Real Estate Views from St Pete

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Service Above and Beyond

So many agents talk about superior service, service beyond the sale, service beyond your expectations...do we always do that? Today was a long day of travelling, from St Pete, Florida to Pocatello, Idaho, and though we were tired and not expecting a lot - we did receive extras. At Enterprise Car Rentals in Salt Lake City, we were served promptly, given an upgrade, and the gentlemen not only walked us to where the car was parked, but he helped with our luggage as well. In the car lot, another gentlemen took the rest of our bags to the car. They we were asked if we'd like some cold water for our trip, and they brought bottles of water. What a nice way to start after a long trip in the air. We stopped in Pocatello and weren't expecting much in that rural area for either accomodations or a restaurant. We were pleasantly surprised. After a prompt and courteous check in, the desk clerk directed us to a short cut to the restaurant next door and told us to remember to show them our door card, so they could take 10% off the meal. I'm often very fussy about "I want what I want how I want it," from crushed ice for my Chivas to only 4 second on each side of my steak  -  both requests were treated courteously, filled willingly and the filet mignon was among the best and most tender I've ever eaten, with bernaise sauce on the side. Though we immediately returned to the hotel and fell alseep, we went to sleep happy, having been spoiled by all the extras.  It pays to think about the little (and big) ways we can make a difference in pleasing our clients and adding extras that they didn't think about: a map with the homes they'll see all plotted out, a selection of savory and sweet snacks in the car, with hot and cold beverages - by driving with them to find a parking spot instead of just directing them around the block - and the list goes on.

Listening

We've always prided ourselves on listening to our clients, really listening, and that's something that's repeated frequestly in our testimonial letters.  Yesterday we listed a home for a couple who interviewed six agents.  After we completed the paperwork, we asked - without mentioning names, and to help us improve our service, would you please tell us what you liked and didn't like about the other agents you interviewed.  On a $400,000 property, the suggested list prices varied by about $70,000! The owners felt that the high quotes were just trying to get their listing. They didn't like the agents who talked all about themselves, instead of concentrating on the clients and their property. Keep in mind - it's all about them not us.

Southwest Airlines Rewards

Southwest Airlines has one of the best reward programs in the continental US. I've never been refused my choice of flights whether for me or for multiple family members. Now it's even better - for two ticket awards you can fly to Hawaii, through their affiliation with ATA. Boarding craziness aside, the flight crew and other staff have a great sense of humor and make flying much more enjoyable than many of the "full service" carriers.  We can take a lesson from this in our real estate business as well - attitude, caring, and making the transaction fun can go a long way (naturally in addition to professional service).

Destination Club Warning

Destination Clubs are different from time shares and fractional interests. Generally people buy into the club and pay annual dues, much like a country club. Buy-in costs range from $100,000 to $400,000. Buyers don't get an ownership share of the properties, but get to use a variety of luxury homes around the world, and sometimes get to use a jet or a yacht as well.  One of the advantages is that up to 80% of this may be refunded when you leave the club. The Wall Street Journal today reported that Tanner & Haley Resorts, a destination club, has filed for bankruptcy protection. If these deposits or buy-ins are not protected, that could cause a major slowdown in these destination clubs. This comes at the same time as sellers in our high inventory market are asking whether they can sell their condos as fractional interests or to a destination club.

More Free WiFi Locations Coming to Florida

The State of Florida Department of Transportation plans to add free WiFi locations along the Florida turnpike at rest stops, welcome centers, etc., reports Chuck McGinness, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer. What a great way to welcome tourists, whether they want to check the internet for nearby hotels, restaurants, or real estate offices. They can also check their e-mail or send a message home on their trip status.  Tampa International Airport has also been providing free wireless connections throughout the airport.  It's enjoyed by visitors and residents, as well. So many of us today want to stay connected.

Hurricanes and Clients

Today I was visiting clients to help them celebrate their 3 year old's birthday, and they reminded me of a service we provide to our clients. Each year the first time there is a hurricane evacuation discussed or warning of a storm coming our way, we call each of our clients who came to Florida from another state and bought a home here since our last hurricane. We talk to them about hurricane plans - who has to evacuate, who should evacuate, where to go, what kind of supplies to have on hand if they're staying, and what supplies to take with them. They have always been very appreciative of the help and guidance - we even had one client who was shopping for supplies and we walked her through the store by cell phone to make sure she bought everything she needed. We bought an air mattress for another client, whose furniture hadn't arrived - she was going over to stay with some of her new neighbors. It's a great way to help clients, and provide value after the sale.

