Inquiring minds asked so here it is.......................
The irony is that I was MeMe'd in March when I was first here and did a meme which I totally messed up because I actually posted to the group rather than on my blog for the group - that blonde hair will get you in trouble all the time. So please Check out:I was challenged to tell more about Me! Me!- so here goes...
So interestingly enough 3 of my new friends - Ashley Drake & Peggy Edwards, Thesa Chambers, nominated me to tell more about myself so here goes, Part II - 5 more things....
1) We started homeschooling our two boys this last September - I must say Jack does most the heavy lifting- I'm the field trip / substitute teacher when his work calls him away :-).
2) I was offered a scholarship to college for softball. I played growing up and played pitcher and right field. Learned the meaning of teamwork being both the "focal point" as pitcher and the "weaker link" in right field - doing what the team needs.
3) I love the water - and have been swimming since I was 2 years old. I swam competitively through HS too. I love the beach and the beach lifestyle.Flat Mark Flanders can vouch for that! I love the beach, the beach and did I say the beach - oh yeah, and throw in beach sunsets too.
4) I enjoy red wine and dream of touring California Vineyards or France at sometime (kid-free) - so looking forward to visiting my friends in that area :-) For now I'll have to enjoy a glass at all my favorite local restaurants.
5) We enjoy camping and getting away from it all and are lucky to live in an area with lots of great places to get away too within a days drive. Ft DeSoto is our favorite spot!
I'd love to share a Florida Beach Sunset - you may find you fall in love with them too...
Missy Caulk's recipe for success includes "providing old fashion service with modern technology" to meet all your Ann Arbor real estate needs. Missy and her team have lived and sold real estate in Ann Arbor for the past 25 years so they know more than just Ann Arbor real estate - they know this community.
Ann Arbor Real Estate Info Online:
Missy Caulk has developed a Ann Arbor real estate website which provides a wealth of information at your fingertips whenever you need it. It's just one of the examples of how everything Missy does, she does with YOU, the client, in mind. Check out Ann Arbor Real Estate Online!
If you've got Ann Arbor Real Estate questions - she's posted the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Ann Arbor Real Estate online - and if you don't find it there or prefer to talk to her directly she's always available to provide answers, help and real results. Here are a few of Ann Arbor Home Buyer and Home Seller the most commonly asked questions:
Ann Arbor's nicknamed the "Tree Town" because of its large number of trees in both it's parks and residential areas. Ann Arbor is home to more than 50,000 trees, many of which line Ann Arbor's streets. Ann arbor is also home to make lakes and waterfront areas.
Ann Arbor, MI is a beautiful place to live and in 2007 Ann Arbor earned the distinction of being the 5th in Best Places to Live according to Bert Sperling of Sperling's Best Places.
The critieria used was: economy & jobs, cost of living, climate, education, health and health care, crime, transportation, arts and culture, leisure and overal quality of life.
Places to go to get more info on living in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Missy Caulk & Team Ann Arbor Real Estate RE/MAX Platinum 455 Eisenhower Suite 260 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Direct Line: 734-302-1500 Office: 734-741-1000 Cell Phone: 734-216-2822 Fax: 734-864-1545 Assistants Direct Line: 734-944-6098 Email: missy@missycaulk.com
Our business is built on referrals - that's why we take the necessary time to write about quality realtors we know and respect - we are happy to send people we care about to people we trust.
Tell Missy Caulk that Cyndee & Jack Haydon sent you - she'll treat you like she treats her own family!
And Remember , if you or someone you know is looking for Tampa Florida real estate in the Clearwater, St Petersburg or in the Tampa Bay area ~ whether it's a home,condo, investment property, - Jack and I can help.
Tampa Bay has lots of baseball - we have several teams that do their spring training here, we have our own Professional team - the Devil Rays but my favorite is "baseball with a bite" - The Threshers - our local team affilated with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Now I have to provide a disclaimer up front - I am not your typical baseball fan. I don't have a favorite team and don't know any of the standings - but I love fun and there's nothing better than good wholesome family fun to me.
So I feel lucky to live within 10 minutes of Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida. This is the home of the Threshers and any game is a good time - check out their schedule!
At the Bullpen Grille they serve your typical baseball food - hotdogs, popcorn, peanuts and more;
They have a playground that helps the kids wear themselves out so they can relax;
They have Frenchy's Bar that helps the adults unwind and relax;
They have special fun things for the kids as well; They even have the Lil' Anglers Club which is for kids 13 and under - for $15 each year they get a shirt and free admission, food and fun to the Tuesday home games.
