Clearwater Florida Homes Condos Real Estate

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Palm Harbor Florida - Wall Springs Park - A Great Place to Spend a Day

Pinellas County Parks, Green Space and Fun Things to Do

 Palm Harbor Florida - Recently my family along with some friends took our kids to Wall Springs Park for the day. It's a great place to hike, bike, fish, bird watch, relax and just have a great time. This is one of Pinellas County's best kept secrets just of Alt 19 before you get to Tarpon Springs. It extends out to the coast through the thick mangroves that offer a real look at Natural Florida. 

The Park is also located along the Pinellas Trail. I took quite a few pictures to give you a sneek peak at this special place - however there's nothing like seeing it in person. Pinellas County acquired Wall Springs in 1988 with the initial purchase of 63 acres which included the Spring and surrounding area - Here's an up-close  look at Wall Springs Park.   

Wall Springs Park - Quite a Local History

In 1927 the Wall family sold it to the Davis family that changed the name from Wall Springs to Health Springs - where they marketed and extolled the health benefits of these waters. Mr. Harry Davis also spread the myth that Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon discovered this spring.

Mr. Davis eventually sold the property to the Cullen family of Palm Harbor in 1949.  The Cullen family changed the name back to Wall Springs and operated it as a commercial recreational facility. They added many amenities like horseshoes, volleyball, hiking paths, picnic shelters and more.

Back in the 1950's this Spring was the site of a freshwater beach where tourists enjoyed lounging and bathing in these pristine waters.  Tourists enjoy Wall Springs in the 1950s

Eventually in 1966 the Cullen family closed the facility due to high insurance premiums and liabilities. which left the door open for Pinellas County to acquire Wall Springs in 1988.     

August 20, 2005 the park was officially opened to the public through the use of Penny for Pinellas taxes  - after developing fishing piers, observation decks, playground and restrooms for visitors to enjoy this piece of Pinellas Paradise.

If you are looking for information on buying Pinellas County Real Estate give me a call at (727) 710-8035 - It's a great place to live with lots of green space and great things to do. 

2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Real Estate Agent specializing in Pinellas County Waterfront Homes and Condos for Sale

8 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 26 2008 11:17PM

Big View = Big Windows = Big Problems

This article was written by a good California Realtor friend of mine and I thought my readers would enjoy it because it made me think of the oceanfront views people  want when buying Clearwater Beach real estate. 

Jeff points out some things people don't think about.  While that western sunset is beautiful it's important to know that there are some other things to plan for! 

The additional cost for most Clearwater Beach condos and homes is that you need to plan to protect those views with hurricane panels or storm protection of some kind. It's obvious at this time of year with all the hurricane activity we're seeing. 

Florida actually has a law that will now require all high risk properties to be protected to get insurance by 2011. I have a local expert planning to share more with us in the near future so stay tuned for more on that topic.

In the mean time - this is a great start when planning to buy your Clearwater beach property.  (Feel free to Search all Clearwater beach condos for sale now) 

 

Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate:

Pacific sunsetMany buyers in the San Diego area are hoping for big views when purchasing a home.

Nothing wrong with that...and there are lots of great views to enjoy here in paradise. The ocean or San Diego Bay, the mountains, panorama, city lights, golf courses and lagoons are some of the things that folks want to look at outside big windows in their homes. And will pay for that opportunity.

There's a price for that.

Two prices, in fact.

Sunny sunOne, view homes generally cost more. You can't easily put a price tag on it, but typically comparable homes with views versus those without will enjoy a bigger price tag. How much depends on the view and what someone is willing to pay. Ocean views seem to be the priciest, and the closer you are to that beautiful blue sea the more costly. Could be a few hundred thousand dollars or more for a terrific ocean view versus none. Ocean frontage view can add millions.

