Market Update ... Last 7 days in Pinellas County! |
ļ»æAre you looking for a NEW HOME? Check out what's available in the area. Click the link below to Visit Our Website! |
|
Listing Specialist, Traci LeVines shares a bit about condo living.
|
|
There is a wider array of condo communities in our area. Some are very active communities with lots of amenities and numerous planned community activities. Others are much more similar to single family living. One thing all condominiums have in common are monthly condo fees to cover the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs. Fees vary widely and may cover a wide range of amenities such as:
- Full-time security
- Pool
- Tennis/Pickleball courts
- Wifi
- Cable TV
- Water
- Sewer & Trash
ļ»æ
Many condos have age restrictions (ie 55+ or no kids), but not all. Size and breed restrictions of pets may be restricted as well. Most condos have very firm rental restrictions such as the owner needing to occupy the unit for a substantial period before renting or for a certain number of months each year.
Be sure to hire a real estate agent that has a lot of experience with condo purchasing!
|
|
For the first time in a long time, the number of newly listed homes is beginning to rise. In their latest monthly release, realtor.com reveals the number of existing homes entering the market has increased for two months in a row (this comes after six months of declines). Hereās a graph showing the monthly new listings going back to January of last year. The green bars indicate the first gains since June.
|
|
However, buying demand is still outpacing housing supply. |
|
Though the increase in homes coming to the market is great news for prospective homebuyers, the number of buyers is still outpacing the number of homes available for sale. As realtor.com explains in their latest report:
āDuring the final two weeks of the month, more new sellers entered the market than during the same time last year. . . . However, with 5.8 million new homes missing from the market and millions of millennials at first-time buying ages, housing supply faces a long road to catching up with demand.ā
In fact, according to the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active listings during the month, buyer demand was greater this January than any other January in the last five years (see graph below):
|
|
This prompted ShowingTime to say:
āThe latest data from ShowingTime . . . shows a surge in home buyer demand in January. . . . This enormous activity occurred in a month when buyer activity typically slows and followed a historic 2021, where buyer demand across the country was extraordinarily strong.ā
What does that mean for you?
Basically, as homes come to the market, they are quickly being purchased by eagerly awaiting buyers. So even though the number of newly listed homes is increasing, the number of active listings is still shrinking every month because buyers are purchasing homes almost as soon as they come up for sale. That means listings are coming on and off the market so fast that they donāt carry over to be counted in the active listing numbers the following month. Hereās a graph showing the number of active listings each month since last January using data released by realtor.com:
|
|
This graph shows that the number of active listings has decreased for each of the last five months even though the number of newly listed homes has increased over the last two months.
Bottom Line
Whether youāre looking to upgrade to a home that will better suit your lifestyle or looking to purchase your first house, now is the time to team up with a local real estate professional. And be prepared to move immediately if a home fitting your needs hits the market. Your dream home may be one of those new listings that just became available, but if you donāt act quickly, it could be gone tomorrow.
|
|
Whether you are local to our area or just visiting, there is always something to do! This week we will look at 10 of the BEST BEACHES in our area.
Tampa, Florida is well known for its incredible beaches. And even though there arenāt many beaches within Tampaās city limits, a short drive from downtown will lead you to an endless number of beautiful white sand beaches. The only problem youāll encounter is choosing which beach to visit.
When it comes to beaches within the Tampa area, these are the 10 best:
|
|
|
|
Clearwater Beach, located on the west central coast of Florida, is a busy beach that stretches for 2.5 miles. In 2013, Clearwater Beach was voted "Best Beach Town in Florida" by the readers of USA Today. This popular beach offers several local attractions such as dolphin watching and fishing charters.
|
|
2 - Caladesi Island State Park
|
|
|
|
Caladesi Island State Park, located west of Dunedin and north of Clearwater Beach, offers one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline you'll ever set foot on. This park's beach area is a great place to collect shells. Keep in mind, Caladesi Island can only be reached by boat.
|
|
|
|
Fort De Soto Park, located in Tierra Verde, is a great place to visit if you enjoy camping on the beach. With more than 1,000 acres of land, you're sure to find the perfect camping spot. This park's beach is great, but what's really fantastic is the special lagoon area where kids enjoy playing. In 2014, USA Today named Fort De Soto Park the "Best Beach for Families."
|
|
|
|
St. Pete Beach, located in Pinellas County, was named "One of America's Top 10 Best Beach Towns" in 2013 by Parents magazine. St. Pete Beach offers many beach amenities, including cabana rentals, jet ski rentals, tiki bars and restaurants.
|
|
|
|
Sand Key Park is located on a barrier island that's just south of Clearwater. This popular park gives its visitors access to a beautiful beach, a stunning boardwalk, and an exciting nature trail. A couple of other amenities include picnic areas and a playground.
|
|
|
|
Treasure Island offers wide beaches and many fun activities. Because of its wide beaches, Treasure Island is the perfect place to fly a kite. At the north end of the beach is St. John's Pass. This area offers great eating and shopping spots.
|
|
|
|
Indian Rocks Beach is a beach city that's located in Pinellas County. Compared to other Tampa-area beaches, Indian Rocks Beach is far less crowded. Its laid-back atmosphere attracts people from all over.
|
|
8 - Honeymoon Island State Park
|
|
|
|
Honeymoon Island State Park, located in Dunedin, offers visitors a 4-mile stretch of beautiful white sand beaches. A few of this park's amenities include kayak rentals, a playground and covered pavilions. Walking along nature trails and birdwatching are two of the park's most popular activities.
|
|
|
|
Ben T. Davis Beach is the closest beach to downtown Tampa. It's also one of the most popular Tampa beaches, both day and night. Speaking of night, Ben T. Davis Beach is a great place to experience a Tampa sunset.
|
|
|
|
Fred Howard Park is located in Tarpon Springs at the north end of Tampa Bay's barrier islands. In addition to having access to a beautiful beach, this wonderful park also protects endangered wildlife. If you're lucky enough to visit Fred Howard Park, don't be surprised if you happen to see a variety of wildlife such as dolphins, manatees and eagles.
|
|
Caddy's Treasure Island is hosting an ALL DAY REGGAE Music Festival Saturday, March 26th!
Check out their LIVE music calendar here!
|
|
Treasure Island Friday Morning Market |
|
The Treasure Island Friday Morning Market runs each Friday (except Christmas & New Years Eve) December through April 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Located in the lovely Community Center park, 104th Ave & Park Place (just behind Walgreens off Gulf Blvd) with free parking in designated areas. Over 50 local vendors selling a wide assortment of arts & crafts, foods, plants, fair trade products and some interesting flea finds. |
|
CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH?!? |
|
Lockhart Walseth Team Realtors
Keller Williams Realty Gulf Beaches
175 107th Avenue
Treasure Island, FL 33706
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ā
ā