Happy Fourth Of July!

Pinchers Crab Shack opens today

 

Pinchers Crab Shack Wesley Chapel

Pinchers Crab Shack at The Shops At Wiregrass plans to open today at 4:00 PM.

Buffalo Wild Wings sign in Wesley Chapel

There's a sign recently posted on SR 56 near the "new" Gate gas station about Buffalo Wild Wings.
(Thanks to JB for pointing this out to me!)

Family Fun Day & Animal Adoption Party

 

Pasco County Animal Services is inviting everyone to Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 21, from 12 pm to 4:00 pm. at their Adoption Center. There will be fun activities for the entire family, including games, prizes, celebrity appearances, clowns and a bake sale.

The animal shelter is now over capacity and is in dire need of the community’s support in getting these precious animals adopted. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of building great memories and choose your new best friend!

Family Fun Day is filled with good times! Chuck Darby, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Super Bowl player will be signing autographs and posing for selfies from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm. Chick-fil-A is bringing their prize wheel with Mooo Cow, and serving sandwiches to the first 50 early arrivals from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. There will be clown shows with balloon tying, face painting, music, prizes, games and a bounce house. Pasco County’s Fire Rescue, Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office and Libraries will all be offering fun and informative activities!

This event offers community members an opportunity to get to know more about Pasco County Animal Services. Pasco County Animal Services provides animal control, lost and found, adoption services and more. This huge adoption event not only brings excitement and fun, but offers great discounts. Truly, anyone who adopts one of the companion animals is not only getting a great companion at a great price, but they are saving lives too!
 
The Pasco County Animal Services Adoption Center is located at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The Adoption Center is open from 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Please stop by and save a life!

For additional information, please visit the Pasco County Animal Services website http://www.pascocountyfl.net/PAS or call:  (813) 929-1212, (352) 521-5194, or (727) 834-3216.

Flag Day

A place in the shade at Wiregrass

Job Fair At Wiregrass Today

Job Fair At The Shops At Wiregrass

Pasco Plans Another Wesley Chapel School

A new combined middle/high school could open on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel as early as 2017. The new school will be built on 200 acres of land the district owns on Old Pasco Road (north of Overpass)  across the street from a planned residential development (Grantham Ranch).   Pasco County Schools are meeting with the developer of Grantham Ranch and Pasco County representatives on June 17th to coordinate plans for the two projects.  Laura Kinsler of the Tampa Tribune reports that the two story school will be built for about 1,800 students, but district officials say it may be designed with future expansion in mind that could take it up to 2,400 students.  Initially the school would open to grades 6-12 and construction is to begin next year.

JES Properties, the developer for Grantham Ranch plans 250 units on 105 acre parcel of land located on the east side of Old Pasco Road near the intersection with Gillette Road (approximately 150' north of Overpass Road) and west of I-75:

Grantham Ranch

Epperson Ranch South plans 1523 residential units east of I-75 and west of Curley Road, south of Elam Road on 600 acres, mol.  (Think east of Palm Cove and north of Bridgewater). Creation of a CDD for this new planned community is scheduled for the Pasco BOCC meeting on June 24th:

Epperson South

 



Additionally, plans are underway for almost 2,000 new homes in other new home communities in Wesley Chapel.

Russ Perlowski, People's Choice Realty 813-505-7460

New Tampa Is Going To The Dogs

New Tampa Recreation Center

Surprisingly, with all of its tony communities and parks along Bruce B. Downs there is no public dog park in New Tampa.  The New Tampa Rotary is determined to change that with goals to raise $25,000 for a dog park adjacent to the New Tampa Recreation Center (17302 Commerce Park Blvd.).  The one acre park will have fenced separate areas for big and small dogs, doggie drinking fountains, and tables and benches.  The Rotary hopes to raise the funds by fall and have the park open for Fido & friends before the end of the year.

Additional info:  www.Rotarydogpark.org 

June Real Estate Report For Grand Hampton in New Tampa

Grand Hampton © Russ Perlowski, People's Choice Rlty  (813) 505-7460

Ten single family homes in New Tampa's Grand Hampton were reported sold last month in our local MLS.  The reported sold prices ranged from $215,000 to $430,000.  The average sales price/sq. ft. was $100.32 and the average sales price was $278,310.  Four of the homes were foreclosures and one of those reportedly had defective contaminated drywall.

Currently there are 36 single family homes listed for sale in Grand Hampton in our local MLS with prices ranging from $175,000 to $610,000. 