Coupled with this is a desire for big windows. After all, a great view doesn't do you much good if you can't enjoy it through expansive glass, which in turn adds more interior light and a feeling of spaciousness. Homes with views are often built with large windows for this reason, or owners remodel to bring as much of the view indoors as possible, to meld the indoors and outdoors in true Southern California fashion. Understandably, floor to ceiling windows and glass doors are popular with those who have dramatic views. Some sliding doors can even disappear into the wall to truly bring that great view right into the house.

Sunny sunThe second price, however, for some view homes is the sun. And, more accurately, sun damage. This is especially true of our western-facing homes which have, as one would hope, fabulous sunset views over the ocean. Easterly facing homes, however, can get some pretty intense sunlight, too.

The impact of the sun on these homes can be dramatic:

  • increased heat in the afternoons, thus driving up the costs of cooling
  • significant bright light which can require the use of some short of curtains or shades in order to enjoy the space in the afternoons (which negate the view);
  • harmful UV rays which can discolor, and damage, flooring, carpet, furniture and artwork.

Sun is a hot issue

Technology has improved significantly in recent years with respect to glass, with options that allow one to reduce the glare, heat and sun damage. Curtains and shades have been available for ages, but new systems allow for motorized systems (shades, screens and drapes) that can respond to the amount of light itself (for both interior and exterior installation). Solar screens these days can block a large percentage of the ultraviolet rays and the glare but allow outstanding visibility of the scenery.

On the horizon? Manufactured glass (solar glass) that can generate electricity and still allow a significant portion of light through.

SunriseSome of these observations about large windows and sun might be rather obvious, and one would hope that folks who are buying these views might give it some thought, and prepare themselves to spend the money to protect their furnishings and art work, and deal with the heat and light issues they will inherit. I suspect many do not give it much consideration, or even think about it. They should.

And there is, of course, the opposite perspective -

if you have fabulous views out through huge windows, don't the folks outside have equally good views in?

My daughter shared a terrific article with me from the Wall Street Journal on this subject, which I just now read after writing this. I invite you to take a look. There are some valid points about big windows to consider. And a bit of humor. Quite frankly, though, I find it hard to feel sorry for the poor grad student in the $1.5 million dollar apartment whose $20K sofas were damaged by the sun, among other things resulting from her fab views. Not too bright (pun intended).

Views can be wonderful, but they come with a cost. Think about it.

4 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 12 2008 10:27AM

Burning Down the House

Local Tampa Mortgage expert, Dave Presnell shares his thoughts on the recent takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It's still too early to know what the fall out will be but I have no doubt it's going to be significant and probably be like unpleasant medicine to swallow when we finally have to address the issues.

I am letting buyers interested in Clearwater Real Estate - now is the time to get serious. Rates dropped on this news and rules stayed the same in the short term - many believe next year both will be less attractive and we already have some of the best prices we've seen in years.

If you'd like to discuss buying property further just give me a call at (727) 710-8035 or  if you have Tampa Bay mortgage questions I highly recommend you give Dave at his office number 813-514-4993 or his cell phone  number  813-690-0591

Via Dave Presnell:

Consider this:

Your neighbor, a heavy smoker, falls asleep while holding a lit cigarette and his house catches fire.  He smells the smoke, realizes his life and property are in danger and calls the fire department.  You hear the commotion outside, walk down your driveway and learn what's going on.

Do you get angry at the fire department for responding to an obvious crisis caused completely by your neighbor's carelessness?  Do you insist that the firefighters leave immediately and let your neighbor's home burn to the ground?  Do you insist the tobacco company that made the cigarettes, the truck driver who delivered them to the convenience store where your neighbor bought the cigarettes, or the clerk there who took his money come put out the fire instead?

No, of course not.  You may be upset with your neighbor for his carelessness, but you realize that allowing his house to burn puts yours at risk from burning embers.  Doing nothing could well lead to your own home burning down, too.

Metaphorically speaking, thousands of U.S. taxpayers are enraged today that the federal government is stepping in to put their neighbor's house fire out.

