” and another told us “I’d feel comfortable eating off it” – which was important since they had a little one who was still crawling on the floor and we all know kids pick stuff up off the floor and put it in their mouth.

They can clean homes, condos and buildings in the Tampa Bay area - from Saint Petersburg in the south, Largo and Clearwater in Mid County and Palm Harbor, Tarpon and Oldsmar to the north. They also serve parts of Tampa and Hillsboruogh county.    

So if you are looking for Holiday Carpet Cleaning ~ Odor Removal ~ Tile and Grout Cleaning ~ Rental Carpet Cleaning ~ Preparing Home to Sell ~ Upholstery looking Dim ~ Eco-Friendly ~ Safe for children, dogs, cats and more ~ You can reach Rick's team at:   Rick Griesheimer, Owner of Inside Homes Carpet Cleaning and More may be reached at (727-639-8035) or  Email : cgriesheim@aol.com

Clearwater Florida Real Estate

Are you looking to buy a Clearwater Beach Waterfront Home or Island Estates Waterfront Condo? Here's what some of our past clients have to say about how we helped them....

Buyers tell us that selecting a Clearwater Beach Real Estate Agent,especially online or from a distance, can be a challenge. Some of our past clients agreed to share their experiences and tell you why they think you should work with us. 

Click on the photos below and meet some of our clients and now friends...we'd love to be YOUR choice too!

  Want more info…click to get it now!         

*The above information and images are Copyright © 2007 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Beach Real Estate Consultants and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published. All rights reserved. Plagiarism will be detected and is punishable by law.

Clearwater FL Real Estate Ask the Expert Series 

Most of us would love to submit and have questions asked by a local real estate expert, mortgage expert, home insurance expert, carpet cleaning expert, mold remediation expert and more. The great thing about a Clearwater Community blog like ours is that we can help you get your questions answered and put you in touch with some of the most reputable, honest people serving Pinellas County.     

Today I was speaking with Matt Jerabek, Owner of Mr. Dry Out and is our Clearwater Florida Mold Remediation Expert. He is the leading Water Extraction and Structural Dryout for homes and condos in Pinellas County ~ Pasco County and even parts of Hillsboorough County. You might be wondering when you might need his services - here are a few of the times I've seen him save the day when:

• a pipe bursts and you have a flood of water inside your home you need to act fast before mold can start,
• a hose bursts or leaks on your washing machine and you have water flowing everywhere you need dryed out and extracted,
• you have an Air Conditioning unit that backs up and these are sometimes the worst surprises because you may not realize it happened until you stumble across the moldy mess 
• then the one I hate the most - a sewage backup problem - while the plumber with handle the blockage or stoppage - it's Matt's team is going to be the one you'd call to clean up the mess.  

I have seen him work his magic and when clients of mine had a luxury condo and had an unexpected Air Conditioner water leak just days before the condo was scheduled to be sold and the day the appraisal was to take place – Matt came in and quickly and efficiently extracted all the water and ensure there was no mold started as a result.

In a state like FLorida where Home Sellers and Home buyers can sue over issues that affect the material value of a property makes mold an issue you can’t afford to mess around with – you need an expert like Matt Jerabek and the Mr Dry Out Team     

Mr Dry Out gives Clearwater Home Owners Easy Tip

Matt takes a consultative approach to his business and today he agreed to share a simple tip for our Clearwater Home Owners who may find a small amount of mold around their windows or in their bathrooms. I was surprised that my first thought on what to do was exactly what Mr Dry Out said was the worse thing I could do for my home– oops.

So in FLorida – our homes are subject to lots of humidity and it’s easy to see mold starting – so what do you do and why? Listen to Matt Jerabek’s simple home solution in the video below….       

Clearwater's Mold and Water Extraction Expert, Matt Jerabek - MrDryOut.com shares Easy Tip

Clearwater Beach Real Estate

Are you looking to buy a Clearwater Florida Home or Clearwater Condo? Here's what some of our past clients have to say about how we helped them....

************ CLICK ON PHOTOS BELOW TO SEE CLIENT VIDEO TESTIMONIALS ************

Buyers tell us that selecting a Clearwater Beach Real Estate Agent,especially online or from a distance, can be a challenge. Some of our past clients agreed to share their experiences and tell you why they think you should work with us. 

Click on the photos below and meet some of our clients and now friends...we'd love to be YOUR choice too!    