Wesley Chapel Real Estate Report For June 2014

Wesley Chapel Single family home sales in May continued to show marked improvement over a year ago:

• The average sales price increased from $214,570 in May, 2013 to $225,650 in May, 2014.
• The average sales price/sq. ft. (heated) increased from $87.90 to $98.24.
• The percentage of distressed sales (Short Sales + REO/Foreclosures) decreased from 38% to 26%.
• All cash sales dropped from 46% to 23%.

Currently there are over 300 single family homes for sale in Wesley Chapel.  The average list price is $333,211 and the average list price/sq. ft. is $119.86.

*Russ Perlowski, People's Choice Realty 813-505-7460  Information provided in MLS deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Sandhill Cranes Window-shopping in New Tampa

Pinchers Crab Shack Plans July Opening At Wiregrass

Pinchers Crab Shack plans a July 1 opening at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

The official hurricane season begins today and while we have been fortunate to live in an area that has been virtually free of hurricanes we still must be prepared.

The following is a suggested list to use for hurricane preparedness. While it is not intended to be an all inclusive checklist, it serves us all as a good starting point to be prepared.  Remember, the first 72 (hours) are on you!
□ WATER: Drinking water—at least 1 gallon per person/day for one-two weeks
□ MEDICAL: 4 weeks supply of prescription medicines, First Aid Kit, antiseptic, pain reliever, bandages, & insect repellent
□ ICE CHESTS: Two, one for ice, one for food & don’t forget the ice
□ CASH/GAS: ATM’s, credit cards, & gas pumps may not work
□ REPAIR SUPPLIES: Plastic tarp for windows or roof repair, duct tape
□ TOOLS: Manual can opener, hammer, nails
□ PAPER/DISPOSABLE PRODUCTS: Paper towels, disposable plates, cups, toilet paper, & eating utensils
□ INFANT NECESSITIES: Medicine, sterile water, formula, diapers, bottles, OTC meds
□ BATTERY OPERATED APPLIANCES: Radio, camera, portable television, fans, and batteries
□ CLEAN UP SUPPLIES: Mop, buckets, towels, plastic garbage bags, bleach/disinfectant
□ FIRE/LIGHT: Charcoal, lighting fluid, propane, matches, lanterns/flashlights and batteries
□ LINENS: Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses Try to wash all laundry prior to storm.
□ PERSONAL HYGIENE: Deodorant, disposable wipes, contact lens solution, toothpaste, etc.
□ NONPERISHABLE FOOD: Powdered/canned milk, canned/bottled juice, canned meats & fish—Spam, chicken, ham, tuna, cereal, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, bread
□ WATER TIGHT CONTAINERS FOR DOCUMENT STORAGE: Place insurance policies, birth certificates, wills, proof of pet vaccinations, etc. in water tight containers
Pet food and pet carriers. 

Don't forget about Fido and Fluffy!  Should you decide to leave the area with your pets and need motel accommodations, visit:  http://www.petswelcome.com/  for "pet friendly" accommodations.

The 2014 hurricane preparedness sales tax holiday is from May 31 through June 8, 2014.  Qualifying sales tax free items

 Also, visit http://floridadisaster.org/ for disaster planning, etc.

Additional useful websites:
National Hurricane Center:  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
Bay News 9 Klystron radar pictures:  http://www.baynews9.com/weather/klystron9
There are even iphone apps for hurricane tracking! 
Lastly, consider purchasing an emergency radio/flashlight such as this one.

Glowgolf coming to Wiregrass

Glowgolf is coming to The Shops at Wiregrass and is now hiring.

Site work begins on Wesley Chapel Mercedes Benz Dealership

Mercedes Benz of Wesley Chapel

I noticed that site work has begun on the Mercedes dealership to be built on the north side of SR 56 across from Texas Roadhouse on 7.03 acres.

New Tampa's Pier 1 Imports Closes And Prepares To Open

Pier 1 Imports closes one location in New Tampa and prepares to open at its new location in Highwoods Preserve:

Florida's Largest Ice Rink To Be Located in Wesley Chapel

Cypress Creek Ice and Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel

The Tampa Tribune reports that Gordie Zimmerman unveiled the design for Florida's largest ice skating facility with four ice rinks and a 120 room adjacent hotel to be located in Wesley Chapel yesterday.

The 150,500 sq. ft., $20 million Cypress Creek Ice and Sports Complex will be located at the I-75/SR 56 interchange and will have a five story hotel.  The $2.6 million, 13 acre real estate transaction closed yesterday morning.  There is an option to purchase another 3 acres for the hotel.  Additionally, the facility will have one multipurpose pad for tennis, basketball, conventions and a second floor restaurant.  The facility could open as soon as the fall of 2015.

Less than two weeks ago another ice facility was announced for Wesley Chapel.  Let the games begin!