Over the weekend, the government announced that it is placing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack into receivership- in effect, taking them over.  Already TV news commentators are fanning angry taxpayer's flames by saying it will ultimately cost them untold billions and billions of dollars.  Taxpayers are angry, they say, because they will have to bear the cost of other people's greed and poor decision making that led to the housing and credit slump we currently are experiencing.

While they may rightfully be enraged about the causes of the current problems, to vent their anger at the government for this and other recent actions makes about as much sense as yelling at the fire department for responding to a fire.  Ultimately, doing nothing will cost taxpayers far more than "putting out the fire" will.  I understand their frustration at having to foot the bill (hey, I'm a taxpayer, too!).  However, I also understand how the market works. Without some assurance to investors in these securities that they will get paid, interest rates will rise, mortgage financing will become harder and harder to obtain, and the housing market will continue to languish.  Home values would drop or stagnate for an even longer period of time which ultimately could cost taxpayers more.  Most people don't see that though because the talking heads on TV will play up the fact that taxpayers are footing the bill for (fill in the blank- buyers, realtors, mortgage lenders, whomever your favorite villain du jour is) greed and bad decision making. 

This fire was caused by poor decision making on the part of a lot of people- buyers, realtors, mortgage lenders, investment houses and investors on Wall Street, just to name a few.  Just as with a house fire, the first and immediate action is to put the fire out.  Then investigate the cause and take corrective (and preventative) action.  Don't tell the fire department to pack up and leave.

8 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 11 2008 12:21AM

Clearwater Auto Accident Attorneys | Simple Tips Can Change your Life after Car Crash

Clearwater Auto Accident - Motorcycle Crash - Now What do you Do? 

Clearwater FLorida - One of the great parts about living in Pinellas County and the Clearwater area for 18 years is you really get to know a lot of business people and service providers in both a personal and professional way.  I have personally unfortunately been in more than one Clearwater car accident in the last few years (none my fault in case you were wondering) and unfortunately there are lots of things I didn't know until I was (1)  injured in an auto accident  and (2) hand bad auto accident care and advice! However whether you're in a car crash, truck accident or suffer from a motorcycle injury - you need this info because I can tell you that if you or a loved one is in injured in one of these kinds of traffic accidents it's not overreacting in my humble opinion to contact a caring, experienced Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney to be YOUR advocate!! Like most crisis - it's always helpful if you've done your research and have a plan BEFORE you have to ask, "Who's the best Pinellas County Auto Injury Attorney?" when you're still in shock!

Clearwater Resident Thankful for Helpful Personal Injury Lawyer   

I have found that St Peterburg - Clearwater personal injury attorney David Neville, who has been helping people injured, often through no fault of their own, in Pinellas County for years makes a bad experience have the best possible outcome. In my experience, he does a great job and really cares about each client and their family (which is first and foremost for us). I was actually in a Clearwater car accident a few years ago and David was my attorney and when friends and neighbors I know are in a car crash I immediately recommended Clearwater Auto Injury attorney, David Neville to them.

Well while anyone who's been through a car accident knows, recovery is often a long process and you're dealing with the emotional recovery, as well as, your physical injuries (some of which we will live with forever) need to be taken care of. My friends still thanks me for recommending an experienced skilled auto injury lawyer to them after being in Pinellas County car accidents. David was able to negotiate a favorable settlement for me and othes and while money doesn't heal all - it definitely helps you get the care you need and get back on your feet after you go through something I wouldn't wish on anyone. 

Most of us don't have reasons to see any kind of lawyers or attorneys very often and I have to admit I always feel a little intimidated (like being called into the principals office even if it's not your fault). While it's normal to feel a little nervous - I know if you're like me, you'll appreciate David Neville's warm smile and his relaxed style as he works to listen and understand your personal situation which really puts me at ease (while being a pitbull when working FOR me). Being comfortable really talking to my attorney...who is my advocate was really important in my experience. There can be "no dumb questions" and I always want a skilled personal injury attorney who listens to me and my needs and my desires.       

