I-75 lane closure in Wesley Chapel

From the Florida Department of Transportation:

I-75 at County Road 54 (interchange reconstruction and resurfacing)

Lane closures on I-75 near CR 54 WESLEY CHAPEL -- One of two lanes will be closed on northbound or southbound I-75 from north of the rest area to just north of County Road 54 (Exit 279) between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday (March 1 - 5) nights. Crews will be setting barrier wall and delivering dirt to the median.

Patio dining approved for Texas Roadhouse

Patio dining has been approved at the county level for the Texas Roadhouse in Wesley Chapel. This should offset the loss of al fresco dining in Wesley Chapel from the recent closing of Buffalos Southwest Cafe.

New signage under construction for Tampa Palms (@ City Plaza) in New Tampa:

Market update for Heritage Isles

Our local MLS reports that six single family homes in Heritage Isles have been sold so far this year. Sold prices ranged from $190,000 for a bank owned home to $385,000 for a five bedroom, four bathroom home built last year.

There are currently over 40 single family homes listed for sale in Heritage Isles in our MLS ranging in list prices from $106,000 to just under $500,000.

New Tampa Skate Park Photo Update

I was in the area and snapped these photos today of the New Tampa skate park under construction.

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Romanos Cafe Opens in New Tampa

Romanos Cafe, a Greek and Italian restaurant opened this week in New Tampa. The new restaurant is located at 20685 Bruce B. Downs and hours are M-W 11-9, Th-Sat 11-10, Closed Sundays. Additional info: (813) 994-9700.

Some encouraging words about the Florida real estate market

Finally, some encouraging words about the Florida real estate market!:

Tampa Ties for Fourth Most Popular City in the US

According to the Social & Demographic Trends of the Pew Research Center, Tampa ties for fourth place of the "big cities" in the US where people would most like to live, with Denver topping the list, and Detroit finding itself in last place of the top 30. Full report

Home Selling Tips

Spring is just around the corner in Tampa and a time when most homeowners who plan to sell, put their homes on the market for sale. Now is the time to start preparing your home to put on the market. See the video below for some pointers and also the links provided under the video.



Simple tips for staging your home

Staging your home for a successful sale

Flowers add curb appeal

Should you paint?

Meadow Pointe Home Market Analysis

Ten single family detached homes in Meadow Pointe were reported sold in January, 2009 in our local MLS. Sold prices ranged from $133,500 for a pre-foreclosure to $323,500 for a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom pool home with three car garage.

At the moment there are over 125 single family Meadow Pointe homes for sale in our local MLS with list prices topping out at $429,000. Featured Meadow Pointe home for sale.

Average Tampa home prices by area / neighborhood

The Greater Tampa Association of Realtors has released the following average home prices for homes reported sold in December, 2008:

All Aboard!

Kiddie train at The Shops at Wiregrass:

Tampa in top ten for those relocating

According to relocation.com Tampa remains in the top ten of US cities where folks want to relocate, with Las Vegas ranking #1. This is based on 500,000 moving quotes in 2008 and the results are similar to 2007.

Pasco County Code Compliance Manager Scheduled To Speak

Pasco County's Code Compliance Manager, Richard Ortiz will address the general public and PACA members on county code compliance issues including the new watering restrictions that can lead to stiff fines for violators. The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 12th at the Land O Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O Lakes Blvd. at 7:00 p.m.

One more new home builder files for bankruptcy

Well, the list keeps growing longer and longer. The St. Petersburg Times reports that Mercedes Homes has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The list of new home builders with local presence who have not filed for bankruptcy or chosen to leave the market is much shorter than those who have! Full Story