Tampa in top 10 best cities to be a dog!

Mylife.com  recently ranked the 100 most populous cities in the US based on 5 categories:

 

 

Pet stores per capita

Veterinarians per capita

Dog parks per capita

Number of sunny days per year

Walk score

 

 

 

After ranking and scoring each city, the top ten cities were identified and Tampa ranked #8.

Home Buyers and Sellers See Season Heating Up

2,500 Americans in the market to buy or sell a home were interviewed online by Edelman Berland.  Participants in the survey were between 25 and 64 years old with a median income of at least $50,000.

Among the survey's findings:

• 78 percent of potential buyers say it will be easier to buy a home this spring, since "home owners want to sell."
• 63 percent of sellers say the improving economy and their perception of motivated buyers are increasing their optimism. 
• 76 percent of consumers say pent-up demand will create more competition for existing homes this season.
• 83 percent of buyers say they plan to buy a home sooner rather than later because they fear interest rates will rise.
• Overall, 77 percent of the 2,500 consumers surveyed report having a favorable view of housing, a 12-point jump from one year prior. Millennials show the most optimism, at 85 percent. 

Search Homes For Sale

Jersey Mike's Subs coming to Wesley Chapel

Jersey Mike's Subs has its sign up in The Shoppes at New Tampa next to Beef O Brady's.  No opening date is available at this time

A Community Center and Another Park For New Tampa

New Tampa could see a commercial center built across from Hunter's Green on BBD on 81 acres of county owned land.  In exchange, the developer would be required to build a dog park with trails, and a playground with picnic tables and shelters.  Additionally land would be reserved for the construction of a cultural center.  The Tampa Tribune reports that a public meeting will be held with nearby residents after the requests for proposals are in.

Executive Pool Home For Sale

Offered at $450,000.  Russ Perlowski People's Choice Realty, 813.505.7460

Cody's Original Roadhouse In Wesley Chapel Opening

Cody's Original Roadhouse located on CR 54 in Wesley Chapel (just west of I-75 at the former Remington's Steak House) plans an opening the beginning of June.

Wiregrass Mall Center Court Getting Upgrade

Center Court at The Shops at Wiregrass is undergoing an upgrade.  After about another month or so, we can expect to be shaded from the hot sun!

Face-off in Wesley Chapel

Last month news broke of a 150,000 sq. ft. ice arena to be built in Wesley Chapel at SR 56 & I-75. Laura Kinsler reports today in the Tampa Tribune that another ice venture is underway in Wesley Chapel on CR 54 across from Lexington Oaks. Kinsler reports that 13 acres are under contract with plans for a 115,000 sq. ft. facility with twin rinks, a seating capacity of up to 3,000 people and an estimated cost of $14 million. It's hard to believe that two similar venues are viable in Wesley Chapel, so the face-off is underway!

Cross Creek widening project begins in New Tampa

The widening of Cross Creek Blvd. from two to four lanes from Cory Lake Drive to Morris Bridge Road in New Tampa began this week.  The $5.4 million project is expected to be finished in October, 2015.

FDOT Nixes Elevated Pasco Expressway For SR 54/56

Bay News 9 reports that the state has decided not to move forward with a proposed 33 mile project for an elevated toll expressway in Pasco County in part because the project wouldn't work without tax dollars. The proposed $2 billion controversial project was opposed by many in the county and would have been the state's first private toll road linking US 19 to US 301. 

Lexington Oaks Real Estate Report For May, 2014

Last month nine single family homes sold in Lexington Oaks.  The average sales price was $205,544 compared to $196,510 a year ago.  Additionally, the average sales price/sq. ft. (Heated) was $96.45 compared to $87.49.  22% of the sold homes for the month were distressed sales. 

Currently there are over 20 single family homes listed for sale in Lexington Oaks with prices starting in the $170's.

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Future Performing Arts Education Center and Convention Facility for Wesley Chapel

The Tampa Bay Times reports the state budget has a $10 million line item for a future performing arts education center an convention facility in Wesley Chapel.  With an estimated $60 million total price tag, the facility would be a joint project with Pasco-Hernando State College, Pasco County & the Pasco County School District.  The Times further reports that no location has yet to be selected and the funding would come from state and local construction funds, assuming it survives Scott's veto pen.

Wesley Chapel to get third I-75 interchange

Laura Kinsler of the Tampa Tribune reports that  Pasco County has received preliminary approval from the Federal Highway Administration to convert Overpass Road into a full access interchange with Interstate 75.