Clearwater Car Crash, Fender Benders & Truck Accidents - Info I hope you never have to use!

When I was in my first car crash several years ago (a car ran a red light and side swiped me in an intersection where I did a 180 degree turn and totaled my car I actually was able by some blessing to walk away - many people aren't so lucky) I thought it was no big deal physically - even though I knew my car was totalled.

Luckily I did know enough to see a doctor immediately for a check up regardless of how I felt. I come from a family that believes if you aren't bleeding or throwing up you're fine (Can anyone else relate?) - well based on that criteria I was fine...only I wasn't. Unfortunately I went to my primary care physician for a check up and he refered me to what I would say is the "puppy mills" for people who have been personally injured in a car accident. 

I did some things right - I had seen a doctor and followed his advice on the next step - however I made the mistake of not getting an experienced Pinellas County personal injury attorney working as my advocate and looking out for me from the beginning. Thankfully a friend referred me to one of the best accident injury lawyers in Clearwater - St Petersburg  while I was still having appointments in the "puppy mill" process.

I think I was like most people in car accidents, I'm not someone looking to sue anyone and I also didn't want to spend money talking to a lawyer - even if I did want to get their opinion. I didn't know that they get paid like I get paid as a realtor - ultimately if we can achieve a successful outcome we get paid. I'm so glad I know a better now.  

The result - the experience that followed was like night and day. I was ultimately able to get the care and injury rehabilitation that I needed. I have to say that I also learned Clearwater's best chiropractor makes all the difference (but that's a story for another post)           

While I am not an attorney or lawyer and am not giving legal advice here just sharing my personal experiences (Please call David Neville, Attorney in Law at or your own personal injury attorney if you have questions) here's what I've learned from mine along the way ...  

6 Things To Do Immediately when in a Car Accident in Pinellas County 

  1. If possible, photograph all damage to you, the car, the others involved in all cars as well and anything else that makes sense.
  2. Always call the local police, no matter how minor you believe the crash to be and make sure they  
  3. Get a copy of the Drivers' Exchange Information Form from police
  4. Get all the insurance documentation regarding your own car and/or the car you were riding in
  5. Seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are preserved
  6. It is essential to have a medical evaluation at the first sign of injury following a collision.

  So while I hope you, your family or friends never needs this information - if you do at least you'll know where to turn for the help you need. 

If you want more info or to get a FREE consultation call David Neville, Attorney on his cell phone at 727-481-3072 - he's available when you need him! 

His office is located at: 6251 Park Boulevard Suite 9 Pinellas Park, FL 33781 

P.S. Tell him Cyndee told you to call -       

5 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 11 2008 12:10AM

NFL Super Bowl in Tampa Florida in 2009 - Book your Homes, Condos, Hotel rooms now

Tampa Bay Florida - Today I was reading one of my favorite Tampa Bay blogs and was reminded that this year's Super Bowl is only 149 days away and will be held right here in Tampa Bay. Our community has hosted the Super Bowl before and boy does this town enjoy the festivities. If you want to find out more about this year's Super Bowl or opportunities to volunteer or get involved then visit the Tampa Bay Superbowl website.

tampa bay superbowl website info

It's amazing what local homes, beach condos and vacation rentals of all kinds will go for during that weekend. If you are planning to be here don't put off making your reservations. While Jack and I don't handle rentals you can call Patty Belloise at 727-410-1936 who does (just in case you're looking for a great local contact).

Now if you are someone who has decided that "now is the time to buy" Tampa Bay real estate - we CAN help you with this. :)

Regardless of what your plans are here are some pictures of our Bucs Stadium, which I had the privledge of touring with Leadership Pinellas last year - I'll give you a sneak peek into our stadium.

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Call us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!

Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate Consultants specializing in Tampa Bay Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.

11 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 06 2008 08:36AM

Will appraisals require more time for closing a contract?

