Real Estate Views from St Pete

Luxury Home Designations

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 12:56:03 -0700

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.

Shopping at Photojojo was a Wow!

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:34:20 -0700

It's always nice when everything goes well with an order. When it's not only efficient, but comes with great communication and a sense of fun - that's a Wow! My shopping experience with Photojojo was a Wow!

Photojojo warns of Stow-away-asaurus

On Wednesday I ordered some iPhone camera accessories from PhotoJoJo. Shipping was free, but for once I opted to pay $6 for 3 day shipping since I wanted to play with my new toys over the holiday weekend. Almost instantaneously there was an email from Photojojo:

acknowledging receipt of the order
confirming ordered items and prices
giving me a link to keep up with the status of my order
letting me know what to expect next: a shipping confirmation email

Just a few hours later the next email came from Photojojo: my order had shipped. The email gave my USPS tracking number, a link to follow the shipment and a link for any questions (with the order number already filled in). Then they added: We hope our box of photo goodies brightens your day and brings you super photo happiness! and closed with XOXO. Even the order status page brought a smile to my face. The order status form was also amusing, from picking the freshest goodies from the tree, to assuring them they were going to a good home before they got on their first plane ride, to - well, it went on and on.

Of course I tracked the shipment online (I love doing that) from South Dakota to North Dakota to Tampa to St Pete and Out For Delivery. It arrived in 2 days, on Friday morning, so I could enjoy it on the holiday weekend.

The USPS box had an unusual warning on the outside: This shipment may contain a Stow-away-asaurus. Now that's a surprise. Sounds like fun!

On the top on the contents was a shipping label that itemized the two items I'd ordered as well as a third:

Rawwwwwwr! $0.00 for 1

I searched through the recycled paper that surrounded the order (greener and less messy than styrofoam packing peanuts). One iPhone boom microphone, one iPhone shutter grip and one Dinosaur! What fun!

Photojojo's Stowaway

Great communication.

Underpromise and overdeliver.

Create smiles.

Yes, I'll be ordering from Photojojo again!

Shades of Flat Jonathan! This guy gets around.

Posted earlier today at http://florida.ssimms.com

Downtown St Pete Movies in the Park

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:47:18 -0700

Downtown St Pete has movies in North Straub Park every Thursday in May. What a wonderful place to enjoy dinner overlooking the water while waiting for the movie to start. Music begins at 7 and the movie starts at dark. Bring your own picnic or buy food from some of the Saturday Morning Market vendors. Movies are free but donations are appreciated.

Thursday, May 19: Some Like It Hot (1959) Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon

Thursday, May 28: North by Northwest (1959) Hitchcock thriller with Cary Grant.

May Music and Movies in the Park

and if you're interested in a condo overlooking the park in downtown St Pete or a home nearby, please contact The Simms Team at ALVA International, Inc real estate. We're on Beach Drive NE in downtown St Petersburg. Look for the red awning that says REAL ESTATE.

Zite features Randy Prothero

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:21:21 -0700

What a surprise when I opened Zite on my iPad this morning - Randy's photo was there to greet me. Zite featured one of Randy's ActiveRain posts. Great exposure for a great guy and a great post.

Lots to do this weekend in downtown St Petersburg

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:09:19 -0700

There are lots of recurring things to do weekends in downtown St Petersburg, but here are 5 special things to do this weekend in downtown St Pete:

1. Tampa Bay Blues Fest, held at Vinoy Park, a wonderful waterfront park in downtown St Petersburg.

2. Soccer at Al Lang Field. The Tampa Bay Rowdies play their opening soccer game tonight against FC Edmonton.

3. Theater in the Park. American Stage presents The Rocky Horror Show at Demens Landing, another waterfront park in downtown St Petersburg. You can picnic on the grass or even buy a chair onstage if you want to interact with the cast.

4. At The Mahaffey you can see Cirque Dream's "Pop Goes the Rock" theatrical and acrobatic performance. Enjoy dinner first at one of the many Beach Drive restaurants. The weather is great for outside dining on the sidewalk.

5. Second Saturday Art Walk. Many galleries and studios open their doors and let you have a free look at what's new in their arts.

6. (a langniappe - just because we like to deliver more than we promise) if you're looking to buy or sell real estate in the St Petersburg area, please get in touch with The Simms Team at ALVA International, Inc real estate. Look for the red awning - we're right next to Tryst.