Plans include widening Overpass Road to six lanes and extending it 9 miles from where it currently dead ends at Palm Cove to US 301.  The interchange is expected to be open by 2020 and will be a primary route to the interstate for the future planned Pasadena Hills community of 22,000 acres located between Curley Road & US 301 and State Road 52 & 54.

Pasco County Citizen Survey

Pasco County is seeking the input from county citizens in its annual survey.  The survey includes questions about quality of life, speed of growth, crime and safety, public transit, recycling, and general services. It also includes several questions specifically related to the State Road 54/56 corridor.  The county estimates that it will take about 20 minutes for citizens to complete the online survey. 

Link to survey

Wesley Chapel Outlet Mall Update

A revised site plan for the proposed Wesley Chapel outlet mall on SR 56 (West of I-75) has been submitted to Pasco County.  The outlet mall, located on 57 acres is the first of seven phases for the project and Ronnie Blair of The Tampa Tribune reports that the project will have 1.1 million sq. ft. of retail space.  Previously it was reported that Simon Property Group wanted to start construction this summer with a 2015 opening. 

150,000 Sq. Ft. Ice Hockey Rink for Wesley Chapel

Plans for a 150,000 sq. ft., two story ice hockey rink are now posted on Pasco County's website.  The planned 4 pad, two story ice hockey and multi-sports facility will be located on 15 +/- acres in the NE quadrant of I-75 & SR 56. 

Tampa in ten most affordable cities in US to retire

 

 

 

Ilyce Glink reports in CBS News that Tampa is in the top 10 cities to retire in the US.  Glink reports:   "We looked at low-tax states with a reasonable cost of living and low median home prices -- to determine 10 of the most affordable places around the country to retire. We then factored in other elements that many retirees might find desirable, including a mix of urban and rural attractions, good weather, easy access to amenities, and quality healthcare options.

 

Tampa

 

Tax burden: Ranked No. 27; 9.3 percent
Cost of living: 7.6 percent below national average
Median home value: $135,000

While other parts of Florida may cater more toward retirees, Tampa is a good option for those who want to retire near the beach, but still have access to urban cultural attractions. Just 11 percent of the population is 65 or older, compared to Florida's average of 17 percent of residents in this age range, according to the Census.
The nearby towns of Sarasota, Bradenton, Clearwater and St. Petersburg also offer other cultural and sporting attractions. Plus, Tampa isn't far from Disney World, a great selling point for retirees with grandchildren."

Search Tampa Homes For Sale

Planning on putting your home up for sale?

 

Spring and Summer are typically the best times of the year to sell a home, so now is the time to start preparing your home to put it on the market.

• Start by removing all clutter.


• Your home will appeal to the most buyers if it has neutral colors, so seriously consider painting those interior rooms that aren’t neutral.


• Curb appeal is essential. Consider giving your front door a fresh coat of paint and make sure that the landscaping is neat and attractive. If there ever was a time to have the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, this is it!  Additionally, your house, driveway, and patios may need to be pressure washed.


• Assess your interior flooring. Getting carpets and grout professionally cleaned can significantly freshen up your home for those buyers.


• Clean your home thoroughly. I never have had a buyer complain that a home was too clean!


• Your kitchen and bathrooms need to sparkle! Some recommend limiting your kitchen counter tops to only one small appliance to present a clutter free impression.  Remove all of those refrigerator magnets and pictures too.


• Plant some red annual flowers outside. The color red pops in pictures and with buyers who drive by.

With over 300 single family homes currently listed for sale in MLS in New Tampa and almost 300 single family homes listed for sale in Wesley Chapel, it is essential that you make your home “the star it can be” before you put it on the market.
 

Tampa-St. Pete in top 10 US cities with the largest net migration growth

 

NewGeography.com reports that based on the 2013 annual metropolitan area population estimates by the US Census Bureau, there is a "dominance of population growth and domestic migration by the South".

From 2010-2013, 51% of the population increase in the 52 major metro areas was in the South, 30% in the West, 11% in the Northeast, and 8% in the Midwest.

Tampa ranked 10th of the 52 metro areas for the largest domestic net migration growth from 2010-2013.



What prices did homes sell for in March, 2014 In New Tampa?

78% of the single family homes that sold in New Tampa in March sold between $201,000 to $400,000.  The lowest reported sales price in MLS for the month was $142,000 and the highest sales price was $3,475,000 for a Tampa Palms home with over 10,000 sq. ft.

Spring fair returns to The Shops at Wiregrass

©Russ Perlowski, 2012

Spring fair returns to The Shops at Wiregrass from April 4-13, 2014.  Hours & pricing

All cash sales still strong in Meadow Pointe single family home sales

 

Meadow Pointe Pool & Clubhouse ©Russ Perlowski 

First quarter Meadow Pointe single family home sales show the average sales price increased from $181,855 last year to $217,010 this year.  The average sales price/square foot (heated) increased from $85.42 to $91.65.