They have some of the best fireworks most Saturday nights and on special occasions.
Clearwater Florida Fun on a Budget
They have all this starting at just $3.00 a ticket - now family fun on a budget doesn't come much cheaper than this!
Sunday's are known for their Family Fun Days - 4 people with tickets, food and fun for $25 or 2 people for $15. Check out the different promotions and upcoming fun days.
If you're looking for something to do this summer in the Tampa Bay area - check out the Thresher's schedule and catch a game. I guarantee it's "baseball with a bite" that ends with a bang....
Clearwater Florida Real Estate Info
Thinking of buying or selling Clearwater Real Estate? Remember, in these changing times having a real estate agent (or 2 in our case) working for you is a real asset! We make sure our condo, town home, villa and home buyers in Tampa Bay get great deals - guaranteed. We'd love to talk to you about how we can help you find the perfect waterfront property - home, town home, villa or condo at the perfect price.
Search the Tampa Bay, Florida MLS to see all the waterfront homes, town homes, villas and condos for sale by all real estate agents in the Tampa Bay area. With us there's never any pressure - just consulting, educating, working to be your real estate consultant for life. Want proof - read our client testimonials to see what they have to say. Cyndee & Jack Haydon - specializing in Sandbars to Sunsets
Relocations ~ Waterfront Homes, Townhomes Condos & Villas ~ Beach House of Your Dreams ~ Find the Perfect Florida Lifestyle in Pinellas County
Courtesy of Sandbars to Sunsets, all information and photos are the property of Cyndee & Jack Haydon, copyright 2007.
The City of St. Petersburg, Florida announced this past Thurday, their new "Courtesy Boat Docks" in time for all to enjoy this Memorial Day Holiday weekend.
The addition of these St Petersburg Boat Docks will make downtown St Petersburg an even better day trip destination for Tampa Bay boaters.
You can use these docks for only $1! Get all the details by visitng .... Sandbars to Sunsets
Tampa Bay, Florida Waterfront Info
Other info and great places to go by boat along the Tampa Bay, Florida Waterfront:
Thinking of buying or selling Tampa Florida Real Estatewaterfront property? Remember, in these changing times having a real estate agent (or 2 in our case) working for you is a real asset! We make sure our condo, town home, villa and home buyers in Tampa Bay get great deals - guaranteed. We'd love to talk to you about how we can help you find the perfect waterfront property - home, town home, villa or condo at the perfect price.
Search the Clearwater MLS listings includig all the Tampa MLS shows all the waterfront homes, town homes, villas and condos for sale by all real estate agents in the Tampa Bay area. With us there's never any pressure - just consulting, educating, working to be your real estate consultant for life. Want proof - read our client testimonials to see what they have to say.
Clearwater, Florida ~ Someone asked me recently, "What makes a house a home?" - Having an analytical side, I decided to research how the dictionary defines "house" and "home"....
Official Definition of Clearwater, Florida House and Home:
Clearwater Realtor's Definition of House and Home:
Now Being a full-time real estate agent in Clearwater, Florida, my business and my passion, is all about houses. With this being said I thought should be able to easily answer this question, right? Jack and I work everyday with individuals and families to help them find their dream home so when asked, "What makes a House a Home?, I was first tempted to rattle off desirable house features like:
it's located near good schools;
it has a large yard;
it an open floor plan;
it's located in a desirable neighborhood;
it on a quiet, safe street or
it will have great resale value.
I realize that was the Clearwater Florida Real Estate agent in me thinking more about the long-term financial return on the purchase of a house - but it missed the boat on how a house becomes a home! I realized the question really asked was how does a house you buy in Clearwater or your home town begin to feel like YOUR Home!
My Heart tells Me People Make a House a Home in Clearwater or Anywhere:
I am the oldest of three children. My parents came to Florida from Guatemala to go to college and start their married life. Today is my Mother's birthday (Happy Birthday!) and I'd like to dedicate this article to her and all she taught me about creating a "home".
We moved almost every 2 years when I was growing up because my Dad was always working to provide us with a better life and as a mechanical engineer his work took us to different locations around the country. I shared this with you because by moving so much I learned that a house is a building but a home is where you make it!(maybe this is why we love working with families relocating - I know relocations :-))
For me I've learned it's less about the building and more about the people I share it with and the feelings I have when I'm "home"! I even moved before I began my senior year in high school. In my experience I found it's in all the little pleasures in my life and sharing them with those I love and who love me back...