Find the Fun Now in St Petersburg Florida iPhone app

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 06:04:04 -0800

Find the Fun Now is a new iPhone app that lets you find active things to do in Pinellas County Florida, incuding St Petersburg, Clearwater, the Gulf Beaches and the many interesting towns. You can search from your existing location or you can enter a zipcode and other parameters. This isn't a listing of Events - it's a listing of healthy, active things you can do, from walking a portion of the Pinellas Trail (34 miles long) to golfing and tennis. In addition to a Fun To Do section, there's a Fun to Eat section (places to buy produce and farmers markets). You can search for things to do alone, as a couple or with a group. It even tells you if an activity is pet friendly, so you'll know ahead of time whether you can bring your dog along. If you don't have an iPhone? It's less convenient, but you can go to www.findthefunnow.com on any computer.

If you're in downtown St Petersburg checking it now, it will suggest walking, jogging or biking a portion of the Pinellas Trail (34 miles overall), strolling through North Straub Park, circling Crescent Lake Park (all dog friendly) or visiting the St Pete Tennis Center or joining a Saturday morning ladies bike ride (not pet friendly).

Old Northeast neighborhood in St Petersburg named one of Best Older Home Neighborhoods

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:38:48 -0800

The Old Northeast neighborhood, adjacent to downtown St Petrsburg, has always been a popular neighborhood. Now This Old House has recognized it as a Best Old Home Neighborhood 2012: South. It's the only neighborhood in Florida to be recognized by them this year and it rates in various categories: family friendly, parks and recreation, cottages and bungalows, gardening, Editors' Choice.

The varied styles of homes - bungalows, Colonials, Mediterranean, Italian, and even a few moderns - work together because of all the trees and landscaping. Many of the streets are brick and many of the sidewalks are made with hexagonal concrete blocks. Most of the garages are in the back of the homes, with alley access. Most homes have a front porch, which encourages conversations. It's easy to chat between someone relaxing on the porch and someone walking on the sidewalk. It's not unusual for three generations of a family to live in various homes in the Old Northeast.

The avenues end at a waterfront park for playing and viewing. There's a dog park nearby. In addition to The Old Northeast Tavern that's IN the neighborhood, all the restaurants and shops of downtown St Petersburg are a short walk away, as are museums and art galleries and an ongoing series of activities in the parks. The Old Northeast is known for celebrating holidays, with various flags and decorations. Easter egg hunts, Halloween trick or treating, 4th of July. It's a neighborly neighborhood. Downtown you'll find the Saturday Morning Market, First Friday and art crawls.

The only thing that This Old House got wrong is the prices. The range isn't from $90,000 to $400,000; it's actually $150,000 to $1,500,000. Let The Simms Team show you this and other wonderful St Petersburg neighborhoods and help you buy or sell your St Pete home.

Does cash matter when buying a home in St Petersburg Florida?

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:22:25 -0800

Yes, cash does matter when buying a home in St Petersburg, Florida. Historically, sellers didn't give price concessions for cash unless time was critical to them. For most sellers, it didn't matter if their proceeds came from the buyer or the lender.

Today, well priced properties in St Petersburg will often have multiple offers. In most cases, the St Pete seller will accept the cash offer rather than the highest price. Of course it depends on the difference in price as well as other factors. The mortgage process is taking longer, a preapproval letter means less when "The Underwriter" adds conditions for either the buyer or the property, and too many appraisals - generally ordered through appraisal management companies - are coming in well below the contract price.

St Petersburg Waterfront Neighborhood - Broadwater - Market Update January 2012

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:23:19 -0800

Broadwater is a desirable waterfront neighborhood in southwest St Petersburg Florida. The market update for January 2012 shows

5 active waterfront homes for sale in Broadwater range from $475,000 to $3,500,000. Home sizes range from 2,299 sf to 6,610 sq ft.

3 Broadwater waterfront homes sold in Broadwater ranging from $300,000 to $380,000. The sold homes range in size from 1,809 sq ft to 2,262 sq ft

Most of these homes will accomodate sailboats. For more information on Broadwater homes, please contact Sharon Simms at ALVA International, Inc.

Why are Canadians coming to Guanacaste Costa Rica?

