Fake “No Parking” Signs near the Tarpon Turtle Restaurant

For the past several years Tarpon Springs police have been writing parking tickets for people parking in completely valid parking spots near the popular Tarpon Turtle restaurant. But don’t blame the cops. This isn’t really their fault at all.  The police cannot memorize all of the “No Parking” sign locations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Yes, they should have looked more closely at those 22 signs –  they would have noticed that there are some obvious signs of them being counterfeit. But I suggest we give the cops a pass on this one. The police have bigger responsibilities than examining every parking sign for authenticity.

If I didn’t know better I would have though this was a childish prank committed by some teenagers with entirely too much time on their hands, but in actuality this was a rather nasty jab from one past business partner to another. According to the St. Petersburg Times:

“During a City Commission meeting earlier this month, Don Alvino, the owner of the Tarpon Turtle, alleged that Bronson was using the “no parking” signs to harass his customers.

Alvino and Bronson were business partners with Alvino initially leasing the Tarpon Turtle from Bronson with a five-month option to buy. In September 2006, Alvino exercised the option and purchased the restaurant for $3.4 million.

Since that time, Alvino says, Bronson has been out to destroy his business.”

While I haven’t personally been to the Tarpon Turtle I sure have heard good things about the great food and laid-back atmosphere.

Tarpon Turtle
727-722-9030

1513 Lake Tarpon Ave.
Tarpon Springs FL 34689

Obama will pay your mortgage!

Well, not exactly. But on February 18, 2009, President Obama announced his Making Home Affordable Program (MHA), designed to help up to 7-9 million families avoid foreclosure by restructuring or refinancing their mortgages. In doing so, the plan not only helps responsible homeowners behind on their payments or at risk of defaulting, but prevents neighborhoods and communities from being pulled over the edge too, as defaults and foreclosures contribute to falling home values, failing local businesses, and lost jobs.

Why not find out if you’re eligible? Visit Makinghomeaffordable.gov

Homebuyers Tax Credit

Buy a home and you get a tax break!

As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a First-time Homebuyer Tax Credit is now available. But this special tax break ends in 2009.

A homebuyer tax credit has been available for first-time homebuyers in Washington, D.C. for many years, and now first-time homebuyers nationwide can take advantage of a similar benefit.
In this article we’ll discuss some of the provisions of the credit, changes based on the new legislation, and explain how to use it.

Buying a first home is a big step!

Fortunately, trained professionals like your Realtor®, Chris O’Connor, are willing and able to help you through the process. In addition to the many benefits of homeownership, the homebuyer tax credit and more affordable prices make now an especially opportune time to purchase. Still, the commitment is a substantial one, and the National Association of Realtors® encourages you to ask questions and be informed about the decision you are making so that the home you buy is a home you can enjoy for years to come.

Am I Eligible?

First-time homebuyers who purchase a principle residence on April 9, 2008 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible. If you (and your spouse, if married) have not owned your Read more

Hurricane Readiness: Disaster Supplies Kit Checklist for Pets

Disaster Supplies Kit Checklist for Pets

• Food and water for at least three days for each pet, food and water bowls and a manual can opener
• Depending on the pet, litter and litter box or newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach
• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container, a first aid kit and a pet first aid book
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets cannot escape. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth and other special items
• Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily take it, to reduce stress
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated, and to prove that they are yours
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

HURRICANE READINESS: MAKE A PLAN

Step 3. Develop Your Family Disaster Plan

By completing a disaster plan in advance, you can ensure that you and your family are more prepared for all types of disasters and other emergencies.

Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Create a family disaster plan including a communication plan, disaster supplies kit, and an evacuation plan. Knowing what to do is your best protection and your responsibility.

• Find out what could happen to you
• Make a disaster plan
• Complete the checklist
• Practice your plan

Find out what could happen to you

Contact your American Red Cross chapter or local emergency management office — be prepared to take notes:

• Ask what types of disasters are most likely to happen. Request information on how to prepare for each.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.
• Ask about animal care after disaster. Animals other than service animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters.
• Find out how to help elderly or disabled persons, if needed.
• Next, find out about the disaster plans at your workplace, your children’s school or daycare center, and other places where your family spends time.

Create a disaster plan

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Read more

HURRICANE READINESS: MAKE A PLAN

Step 2. Prepare to Evacuate

Expect the need to evacuate and prepare for it. The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane watch when there is a threat to coastal areas of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
• If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation.
• Fill your clean water containers.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
• Tune in the radio or television for weather updates.
• Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
• Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.
• Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Due to food and sanitation requirements, emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
• Place vehicles under cover, if at all possible.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest possible temperature.