Gulfport, Florida

Pinellas County, Florida, has many towns and municipalities in addition to the two major cities, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. One of these is Gulfport, a small "artsy" town with a casual air - less than 15,000 residents and easily accessible from St Pete, Tampa and Clearwater - it's just 15 minutes from downtown St Pete.  It has a white sand beach, a pier to dock your boat, and a Casino - though it's for dances and socializing, not gambling. Renovated cottages hold shops, art galleries and restaurants.  Two old familiars are on Beach Blvd S - Backfin Blue, renowned for its crabcakes, and La Cote Basque, a family restaurant with Continential cuisine.  Now there's a new restaurant, overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. It's at the intersection of Beach Blvd S and Shore Blvd S, just across from the Casino. The open air dining on the second floor is a wonderful place to eat, feel the breezes, and overlook the waterfront and the bay. Their crab chowder is excellent, followed by either a grouper sandwich or a Cuban. The http://www.seabreezemanor.com/ is a bed and breakfast just across from the beach. If you're lucky you can book one of their two cottages, the Key West or Key Largo. A great day trip or weekend spot - or just drive or boat over for lunch.

Plumeria

Plumeria, or Frangipani, are colorful tropical fragrant plants/trees that we generally associate with Hawaii or the Caribbean islands. These are the flowers they use in Hawaii to make leis. Plumeria can grow here in Florida, even in the Tampa Bay area. They lose their leaves in winter, which makes it attractive as a year-round plant/tree with seasons, which some of us miss from New England. We have a large plumeria in the center of our semi-circular drive, and enjoy walking around it each evening to check for new buds, as well as enjoy the fragrance as we pass. Much like bouganvilla, they add a colorful tropical accent to our landscapes. We have some smaller plants inside our screen enclosure surrounding the pool. One of the largest growers and exporters of plumeria in the world is here in the Tampa Bay area, in Seffner.

Schrebergartens

Schrebergartens are small garden plots seem frequently in Germany, which allows people living in town without garding space a place to plant flowers and vegetables. Actually many of them also have smal one room (or possible two rooms) cottages where the owners may spend a weekend overnight. 

I wonder if something like this might be a new twist for people living in downtown highrises, who want to do more gardening than just containers on the balcony. This garden land is often less desirable land - close to major roads, or industrial areas - not the best for a home, but fine for a garden.

The Appeal of Trolleys

A trolley is so much more appealing than a bus. Think of San Francisco and of New Orleans. Trolleys are a great way to see the city and to do some sightseeing. Some are open air, some are air conditioned; some are wood, some are not. Maybe it's the design that catches you - whatever the variation, you know it's a trolley. Maybe it's reminiscent of "the good old times". Maybe it's a feeling of leisure, rather than utility. Maybe you feel more connected with the city than in a bus.  Whatever the reason, they're certainly popular.

In St. Petersburg, Florida, it's called The Looper. The usual run is around downtown Saint Petersburg, stopping at the main hotels, museums, Baywalk, tourist attractions and restaurants. You can take it out to The Pier, where you can view, shop and eat, with a wonderful view back at the St Pete skyline. More venturesome? Then take a trolley out to St. Pete Beach and spend the day there on the Gulf of Mexico.  Tired of beaches but want more sightseeing?  Take another trolley from St Pete Beach all the way up to Clearwater Beach and see the many beach communities in between, each with their own flavor.  If you live downtown, this is also a treat for your visitors - send them off to the beach for a day, and then to tour the museums, including the famous Salvador Dali Museum.  Want a wonderful weekend away for yourself? Stay at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, a renovated 1920s Mediterranean building with a wide veranda overlooking the harbor and the city or stay at one of our many Bed and Breakfasts. Eat at Fred's or Chateau France, or Grattzi's, Dan Marino's or Cafe Alma.  Stroll along the shops and the waterfront, visit the museums or a play, or take a boat tour.  Whether you're here to visit or to live, St. Petersburg, Florida is the place to be - our piece of Paradise.