Sharon Simms, a local REALTOR friend of mine does a great job highlighting how further the changes in the mortgage industry are having unintended consequences. If you are buying or selling it's important to work with professionals that are on top of all the latest changes.

We have especially seen appaisers struggle with those "unique" properties.  If you have any questions feel free to give Jack and I a call at (727) 710-8035 or (727) 710-8036 

Via Sharon Simms St Pete Florida CRS CIPS CLHMS :

When I spoke with a lender today about closing a contract (and loan) in 3 weeks, the lender suggested adding more time - the main item out of the control by the lender was the appraisal. The bank can no longer order the appraisal, so they send the request out to a third party provider who selects the appraiser from a rotating list. Not only does this "middleman" add more time, but the new appraisal requirements may add more time, too.

What if it's a unique property? What if there haven't been any recent sales in that neighborhood? Not only might it take the appraiser more time (rotation means the lender  can no longer choose the appraiser most familiar with that neighborhood, price range, or type of property) once he gets the assignment, but once the appraisal is completed and goes to underwriting, the underwriter may ask for more comps, which will add more time.

Is it prudent to ask for more than a 30 day closing, with the new lending and appraisal requirements?

3 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 05 2008 12:08PM

Tampa Bay Real Estate News - Property Tax Reducing Amendment Removed from Ballot

Tampa Bay Real Estate News - Well all Tampa Bay property owners and investors got some bad news to followup on the Tampa bay property tax news we received on August 15th when a Leon County Circuit Court removed Amendment 5 (aimed at lowering Florida property taxes) from the November ballot.

The wait is over here's the Tampa Bay real estate news: Florida's Supreme Court decided by a 7-0 ruling on September 3rd that Amendment 5 -  the Property Tax reducing Amendment will not be on the November ballot and their decision is final. 

a stop sign with handThis Supreme Courts' ruling ends an intense fight to help provide property tax relief to Tampa Bay real estate owners as well as all Florida Property onwers. The court's ruled to uphold the Circuit Court's decision to remove Amendment 5 from this fall's ballot because of the language in the property tax amendment which said "education funding would be held harmless". The issue for them was the "language" and the fact that Amendment 5 funding would only be held harmless for the 1st year and then education funding would be determined by the Florida State legislature.  

We will continue to keep you posted on what's happening with Tampa Bay real estate issues that effect you so stay tuned.

Florida property tax website logoThe Florida Association of Realtors, which supported the amendment, decried Cooper's ruling saying "Homeownership is a fundamental right, and Floridians deserve a say on how their property is taxed," said Chuck Bonfiglio, president of the Florida Association of Realtors, in a prepared statement. "We are shocked that the court decided to deny property owners' the ability to dramatically lower their property tax rates."

We as Tampa Bay Realtors and home owners were excited about voting YES for Amendment 5 Property taxes. We believe it would have helped Tampa Bay  Real Estate buyers, residents and renters because everyone should have experience savings.  We also believe it would have helped home sellers since by making Pinellas County homes more affordable and more appealing to buyers who do not currently qualify for homestead exemptions. Remember: Florida property taxes have doubled over last 6 years!

 Amendment 5 had projected savings for Tampa Bay property owners

  • Hillsborough property owners =  23%,
  • Pinellas County property owners  = 25% 
  • Pasco property owners =  32%

Amendment 5 Property Tax Details

Now we'll have to wait and see what happens in the future. Here are the details for the Amendment 5 proposal at Give Me 5 Florida and the actual Amendment 5 property tax proposal.  Benefits: Amendment 5 would have provided much-needed tax relief to Florida's seniors, many of whom fear losing their homes because of an inability to pay higher property taxes on a fixed income.  

Other articles of interest

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Call us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you sell your home or buy a new one! 

Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon,  Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate Consultants specializing in Tampa Bay Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.

9 comments • Clearwater Real Estate Pinellas Florida Condos & Homes for Sale- Cyndee Haydon • September 04 2008 06:32PM