A porch or dining area to gather and celebrate special days or just share the days events;
A safe place - a yard or space to run, romp and play;
A place to catch fireflies and show them to your Grandparents;
So in the final analysis for me - I would define a house as abuilding, a shelter or a dwelling that becomes a home when people fill it with love and memories.
It's that special place where we live, we laugh and we love - and are loved back!
On a final note, the first new home Jack and I ever bought (20 years ago) was a beautiful 3500 sq ft model home and 6 months after we moved in we had a house fire on Christmas day and lost everything (all photos, clothes, all material possessions) - isn't it funny how I just realized that we call them "house fires" - not "home fires" because while we lost the building and it's contents - we were all safe, we still had our family, we will always have our memories and we had our home in our hearts - until our house could be rebuilt.
We've enjoyed living and working the past 16 years in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area of Florida area and this helps me keep things in perspective this time every year when we hit "hurricane season" here in Clearwater, Florida. I know buildings can come and go but as long as we're safe and together we'll never be "home-less" because the rest can be rebuilt.
I'm curious, what makes a house a home for YOU?
So coming full circle, I think a house is a "noun" and a home is an "action verb"...For me it's, Living, laughing, running, playing, sharing, caring - people are the necessary ingredient in making a house a home.
So if you or someone you know is thinking of buying a home in the Clearwater and Tampa Bay Florida area - we hope you'll be comfortable referring them to us because you know that we are never focused on selling a particular house - we're here to help you find your dream home.
Are you looking for a convenient location to Downtown Tampa, Clearwater, St Petersburg?
Are looking to enjoy the outdoors - fishing, tennis, swimming, hiking and biking trails?
Are you looking for a quiet, tranquil vacation like setting?
Then look no further... this Charleston Place Townhomes - they have it all at a great value!
Tampa West Chase Area Townhomes
Tampa Bay, Florida Real Estate
If you know anyone thinking of Buying of Selling a home, please let them know they can see all homes in all the neighborhoods in Clearwater, St Petersburg and Tampa Bay for homes, condos and townhomes that match their criteria - just visit Our Tampa Bay Real Estate Website - this real estate informaton is updated daily and we've made it Easy to Click here to search the enite Tampa Bay MLS right now just like a realtor...
We're Your Clearwater / Tampa Bay Neighborhood Real Estate Pros,
Cyndee & Jack Haydon, Belloise Realty (727) 710-8035
It generated a lot of thoughtful responses and one by Steven L. Smith inspired this post. Steven talks about how everyone he knows now books their travel online - ergo the demise of the brick and mortar travel agency.
It got me to thinking about various Real Estate & Mortgage industry models and how they are changing before out eyes. Blogging, IDX - MLS; home value estimators online, daily email updates, online mortgage applications etc. There's no denying it's changing - but will it good for me or put me out of business?
Clearwater, Florida Home Buyers
I was out with some homebuyers today. We had been looking at houses when they first relocated to Clearwater a year ago. They weren't ready to buy then because of their job changes and the shock of what houses were selling for so they decided to wait. With the change in the market they realized now is a great time to buy and get the most home for their money, especially since they're looking to live in their home for the long haul.
So, for the good side of technology - we've been able to send them daily updates of everything on the market for the last year so when they were ready to buy they called us to say "let's go" - because on the human side - when they looked last year they saw what advocates we were for them:
Running real property value analysis,
Giving them the advice we'd give our own family
They knew that we weren't about "just selling a house" - we were focused on helping them find "their dream home"
We've stayed in touch with monthly personal newsletters, etc.
and there was NEVER any pressure from us - we knew we'd be here when the time was right!
So when we started talking about making an offer I verified that their mortgage prequal was ready to go. I had referred them to a good local lender last year but he hadn't stayed in touch with them. I was shocked when they told me they had gotten approved from @ending tree online. They have a credit score of over 800, have 15% to put down and the house they're interested in is in their price range. By all accounts a mortgage brokers dream client.
Now my experience is that many of my clients have been quoted teaser rates and costs for these Online Mortgage companies only to find out they are significantly more at closing. I suggested they might want to get another quote from a local mortgage lender and Active Rain member we've had great experiences with, Leah Ross.
Leah has helped many of our clients, from first time homebuyers to luxury home buyers. She approaches mortgages the way we do real estate - as a consultant and advocate. We always get rave reviews from our clients that work with her. They feel they get great value from working with her.
However, it's a real reminder that we all have to be aware of what value we're giving. I am seeing more and more buyers calling "online lenders" first - thinking all mortgage services are the same and it's all about "rate". Unfortunately there's so much more to mortgages than "Rates" and so much more to real estate than, "What commission do you charge?"