If You are Ordered to Evacuate

Because of the destructive power of a hurricane, you should never Read more

HURRICANE READINESS: MAKE A PLAN

Step 1. Take the First Steps for a Hurricane Plan

If you are under a hurricane watch or warning, here are some basic steps to take to prepare for the storm:

• Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes, and locations of emergency shelters.
• Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the hurricane strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power when there is standing water, fallen power lines, or before you evacuate. Turn off gas and water supplies before you evacuate. Secure structurally unstable building materials.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it.
• Locate and secure your important papers, such as insurance policies, wills, licenses, stocks, etc.
• Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.
• Inform local authorities about any special needs, i.e., elderly or bedridden people, or anyone with a disability.
• Make plans to ensure your pets’ safety.

Federal program to help first-time buyers use tax credit for downpayment

WASHINGTON – May 13, 2009 – First-time homebuyers will soon have another option if they want to use their $8,000 tax credit toward a downpayment. On the tails of a Florida-created program that Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to sign into law, the federal government announced its own downpayment assistance program at the National Association of Realtors® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo taking place this week in Washington, D.C.

While the tax credit applies to “first-time homebuyers,” the term is misleading. In general, anyone who hasn’t owned a home for the past three years is considered a first-timer under the program. Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), hopes to have additional details available within a few days, though it’s still unclear how soon homebuyers can apply for the credit.

Donovan said that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) would allow its lenders to credit homeowners up to $8,000. He made the announcement to several thousand Realtors yesterday at a special daylong session called, The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy.

“We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the homebuyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans, so that the cash can be used as a downpayment,” Donovan said. According to Donovan, FHA approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit by using short-term bridge loans. Donovan also said that more will be done, and the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market.

“I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing,” said Donovan. “Since January, we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number, and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”

© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Government plans stimulate hope for Florida’s real estate markets

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – May 13, 2009 – The first signs of confidence in Florida real estate are starting to appear, along with hopes that government stimulus plans will unfreeze markets and reinvigorate business, the latest University of Florida (UF) survey finds.

“Positive responses to several questions lead us to believe there is light at the end of the tunnel,” says Timothy Becker, director of UF’s Bergstrom Center for Real Estate Studies, which conducts the quarterly survey.

Perhaps most significant is that respondents’ perception of their own business outlook has improved after three years of steady decline.

“If real estate investors think there are opportunities out there for their firms to make money, that means there are deals that will be getting done. And when deals start getting done, various participants in the transactions make money, and it’s almost like a snowball effect,” Becker says. Read more

Clearwater, FL Notary Public

I’m a Clearwater, FL Notary Public that will come to your home, business or any location you like to notarize your documents. Call Chris today at 727-804-5319 to discuss your notary needs.

The following are some of the more commonly requested documents people need notarized:

• Power of Attorney
• Medical Consent Form
• Living Will
• Divorce paperwork
• Consent for Minor to Travel Aboard
• Certifications
• Affidavits

When we meet I’ll need to see identification to prove your identity. The following is a list of approved forms of identifications:

• Drivers License
• Military Identification Card
• State Identification Card
• Passport
• Resident Alien Card

Whatever you need notarized I can help. Call Chris at 727-804-5319 if you have questions or would like to set up an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Consider me your Clearwater, FL Notary Public.

Easy Lighting Upgrade

For an easy lighting upgrade consider adding dimmer switches to all lighting so that you can adjust the light to the job or mood. Dimmer switches can provide brightness when brightness is needed and subdued lighting when romance or relaxation is desired.

How many Realtors are members of Pinellas Realtor Organization?

I’ve just stumbled upon some statistics that I thought I’d share. If you’re a Realtor in the Tampa Bay area you’re abundantly aware that this is a tough market in which to survive. The following stats will drive the point home.

Total Pinellas Realtor Organization Members

April 2002: 4,750 total Realtors

April 2003: 5,600 total Realtors

April 2004: 6,100 total Realtors

April 2005: 7,100 total Realtors

April 2006: 8,000 total Realtors

September 2006: 8,500 total Realtors

April 2007: 6,600 total Realtors

April 2008: 6,400 total Realtors

January 2009: 5,300 total Realtors

April 2009: 5,600 total Realtors

The above information was recently published by the Pinellas Realtor Organization (PRO). My numbers may be slightly off from actual numbers as they are estimates of where each point on the graph falls. But the trend is obvious. Market conditions have been dire and Realtors have been forced to seek employment in other fields. Since January of 2009 there have been 3 consecutive months of growth in total Realtor membership, but it is too early to tell what this means. Over time as the market stabilizes and eventually starts to grow again we’ll see a flood of new Realtors running to get their licenses or renew their inactive licenses.

Oreo finds a new home!

I sincerely appreciate everyone that responded and showed an interest in Oreo’s story. It meant a lot to me and of course to Oreo. I’ll now give you an update as Oreo wanted me to tell you all to stop worrying about him – he is finally safe, secure and oh so happy.

For those not following along Oreo is a beautiful black and white male cat that found himself homeless after his owner was brutally murdered back in July of 2008. Oreo lost everything that day and has been living outside, exposed to the elements and of course the daily and nightly dangers of life as a stray. For almost a year I’ve been taking care of feeding him on a regular basis.

