Tony Gonzalez

I can totally understand where you're coming from. New Tampa is great but you are not going to get that old southern charm home. There are many deals out there. Home prices have dropped 25% to 40% over the last two years and there are many distress sales going on right now. 4 out of every 10 listings are short sales/ preforclosures. For that old southern feel you may want to go just east of tampa to Plant City. Plant city still in Hillsborough Cnty gives you that old souther feel and home prices are much lower than anything you will find in Tampa. The drive into downtown is about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. I think you will like it and like what you get for your money compared to Tampa, new Tampa and South Tampa. Check out the homes I search for you in the link provided under Web references.
The Tampa Bay area is a great area to live, there is a lot to do and we have some of the worlds best beaches just 30 to 45 minutes away. I welcome you to Tampa and hope you have a pleasent move. Feel free to call me if you need any asistance or just have questions about the area. I am a Tampa Native and can answer just about any question you can ask about tampa or I know someone that can.
God Bless
Tony Gonzalez, MBA
Real Estate Consultant
Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Tue Jul 15 2008, 23:15

Hi Jason,
Apollo beach is another great place, somewhat removed but yet close enough to downTown and Tampa General. Here's a few current listing in that area and within your price range - Mon Jul 14 2008, 18:19

Daniel,

This is a great time to buy but you do have to take into consideration that in three years you would not have paid much on the principle or gained much value in your home unless you got a very good deal. You may want to look at a Lease with an option to buy in 12 or 24 month. The option to buy will hold the purchase price at the current market price (todays price). If the market takes an up turn and the property appreciates 10% to 15% during the lease term you know you have a great deal but if the market continues to move in a downward trend you have the option to walk away. The seller may even grant you a percentage of the monthly lease towards your downpayment but keeps that if you don't take the option to buy. There are many lease with options to buy home in the Tampa Bay area right now. I wish you great success in your move to Tampa and hope you enjoy your stay. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help you. - Sat Mar 29 2008, 09:00

Craig,
Your price range gives you many choices, Carrollwood, West Chase and many areas in South Tampa. Let me know what features you would like to see in your new home, and within the commmunity. let me know what your family's dream home would look like and I'll find you the dream home you guys are looking for.
Feel free to contact me @813-340-6938 or Email me @tony.gonzalez@kw.com

Thanks,

Tony Gonzalez, MBA
Real Estate Consultant
Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Wed Mar 26 2008, 09:46

Hi Glenn,
The CDD and property tax are a hard pill to swallow. However not all communities have the CDD and HOA fees. Some of the newer developments do have the CDD and HOAs plus you taxes. The one thing we don't have in Florida is State income Tax and Florida law makers are making some changes to the property tax laws and it is improving.
The upside of the CDD & Hoa communities is that the property values seem to hold steady even during a slow market. These communities offer weight gyms, tennis courts, community pools ECT... Seller are also making some concession on closing cost, paying down the interest rates that will off set the CDD fees over the term of the loan. if your CDD fees are lets say are $100.00 per month and the seller pays down your interest rate by .007 you will save over $100.00 per month net. I'll do the math for you.
$400000 loan amount at 6.7% annual interest rate = $26800 yealy / 12 month= $2233 monthly payment interest only.
$400000.00 loan amount @ 6.0% annual interest rate=$24000/12 month = $2000.00 per month interest only payments. a difference of $233.00 per month
Right now there are some awesome deals in that price range and the sellers are willing to do just about anything to get their homes sold. It's a perfect window of opportunity to snag some great deals. If you are planning to move to the Tampa Bay area in the near furture I would love the opportunity to assist you in finding the right home at the right price in the right community for you.
You can reach me directly on my cell phone @ 813-340-6938 or email me your deam home criteria and I'll be happy to conduct a search for you.

Happy Dream Home Hunting,

Tony Gonzalez, MBA
Real Estate Consultant
Keller Williams Tampa Properties
Email: TOny.Gonzalez@kw.com - Wed Mar 26 2008, 09:12