I realized, like Steven pointed out in his comments, when consumer's perception of value changes - the market place changes too- but not necessarily for the best for consumers or for traditional businesses.
Most potential clients don't realize the integrated complexities of a real estate transaction. The fact that over 48 people from 7 industries will be involved - which means problems happen - you NEED an experienced pro at the helm.
Home buyers and sellers don't understand:
That when mistakes are made in real estate transactions they can be extremely costly to them.
They don't realize that in Florida you can sue for up to 5 years after the real estate transaction - and that For Sale By Owners in Pinellas county have to follow the same statutes as realtors and locally we've seen them be successfully sued.
They don't know that the right home inspector can save you thousands in home repairs and problems.
This is just the tip of the iceberg but I say rather than be on the defensive with companies like @edfin, @illow, @ending tree - we need to be on the offensive - always articulating and showing are value.
Consider - if the stack of blue jeans in the picture above was your and your real estate or mortgage competition - could potential clients pick you out? When they can't, then experience shows you're viewed as a commodity and commodities are chosen based on PRICE so then the only question customers ask is:
"What's your rate?" or
"What commission to you charge?"
So, now that we're online - will it help us add more value and free us up for more time with our clients or will it ultimately put us out of business?
Clearwater, Florida Real Estate
If you or someone you know is looking for real estate in the Clearwater / Clearwater Beach / Sand Key/ St Pete Beach /Island Estates / Tampa Bay area ~ whether it's a home, condo, investment property, - Jack and I can help.
Grovewood in Clearwater Florida is a neighborhood of 124 homes in a lovely deed restricted neighborhood conveniently located near HWY US 60 / Gulf-to-Bay and US 19. This neighborhood is less than 1 mile from the Clearwater Mall, 20 minutes to Clearwater Beach and 20 minutes to Tampa Bay's international airport.
Grovewood's neighborhood doesn't typically have many homes for sale and when they come on the market they usually sell quickly.
However, even Grovewood has seen the impact of the increased number of homes for sale on Clearwater's real estate market. Except for one home that sold in 7 days - all homes for sale now and those that sold are taking over 3 months to sell.
This year there have been 3 homes sold in Grovewood with an average sold price per sq. ft of approximately $165; 2 of the homes that sold were 3 bedroom 2 bath.
The 3rd home that sold in Grovewood is a unique pool home in the neighborhood because it is a 5 bedroom and 3 bathroom home.
Grovewood ~ These Homes sold in 2007 in Clearwater, Florida sold for:
$344,000,
$335,000,
$400,000;
2 homes are currently for sale in Grovewood. The current asking price is down to @$160 a sq ft.
Grovewood Homes for Sale
Grovewood ~ 2 Homes for sale in this Clearwater, Florida neighborhood:
$318,500 for a 3/2/2 that's 1872 sq ft
$324,900 for a 3/2/2 that's 2,152 sq ft.
Both have been on the market for almost 4 months which is typical in Clearwater right now.
* This information is deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed. Source: Suncoast MLS, Pinellas County, Florida
More Articles about Grovewood by the Haydon Real Estate Team:
If you know anyone thinking of Buying of Selling a home, please let them know they can see all homes in all the neighborhoods in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, Island Estates and Tampa Bay homes and condos that match their criteria - just visit website for home buyers and sellers - this real estate informaton is updated daily and we've made it Easy to Click here to search the enite Tampa Bay MLS right now just like a realtor...
Grovewood has an active Clearwater neighborhood Crime Watch program and also has a strict posted "No Solicitation Policy". Many of the Grovewood homeowners have a sign posted at their front door to prevent solicitors from contacting them.
Grovewood is fortunate to have committed homeowners who volunteer regularly to keep the Grovewood entryway and common areas well maintained and appealing which helps this neighborhood keep it's home values on the rise. The Homeowner's Association has also applied for a grant from the City of Clearwater to assist in current improvements for the neighborhod
The Grovewood home owners association is active and is currently working on updating the entry way and adding ivy to the wall that borders this fine neighborhood of homes. The City of Clearwater is analyzing a plan to add reclaimed water for these homes - they are still working on the feasibilitiy
Grovewood home owners also have 2 large neighborhood picnics each year. One in April with a spring theme and one in October with a Fall Harvest theme. All the home owners pitch in and contribute to a potluck and then the association pays for main course / meat and then crafts and games for kids and families. They also host 2 community wide garage sales each year.
Grovewood delivers up-to-the-minute news to home owners via the neighborhood email list maintained by the Grovewood Associations Secretary. The Grovewood Association also publishes a Neighborhood Newsletter periodically.