We can provide you with complimentary information on Relocations ~ Waterfront Homes for Sale, Town homes Condos & Villas ~ Beach House of Your Dreams ~ Clearwater Vacation Homes ~ Clearwater Second Homes ~ Florida Investment Property in Pinellas County ~ Luxury Homes ~ Luxury Condos for Sale in the Tampa Bay resort areas ~ Condos for Boaters ~ Homes for Boaters ~ Boat Ramps ~ Boating ~ Golf Course Homes ~ Diving ~ Freshwater Fishing ~ Saltwater Fishing ~ Latest Home Insurance info ~ Latest Property Taxes Info ~ 1031 Exchange ~ Real Estate Market Reports ~ Resort Properties ~ Condos on the Beach ~ Beach Bargains ~ Foreclosures ~ Pool Homes ~ Homes on the Intercoastal Waterways ~

We can help you buy or sell a home or condo in Clearwater | Clearwater Beach | Sand Key Condos | Island Estates Homes | Saint Petersburg | Palm Harbor | Dunedin | Safety Harbor | Tarpon Springs | Largo | Belleair | Oldsmar | Ozona | Pinellas Park | Gulfport | Tierra Verde | Indian Rocks Beach | Indian Shores | Madeira Beach | Treasure Island | St Pete Beach | Redington Beach | Gulf Beaches | Tampa Bay | South Tampa | 33767

*The above information and images are Copyright © 2007 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Beach Real Estate Consultants and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published. All rights reserved. Plagiarism will be detected and is punishable by law.

Beware of The Insurance Onion - What You Don't Know Stinks and Will Make you Cry

When we discuss personal insurance we're discussing the insurance that protects your home, your cars, your boat, your motorhome, umbrella policies and even the extras like your jewelry, antiques, etc. Most of us have coverage we bought because an insurance agent recommended it - but do we really understand what we have?

 I know I don't! Experience shows that what you don't know can definitely make you cry! Kim Marshall, top Pinellas Luxury Insurance Agent with Carlisle Fields in Clearwater Florida is our Personal Insurance Chef.

She skillfully peels back the layers of the Insurance Policy Onions (especially our Homeowners) for us so we can make informed choices and not have any unwanted surprises and find ourselves crying when we least expect.

 I love surprises, I just don't want them when it comes to finding out my home or my family don't have the financial coverage or protection we thought we did. Kim takes a consultative approach to educating her clients, explaining all the layers of insurance onion and her Insurance Recipe (her recommendation) is tailored to each individual's needs. This is why she's our Personal Insurance Chef

The Home Insurance Dish with Kim Marshall

We are pleased to announce that Kim will be a frequent guest here on Sandbars to Sunsets and she will continue peel back the different layers of the Insurance Onion oand dish out the straight scoop on Clearwater Florida Home Owners Insurance. Kim will also answer the Insurance questions we hear most often and will keep us posted on what is new on the Insurance Menu and what's changing with regards to home owners insurance in the Tampa Bay area.

The Florida Legislature continues to work with the insurance industry to address the need for improved home owner insurance options. We sat down with Kim today and discussed Onion Layer #1 - The New "fine print" in many home owners insurance policies today that means you don't have sinkhole coverage. It's often these little changes that can be overlooked or misunderstood and can cause Clearwater home owners a get costly education down the road.

Did you even realize that "Pinellas County, is located in one of the more active and least understood karst regions of the world. Some of the more common karst features found in this area are sinkholes." - excerpt from The Karst Research Group's report out of the University of South Florida. 

Onion Peel #1 - Are You Really Covered for Sink Holes in Florida - Understanding the Fine Print?

In the video interview Clearwater Home Insurance Agent, Kim Marshall explains why you may not be covered for sinkholes anymore ....<click to read more and see video> 

Spend Winter Living in Clearwater Florida

It's that time of year - the leaves are beginning to change colors up north and the first hints of the impending winter chills remind people living in places like Canada, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and more that having a warm relaxing vacation home in Clearwater Florida is a great idea.

Clearwater Florida Condo Affordability Factor

I had a call this week asking if now was a good time to buy a Clearwater Florida condo - my belief is "yes". We have seen prices their lowest in almost 2 years and now we are seeing properties in Clearwater that are priced right are selling. Because of the excess supply we've helped Clearwater condo buyers negotiate great deals.  We are even seeing hundreds of beach condos for under $250,000 - that's not something you could have found a year ago. Forbe has predicted that the Tampa Bay area may have a "V" recovery - and with a sharp rise back to previous values the buyers on the fence may have missed their window of opportunity.