In July of 2008 he was extremely afraid of people, but within a few months he finally approached me and became my buddy. Perhaps it was the food. I’d like to think we formed a friendship. Nah, it was the Meow Mix and “Pounce” treats I’m sure.

As of a few days ago Oreo was adopted. Or did Oreo do the adopting? Check out the photos of Oreo and you decide. These photos were snapped on the day his new owner’s came to retrieve him and save Oreo from life as a stray.

As you can see Oreo has a new friend. Actually, two new friends. Bill and Jim responded to my Craig’s List ad after Oreo’s story caught their attention. Bill had a Maine Coon cat that became sick and eventually had to be put to sleep to humanely end his suffering. Since his cat’s passing Bill has had a hole is his life and now maybe Oreo will be able to fill it. Read more

Ebby Halliday: The First Lady of Real Estate by Michael Poss

Book Description
Smiling Works, Thriving on Change, Investing in a Dream, and Making Every Day Countthese principles helped Ebby Halliday guide her firm to exponential growth, year after year for over six decades. This book is about starting small and dreaming big, about leadership and partnership, and about always treasuring the moments while looking to the future. “You want to know the secret of success?” Ebby has asked audiences across the country. “Make people feel that you are interested in them. Make them feel special. Make it real.” Today she adds, “Don’t smoke, don’t drink, and never retire!”

About the Author
Michael Poss, a lifelong Dallas, Texas, resident, has accounting and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and worked his early years as a CPA with Arthur Young and Company. Poss has been married for more than thirty-five years to former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Mary Poss, who is now a sales agent with Ebby Halliday Realtors.

5 Kitchen and Bath Features Buyers Want Most

36%
Separate shower enclosure in master bath

31%
Eat-in kitchen

24%
High-end appliances

23%
Granite countertips

21%
Kitchen island

Source: NAR 2007 Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preferences

Pending home sales up 3.2%, housing affordability near record

WASHINGTON – May 4, 2009 – Pending home sales rose in March with many first-time buyers taking advantage of historically good housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in March, increased 3.2 percent to 84.6 from a level of 82.0 in February, and it’s 1.1 percent higher than March 2008’s 83.7.

“This increase could be the leading edge of first-time buyers responding to very favorable affordability conditions and an $8,000 tax credit, which increases buying power even more in areas where special programs allow buyers to use it as a downpayment,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “We need several months of sustained growth to demonstrate a recovery in housing, which is necessary for the overall economy to turn around.”

NAR’s Housing Affordability Index remained near record highs. The affordability index was 166.7 in March – down from an upwardly revised record of 174.4 in February due to higher home prices in March. The index remains 30.8 percentage points higher than a year ago. The HAI is a broad measure of housing affordability using consistent values and assumptions over time, which examines the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income. Tracking began in 1970.

The Pending Home Sales Index in the South rose 8.5 percent to 93.2 in March and is 7.7 percent above a year ago. In the West the index increased 3.9 percent to 93.1 and is 1.7 percent higher than March 2008. The index in the Northeast fell 5.7 percent to 59.5 in March and is 24.1 percent below a year ago. In the Midwest the index slipped 1.0 percent to 82.3 but is 8.2 percent higher than March 2008.

NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, said the increase in buying power is quite remarkable. “Compared to a year ago, the typical family can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without necessarily increasing their monthly payment,” he said. “For buyers who’ve been on the sidelines and have good jobs, the market has never looked more favorable. Homeownership has always offered immediate benefits and long-term value, but the advantages in today’s market are unique.”

A median-income family, earning $61,100, could afford a home costing $291,600 in March with a 20 percent downpayment, assuming 25 percent of gross income is devoted to mortgage principal and interest. Affordability conditions for first-time buyers with the same income and small downpayments are roughly 80 percent of that amount. The affordable price was notably higher than the median existing single-family home price in March, which was $174,900.

4 Rehab Must-Dos

1. Universal bath design.
Roll-in showers and decorative grab bars that match bath fixtures.

2. A kitchen island.
Ideally one that’s not a boring square and that incorporates lots of storage.

3. A sealed shower.
Multiple shower heads and outside vent to cut down on mold build up on grout and behind walls.

4. Stainless steel appliances.
Essential today at almost every home price point.

Hurricane Readiness: Emergency Supplies You Will Need

You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

• Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).
• A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.
• A first aid kit and manual.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
• Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
• Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
• Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
• Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
• Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
• An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.

You can find more information on emergency plans and supply kits at www.ready.gov.

5 Retrofits Buyers Love

Tile a backsplash.
Use a bright color or a bronzelike metallic.

Add undercounter lighting.
Improve safety and ambience.

Paint the upper kitchen cabinets.
Choose a different color for a custom look.

Add doors with glass panels to some cabinets.
…or create open shelves to display a few lovely dishes.

Change the hardware.
For a fresh look, install new knobs and pulls, or reface the cabinet doors.