Other Grovewood Related Articles by the Haydon Real Estate Team:
If you know anyone thinking of Buying or Selling let them know they can see all Clearwater, St Petersburg, St Pete Beach and Tampa Bay homes and condos that match their criteria - just visit the Clearwater Home Connection - the informaton is updated daily and we've made it Easy to Click here to search the eniteTampa Bay MLS right now...
Cyndee & Jack Haydon, Belloise Realty (727) 710-8035
Your one stop source for all Clearwater Homes | Condos | Villas | Townhomes | Condo Hotels for sale by all Real estate companies!
Relocations ~ Waterfront Homes, Townhomes Condos & Villas ~ Beach House of Your Dreams ~ Find the Perfect Florida Lifestyle in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area
Serving Clearwater | St Petersburg | Palm Harbor | Dunedin | Safety Harbor | Tarpon Springs | Largo | Belleair | Oldsmar | Ozona | Pinellas Park | Gulfport | Tierra Verde | Indian Rocks Beach | Indian Shores | Maderia Beach | Treasure Island | St Pete Beach | South Tampa | Redington Beach | all the Gulf Beaches and Tampa Bay
Grovewood is a popular neighborhood in Clearwater Florida with 124 tile roofed homes. This is a signature of this neighborhood and one of the strictest parts of their deed restrictions - all Grovewoodhomes must have tile roofs.
They are primarily 3 and 4 bedroom homes, from 1800 to 2400 sq ft in size. Most Grovewood homes have 2 bathrooms and 2 car garages and about 1/2 of the homes also have pools in a lovely deed restricted neighborhood.
About Grovewood | Clearwater FL Homes
Grovewood is located in Clearwater, Florida at Druid and Belcher - just off US 19 and US 60 in mid-Pinellas County - about 20 minutes from the Tampa Bay Airport.
These homes in Grovewood are currently selling from $320,000 - $400,000 as of the spring of 2007.
One of the things Grovewood home owners enjoy is that this neighborhood is centrally located. It is within 1-2 blocks walking distance to the bank, pharmacy, grocery store, doctors, hair salon, restaurants and more. This area has well maintained sidewalks that make walking and biking safe and easy
When this Clearwater neighborhood was developed in the late 70's the city donated oak trees which over the 30 years have matured to create a unique canopy that covers the roads. It makes it great for biking and walking in the neighborhood since it keeps it cool and shaded and the sidewalks encourage walkers and bikers.
Grovewood is located within 1 mile of the McMullen Tennis Center and the Morningside Recreation Center which are maintained by the City of Clearwater.
So with a Clearwater Recreation Card for $3/year you can:
Play tennis,
swim,
enjoy playgrounds,
basketball courts,
handball courts, and more.
Additional articles about Grovewood and their Home Owner's Association:
If you know anyone thinking of Buying or Selling let them know they can see all Clearwater, St Petersburg, St Pete Beach and Tampa Bay homes and condos that match their criteria - just visit the Clearwater Home Connection - the informaton is updated daily and we've made it Easy to Click here to search the eniteTampa Bay MLS right now...
Cyndee & Jack Haydon, Belloise Realty (727) 710-8035
Your one stop source for all Clearwater Homes | Condos | Villas | Townhomes | Condo Hotels for sale by all Real estate companies!
Relocations ~ Waterfront Homes, Townhomes Condos & Villas ~ Beach House of Your Dreams ~ Find the Perfect Florida Lifestyle in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area
Serving Clearwater | St Petersburg | Palm Harbor | Dunedin | Safety Harbor | Tarpon Springs | Largo | Belleair | Oldsmar | Ozona | Pinellas Park | Gulfport | Tierra Verde | Indian Rocks Beach | Indian Shores | Maderia Beach | Treasure Island | St Pete Beach | South Tampa | Redington Beach | all the Gulf Beaches and Tampa Bay
Inquiring minds asked so here it is.......................
Flat Mark Flanders can vouch for that! I love the beach, the beach and did I say the beach - oh yeah, and throw in beach sunsets too. 
4) I enjoy red wine and dream of touring California Vineyards or France at sometime (kid-free) - so looking forward to visiting my friends in that area :-) For now I'll have to enjoy a glass at all my favorite local restaurants.
Ft DeSoto is our favorite spot! 
Now Being a full-time 
I am the oldest of three children. My parents came to Florida from Guatemala to go to college and start their married life. Today is my Mother's birthday (Happy Birthday!) and I'd like to dedicate this article to her and all she taught me about creating a "home". 