Here's a Clearwater Condo for Sale that we found offers many unique features:

6 Top Reasons to Buy this Hot Condo for your Cold Winters:

1. You can rent this Clearwater luxury condo weekly when you're not using it. Fewer and fewer communities are allowing this and so it is getting harder and harder to find this option. For a real estate investor or seasonal resident hoping to buy a condo that will break needs to have this option. Finding a condo like this for under $150,000 is a bargain.
2. This Clearwater Condo allows pets - many second home owners want to bring their pets, including dogs for their extended stays and again this is an option that most Clearwater area condos don't allow.
3. There are no age restrictions in the luxury condo community so you have all options on renting or even having family come and use it when you're not. This is an often overlooked restriction. Typically Clearwater condos that don't have age restrictions have a higher value since they can draw from a larger condo buyer pool.
4. This luxury condo has an amazing resort style pool area so you could have a great time never leaving the premises. Take a look at the photos and imagine relaxing by the bubbling spill-over pool. Cook out with friends, read that book you've been waiting to read or just get your daily Vitamin C the natural way!
5. This luxury condo is in a secure, gated community for additional peace of mind and additional security when you're here.
6. Finally, with this Clearwater luxury condo you'll be very close to the beach (just 3.5 miles to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach) - back your flip flops and towels - we provide the crystal clear beach water, the sugar white sand and the sunsets that put any painting to shame - Does life get any better than this?             

Clearwater Luxury Condo for Sale in Avalon
1234 S Missouri Ave Unit# 305, Clearwater, FL 33756 Click to View Show This is a great condo for anyone looking to be close to Clearwater beach or just close to everything. 9 Top Reason's this Condo is Special: * Allows Weekly Rentals; * No Age Restrictions; * Pets are Allowed; * Can walk to shopping; * Can walk to lots of places to eat; * Secure, gated community; * Luxury Resort style Pool Area; * Newly remodeled complex; * All neutral colors and move in ready;
Details Asking Price: $149,000 MLS: 7302736 Sq. Feet: 1096 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Subdivision: Avalon Year Built: 2000 Property Amenities - Range/Oven - Full Refrigerator - Microwave - Dishwasher - Vaulted Ceilings - Balcony - Secluded Setting - Central A/C - Central Heat - Walk-in closet - Living room - Laundry area - inside Community Amenities - Guest Parking - Security Gate - Secured Entry - Gated property - Swimming Pool(s) - Recreation Center - Clubhouse	Contact Info Cyndee & Jack Haydon Main 727-422-8901 Cell 727-710-8035 Dir 727-710-8036 Email | Website Other Shows

So looking for something else? Want more Clearwater Florda Real Estate information?  

Clearwater Real Estate Info

Buyers tell us that selecting a Clearwater Real Estate Agent,especially online or from a distance, can be a challenge. Some of our past clients agreed to share their experiences and tell you why they think you should work with us.

Click on the photos below and meet some of our clients and now friends...we'd love to be YOUR choice too!

Relocations ~ Waterfront Homes for Sale, Townhomes Condos & Villas ~ Beach House of Your Dreams ~ Find the Perfect Vacation Home or Florida Investment Property in Pinellas County ~ Luxury Homes ~ Luxury Condos for Sale in the Tampa Bay resort areas ~ 1031 ~ Pool Homes ~ Homes for Sale ~ Condos for Sale ~ Golf Homes ~ Golf Communities ~ Second Homes

Fun Things to do on Water in Tampa Bay's Bluest Backyards 

I was driving the other day from Pinellas County, heading over the Gandy Bridge and Tampa Bay to South Tampa when I was reminded of one of my favorite past times - paddling. 

No I'm not talking about "paddling" as in spanking, though I must say I received a few of those in my youth.  Paddling is what locals call "kayaking" around here in the Clearwater Florida area.  Pinellas County is actually surrounded on three sides by water  (the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay) which is why we are blessed with so many blue backyards and so kayaking is one of the popular ways of sightseeing or even flats fishing when you're looking for a relaxing eco-friendly day - now that's my kind of Green Living.

So what jogged my memories? Seeing Dave Camp and the guys from Sweetwater Kayaks helping some local kayakers put in to the mangroves along the side of the road and off they into the waters of Tampa Bay. I have to confess I was even running a little late to a friends wedding (which I was the photographer for) and couldn't resist quickly pulling off the side of the road for a few shots and a quick video interview . I'm always excited to be able to bring great info back to the readers of Sandbars to Sunsets. Here is the interview with lots of good info on kayaking around Clearwater | Saint Petersburg | Tampa Bay...   

Dave tells about Local Kayaking | Weedon Island Self-Guided Tour 

So have you had a good paddling lately? If so, what's your favorite place to kayak?  

Clearwater Florida Real Estate

Are you looking to buy a Clearwater Beach Condo or Clearwater Home? Here's what some of our past clients have to say about how we helped them....

************ CLICK ON PHOTOS BELOW TO SEE CLIENT VIDEO TESTIMONIALS ************

Buyers tell us that selecting a Clearwater Beach Real Estate Agent,especially online or from a distance, can be a challenge. Some of our past clients agreed to share their experiences and tell you why they think you should work with us. 

Click on the photos below and meet some of our clients and now friends...we'd love to be YOUR choice too!