All cash sales continued to be strong.  Last year first quarter all cash sales made up 41% of the reported single family home sales in Meadow Pointe and this year they made up 46%.  Distressed sales (Short Sales + REO/Foreclosures) continued to make up about a third of the reported sales in Meadow Pointe.

Currently there are over 30 single family homes listed for sale in our MLS with an average list price of $262,453 and average List Price/Sq. Ft. (heated) of $103.60.

Search Homes For Sale In Meadow Pointe

First Quarter 2014 Real Estate Report For New Tampa

The quantity of single family homes sales reported in our MLS for New Tampa (Zip code 33647) in the first quarter of 2014 is down from the first quarter last year, while the average sold price is up:

Total Sold In First Quarter

 

2013:  261

2014:  168

 

Average First Quarter Sales Price:

 

2013:  $289,596.

2014:  $307,275.
 

Average First Quarter Sales Price/Sq. Ft. (Heated)
 

2013:  $98.64

2014:  $108.41

 

Additionally, distressed sales (short sales & Reo/Foreclosures) in the first quarter decreased from 28% in 2013 to 20% in 2014, and all cash sales dropped from 39% to 26%. 

 

Currently there are 313 single family homes for sale in New Tampa with asking prices ranging from $119,900. for a "sinkhole-foreclosure home" (Oh boy!) to $1,350,000. for a 5,392 sq. ft. executive pool home in The Reserve (gated and guarded) of Tampa Palms.

 

Search Single Family Homes For Sale in New Tampa

 

Russ Perlowski, People's Choice Realty 813-505-7460

Most popular features in new single family homes in 2014

Home builders were recently surveyed to determine the features they are most likely to include in single family homes in 2014.

The features they identified are:

• A walk-in closet in the master bedroom
• "Low-e" windows & other energy efficiency features
• A laundry room
• A great room
• Granite countertops
• Double sinks and an island in the kitchen
• First floor ceilings at least nine feet high
• Front porch & a patio

Tampa - St. Petersburg - Clearwater In Top 10 Markets For First Time Homebuyers

Today, Realtor.com ranked Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater as #2 in the nation of the best real estate markets for first time homebuyers.   The five key factors used in the study to determine rankings were popularity, prices, inventory, time on market and unemployment rates.

1.  Pittsburgh, PA
2.  Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater 
3.  Philadelphia, PA-NJ (NJ)
4.  Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
5.  Orlando, FL
6.  Jacksonville, FL
7.  Philadelphia, PA-PA-NJ- (PA)
8.  Dallas, TX
9.  Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
10.  Phoenix-Mesa, AZ

According to the study, the median listing price for Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater is $169,900 and the MSA has 21,062 listings, a median age of 88 days of inventory, with a 5.9% unemployment rate.

Local Sweetbay stores to close for a week

 

Our two local Sweetbay stores will close April 5th and reopen on April 11th as Winn-Dixie stores:

6425 E. County Line Road, Tampa

27301 S.R. 54, Wesley Chapel

(Note:  The Zephyrhills store located at 38901 SR 54 also will be closed during this timeframe.)

Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Open House & Dedication

Mercedes coming to Wesley Chapel

AutoNation plans to open Pasco's first Mercedes car dealership in Wesley Chapel before the end of the year.  A 45,000 sq. ft. facility with a total investment of $17 million will be located on 5.5 acres on SR 56 at I-75 and will feature a 21,000 sq. ft. showroom with 22 bay service department. 

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

 

Tampa In Top 20 Of Forbes 100 Most Affordable US Cities in 2014

Forbes ranks the most affordable cities in the 100 largest MSA's and MD's (Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Metropolitan Divisions) in the US for 2014 and Tampa ranks #18.

The ranking according to Forbes:

1.  Buffalo, NY
2.  Memphis, TN
3.  Cincinnati, OH
4.  Dayton, OH
5.  Knoxville, TN
6.  Akron, OH
7.  Grand Rapids, MI
8.  Louisville, KY
9.  Oklahoma City, OK
10.  Warren, MI
11.  Toledo, OH
11.  Detroit, MI
12.  Birmingham, AL
13.  St. Louis, MO
14.  Virginia Beach, VA
15.  Jacksonville, FL
16.  Pittsburgh, PA
17.  Tulsa, OK
18.  Tampa
19.  Syracuse, NY
20.  Columbus, OH

The two least affordable US cities according to Forbes are New York City & Honolulu.

Full article from Forbes