Tom Mastrangelo

As a professional, it is my duty to err on the side of caution when offering an opinion. It would not be prudent for me to just say it's "safe" because that is a relative term that deals with individual comfort levels. For instance, I live in Citrus Springs and I feel it is a very safe community. By referring to "safe", I do not know if you are referring to crime rate, traffic, wildlife, etc. For objective crime statistic information, I'd refer you to the Sheriff's office.

As for traffic, Citrus Springs is very quiet. In my opinion, if Citrus Springs actually had sidewalks, they'd be rolled up at 6 pm. Just wear something reflective, in case you are out after dark. One thing to keep in mind is the possibility of meeting one of our beautiful neighbors, the coyotes. I sometimes see them out later at night. I am an animal lover and I often slow my vehicle and watch them. They do their best to keep their distance from people, however. Some people carry a walking stick just for peace of mind. I don't know of anyone having any problems.

If you truly wish to avoid motor vehicles, there is the Withlacoochee Trail, a rails-to-trails paved path that begins in Citrus Springs and winds all the way south to Hernando County.

So, my suggestion is, if you happen to be in the area, drive by at various times - day, night, midweek, weekends and get a feel for the area. Only you can decide where you would like to live.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you'd like to see homes or land in the area.

Tom Mastrangelo
Realtor
Exit Realty Leaders (Beverly Hills Office)
(352) 400-0011
tom@tommastrangelo.com
http://tommastrangelo.com
http://tommastrangelo.blogspot.com - Mon Jul 14 2008, 15:41

Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer: would you be out shopping for a house on that day? If you can justify it, do it. You are either going to get one extreme or the other: the serious buyer, the nosey neighbor, or the person with nothing better to do. In either case, you will probably have the extreme of one of these categories.

If you are going to do it, advertise a two hour window, and then go enjoy your day.

Tom Mastrangelo, Realtor
Citrus County
EXIT Realty Leaders
Beverly Hills, FL
(352) 400-2441
http://tommastrangelo.blogspot.com
http://tommastrangelo.com
~serving all of Citrus County and Dunnellon~ - Wed Jul 2 2008, 13:55

In Florida, as opposed to other states, the law states that it is not to be disclosed by the agent up front. The home owner, if not represented by an agent, can say it.

Florida has determined that it is not have a "material effect" on value, for the simple reason:

Florida has been a retirement area and natural death commonly occurs after people retire. So chances are, if a home is old enough, someone may have died in it. That is why it is assumed to be immaterial to the value. If the homeowner wants to tell you, it is up to them, but the agent is not required to as it is also a privacy issue. Also, "stigmatized properties," such as those which may have been believed to have been inhabited by "ghosts" are not to be disclosed in Florida.

In essence, it is a state by state law and procedure.

Tom Mastrangelo
Citrus County Realtor
EXIT Realty Leaders
Beverly Hills, FL
(352) 400-0011
~serving all of Citrus County and Dunnellon~
http://tommastrangelo.blogspot.com
http://tommastrangelo.com - Wed Jul 2 2008, 13:47

I recently wrote an article addressing this very question. Follow the link I have attached to read the entry.

Tom Mastrangelo
Citrus County Realtor
EXIT Realty Leaders
Beverly Hills, FL
(352) 400-0011
~serving Citrus County and Dunnellon~
http://tommastrangelo.com
http://tommastrangelo.blogspot.com - Sat Jun 28 2008, 14:05

Citrus Springs, Florida is a considered one community and is the largest planned development in terms of land area in Citrus County. Many homes have public water, but have septic tanks. There is a voluntary Civic Association you may join for $7.00 per adult per year. Whether you are a member or not, Citrus Springs has a community center facility, library, and tennis court. The Rails to Trails bike path also comes through Citrus Springs.

There are two golf courses in Citrus Springs, El Diablo and the Citrus Springs Country Club that can be joined if you wish, but are not mandatory. You may also join the pool facility in Beverly Hills that is also open to Citrus Springs and other county residents.

Tom Mastrangelo
Citrus County Realtor
EXIT Realty Leaders
Beverly Hills, FL
(352) 400-0011
~serving all of Citrus County and Dunnellon~
http://tommastrangelo.blogspot.com
http://tommastrangelo.com - Sat Jun 28 2008, 13:43