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:18:30 -0800

There seem to be more Canadians than ever here in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Perhaps low fares are part of the reason: xxydeals.com shows round trip flights from Toronto to Liberia (LIR) Costa rica for $299, including taxes. From Liberia a 30 minute drive will have you on one of the many beautiful beaches of the Papagayo Gulf. Just 5 to 5-1/2 hours for a trip from Canadian cold to Costa Rica warm. Mornings in the low 70s, afternoons in the mid 80s - but with low humidity so it just feels comfortable and warm.

Canadians are coming to Guanacaste because of its wonderful weather and because of the wonderful people. The Ticos (Costa Ricans) have been named the happiest people in the world. They are pleasant and welcoming. "Pura Vida" is the Costa Rican "Aloha". You can be as leisurely or as active as you want: laze by the beach or pool, horseback ride, scuba dive, golf, zip line or explore the jungle.

It's a good time to buy real estate in Costa Rica, whether for a second home, an investment property, a now or future retirement home, or perhaps you just want to take a portion of your assets outside the country. Like anywhere else, though, it does depend on WHAT you buy and WHERE you buy. That's one of the reasons it's so important to choose the right real estate agent.

Downtown St Petersburg remains home to Women's Tennis Association

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:09:26 -0800

The Women's Tennis Association will keep it corporate headquartersin downtown St Peterburg Florida. They just signed a new lease at the City Center, which is also home to Northern Trust Bank and is across from Signature Place condominium. The WTA was founded by Billie Jean King in 1973 and is the organizing body for womens profesional tennis. WTA governs the WTA Tour whch is an international professional tennis tour for women.

An $8.5 million renovation of the City Center, which includes a fitness center, has generated 65,000 sq ft of new leases, raising the occupancy rate from 45% to 70%.

A mystery tale you won't want to put down

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:09:10 -0700

Izzy, J.J. and Zeke are back to entertain and educate us. These newscasters and reporters for BHS-TV may be teenagers, but they are involved in serious discussions about the separation of church and state and the role of protestors. . Fabiano once again blends local geography and history with a captivating tale and some interesting escapades. A loose monkey also winds his way through the book. Mystery comes into play with an explosion, web of lies, and the interplay of various groups. Our protagonists, once again, become sleuths of both historic and current mysteries. The magic doubloon once again crosses time, and historic figures including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross add their 2 cents. A trip to Baltimore and Philadelphia expand the historic context, though familiar Tierra Verde is the primary setting. Following the lead of his first two Egmont Passage books, Antonino Fabiano entertains while presenting philosophical issues that cause us to think and evaluate. You won’t want to put this book down - just one more chapter before I do ...

Adventure Book Trailer To EGMONT PASSAGE: Monkey Business from Antonino Fabiano on Vimeo.

Surprising St Pete

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:34:10 -0700

St Petersburg just announced its new rebranding campaign - Surprising St Pete

Art scene. Bay scene. City scene. What a scene.

A haven for sports fans, art connoisseurs and serious foodies. The campaign touts the variety you can find in St Pete from helicopter rides to museums to great restaurants and lounges. Rodd up the streets at 9 pm? Hardly. Bars now stay open until 3 a.m. Just look at Tryst, next door to us, if you want to see activity.

Sweet Divas Chocolates opens in downtown St Petersburg

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 17:41:43 -0700

Sweet Divas Chocolates opened yesterday in downtown St. Petersburg. In addition to their specialty chocolates, they are open for early morning coffee, muffins and more at 400 Beach Drive NE, just around the corner on 4th Avenue NE.

Free Museum Day in St Petersburg Florida

Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:04:28 -0700

Today is Free Museum Day in St Petersburg, Florida. 10 am to 3 pm today there is free admission to:

Museum of Fine Arts

St Petersburg Museum of History

The Dali Museum (sorry - this is free only for Pinellas County residents)

Great Explorations Children's Museum

Morean Arts Center Galleries

and more

The photo is taken from the front door of our officee, looking across some of the outside tables at Tryst looking at the entrance to the Museum of Fine Arts. Don't we have a great location for our real estate office?

And did you know? The American Style Magazine for the second year in a row designated St Petersburg, Florida is the #1 Top Arts Destination for a mid size city! Come to St Pete and see for yourself.