Downtown Living

The last few years have seen many people wanting to move downtown. Is it because of time lost in commuting? Increased gas prices? Children grown and off?  Yes, all of these, but more. Many ages are moving downtown - from young professionals to retired. The real desire is to be surrounded by life and vibrancy - to walk to restaurants, shops, museums, festivals, music, the theater, and more. In downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, you also get to walk in parks with water views, and see marinas, and look at harbors and open Tampa Bay; you can watch the walkers, the joggers, the bicyclists, the boat races, the Segway tours, the trolleys. You can find early morning coffee and late night snacks. Downtown St Pete also has the annual Grand Prix in some of the streets, and baseball, and art shows in the park, and food festivals, and music festivals.

Downtowns have very little land, and what there is, is expensive - so homes are generally vertical, meaning highrise condos (and surrounding city homes and townhouses). This allows hundreds of homes to have a waterfront view. Vertical living has become very popular. Smaller (usually but not always) than a home, but generally with many facilities right in the building to compensate for this - exercise rooms, billiard rooms, pool, spa, grilling areas, party rooms, tv rooms, card rooms, libraries. Secured garages, generally a concierge.

Many of these downtown condos in  St Pete are full time owners - others are seasonal, with some owners coming for the winter, and others coming several times during the year. Some from Tampa or Orlando come just for weekends. Some living on the Gulf Beaches come to stay for events downtown.  And yes, some are investors and flippers as well. It's the lifestyle - and developers are competing with luxurious features, European cabinetry and appliances, and unique architectural design.  There are many to choose from, already built, under construction, or still in the pre-construction stage.

For more information contact The Simms Team, RE/MAX Metro, Saint Petersburg, Florida. Phone 888-746-6788 or e-mail.

Praying for buyers

This morning when reading the local newspaper I couldn't help but notice the article regarding a real estate agent in Manatee County, Florida, Tierney Foster, who has organized a Call to Prayer for noon today at Woodland Baptist Church, with a second set for August 31.  Other agents involved in sponsoring this, Kyle and Terri Henson, said the prayers are more to help sellers than helping themselves. Read the rest in the Bradenton Herald

Bigger Isn't Always Better

Despite national statistics that the size of a home is increasing each year, and the McMansions that are sprouting up all over, there are proponents of having a smaller but better designed house. Sometimes the bigger house is for our things, rather than for us. Sarah Susanka has written several books on this. Her original book "The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live" is my favorite.

Susanka discusses how to design a home by how we use it, aligning spaces so you visually see beyond the room, providing for alcoves for certain activities rather than separate rooms. It's not all about saving money on the construction, but saving on size allows you to spend more on quality and charm.

The St. Petersburg, Florida area has dozens of neighborhoods in many styles. The Old Northeast, Kenwood, Granada Terrace and Roser Park are among those with charming, older homes. Some of the older homes have been torn down, and it's a delight when the new home built on the lot fits in with the syle of the neighborhood.

International Buyers in the Tampa Bay, Florida area

The Tampa Bay, Florida area attracts a lot of Europeans looking for sunshine and warm weather. Few buyers from Latin America buy in the Tampa area - most buy in the Miami-Ft Lauderdale area, with a lesser number going to the Naples-Ft. Myers-Sarasota area and to the Orlando area - according to the 2005 NAR Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida.

Years ago most of the international buyers in Tampa-St. Petersburg came from Canada - that's chenged. The NAR report shows the following:
30%   United Kingdom
11%   Canada
 7%    Germany
 7%    Ireland
The number from Ireland was surprising to us, as our team hasn't yet had buyers from Ireland.

Condo Hotels along the Gulf Beaches, St Petersburg Clearwater Florida

Condo hotels are springing up all along the Gulf Beaches, from St Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach, Florida. These condo hotels can range from hotel rooms to apartment/condominiums, and the owners are only allowed a limited stay each year, ranging from one month to three months, typically. The rest of the time the units are rented out, most commonly in a pool for that building/complex.  There are two reasons behind this: hotel developers are using this as a means of hotel financing, and are putting some or all of the rooms/apartments into a pool - there is a management contract for the hotel brand, without the ownership investment or risk.  The other reason is greater density of units for a condominium developer. The beach cities do not want to see their hotels torn down and condos built, for many of the condos would be second homes, or even third or fourth homes, and the cities see a lack of business for their restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. So, many of the beach cities will allow greater density for hotel units than for condo units. Many of these projects are intended to be a break-even for the purchasers, with appreciation their only profit.  A prospective purchaser should certainly investigate a branded hotel project with full amenities vs a building with a front desk and a swimming pool that will be on its own for marketing. In some projects, the purchasers were primarily flippers, who never intended to be owners after they closed on the unit when construction was finished - so in our current market some of the buildings have dozens of units on the market.

A Fresh Approach to Advertising

We so often see new development signs stating starting from the low $400s or other lows  -  to really find that only the smallest house on the worst lot with no upgrades could be bought under $450,000.  Here's a developer with a refreshing view - condos from $300K to 6 Kazillion!  It certainly stopped me on the street when I first passed it, and I went around the block to read it closer.  Even Jay Leno took notice of it, and showed a photo of the sign on his show. The building is The Edge, to be built in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida by the Frank Maggio Company. The Edge will feature contemporary design and high tech  - it even plans to have automatic grocery ordering and delivery.

Architecture can make Communities

Neighborhood, for some people, means knowing your neighbors and chatting with them, picking up their newspapers when they're away, calling you if one of your children is somewhere doing something he shouldn't . A very popular neighborhood here in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the Old Northeast, with homes built primarily from 1910-1940. Yes, people like being close th the park and Tampa Bay, and being close to downtown St. Petersburg. Yes, they like the brick streets and the big shade trees, and the interesting architecture. Most of all, they like the feeling of community - of knowing their neighbors, of feeling part of something.  Two aspects of the architecture encourage this. The garages are behind the house, with alley access. Most of the people actually park on the street, and walk up to their front door and enter the house that way. The homes have front porches.  When you sit on your porch, you wave to the people out walking on the sidewalks, exercising their dogs, or stolling with their children or grandchildren. They stop on the sidewalk and talk with you for a moment - and you can set your clock by some of them. In the typical Florida home, the garages are in the front of the house - and having a two or three car garage facing the street isn't charming or inviting, and often overwhelms the rest of the front elevation. Then, you push your remote, drive into the garage, and go into your house from the garage - and when you do relax, it's on your patio or screened porch in the back of the house. How do you get to know your neighbors that way? Most people are uncomfortable walking up to someone's house, ringing the bell, and saying - I just wanted to say Good Morning.  Talking to someone sitting on their porch?  That's easy.  Neo-traditional neighborhoods are now being built, trying to recapture this feeling.  Some cities, like Saint Petersburg, are fortunate to have established neighborhoods like this.

Old Northeast

Strange Exclusion

What's your strangest exclusion? We're all familiar with the refrigerator being excluded from the listing and consequently the sale, or Grandma's chandelier. Our strangest request was from sellers who wanted to exclude the front door from the sale.  It was custom made for them, and had been the front door on every house they had owned since they were married. Obviously we also had to exclude the front door photo from the photos of the house! ... since we had taken a very nice photo of the door, we had a large print made of it, then had it framed, and gave it to the sellers as a uunique and very personalized closing gift.

Front Door

Luxury Home Designations

For many years, real estate companies have had luxury divisions and/or luxury designations. There are two problems I see with company designations - 1) they have different standards so you don't really know what training/experience the agent has; and 2) if/when you leave that company, you no longer can use the designation.  Laurie Moore-Moore, formerly of Real Trends, and a speaker many of us have heard over the years, created the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, and as part of it, the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist CLHMS designation, which has both educational and performance requirements. The Institute has continuing education after the designation, provides an online magazine, keeps up posted on new trends, and is constantly looking for unique opportunities for its members.

Boat slips becoming scarce in Pinellas County Florida

St Petersburg, Clearwater and other parts of Pinellas County, Florida, are constantly losing marinas (with both boat slips and high-and-dry storage) as costs increase exponentially for the owners - property taxes, insurance rates, etc. and they are offered huge amounts of money from developers. Some of them build condos with optional docking facilities - others just make dockominiums out of the marinas, and are selling slips for up to $200,000 - plus maintenance fees, of course.  Makes buying a waterfront home with dockage a more viable option.  Small (1600-1700 sq ft) older waterfront homes with good waterfront boating facilities can still be had for $700,000.  Visit our web site or contact us. (727) 866-0048 or (888) SIMMS-88   ( 888-746-6788).