Clearwater Florida Real Estate: Outstanding Values, Exciting Living

Clearwater is a great place to live. It is the second-largest city in the area, offering many enjoyable activities and is one of the most popular vacation spots in Florida. There’s so much to do and see, from the emerald blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico on Clearwater Beach to the great shopping and dining up and down Gulf to Bay Boulevard. Living in Clearwater will keep you hopping!

Spending the day or evening at Clearwater Beach is a wonderful way to pass the time. For dining and entertainment, I recommend stopping at Shepard’s. Day or night it’s one of the most popular spots on the beach. In the mood for a great grouper sandwich? You can’t beat Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe. There are also a few dinner cruises along the Intercoastal waterway that are both relaxing and fun.

We also love spending time at Caladesi Island and Sand Key Beach parks, where we enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing and walking the nature trails. You can take a ferry boat to Caladesi Island where you can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the island without the sound of car motors and horns. Sand Key Beach offers a beautiful beach where you can delight in the balmy breezes and beautiful sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico.

Clearwater has many annual events that are free or low cost to the public. Each October we attend the Jazz Holiday weekend, where we can listen to popular Jazz musicians such as the popular Branford Marsalis and Koko Taylor while enjoying a beautiful sunset overlooking Clearwater Bay. The Jazz Holiday has brought in over 25,000 people and is one of the most popular events that we look forward to. In the spring we enjoy the many activities offered by the Fun N Sun Festival and enjoy their parade. Clearwater is also the winter home to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team where we spend the day watching one of America's favorite pastimes.

We enjoy visits to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where we see Sunset Sam, a dolphin world-renowned for his painting. The Aquarium is one of 8 facilities in the United States, and the only one on the west coast of Florida, authorized to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals.

If you enjoy water sports or the outdoors, Clearwater property is for you. Homes in Clearwater range from being built back in the early 1900s to newer homes built in the 2005s. At any given time, there could be thousands of homes available, ranging in price from condos in the low $90Ks to exclusive waterfront homes well above $3M. Clearwater is also centrally located to Tampa and St. Petersburg and is only 90 minutes away from Disney World and Sea World in Orlando, Florida. Clearwater is a great place to call home or to buy real estate.

There are thousands of available Clearwater Florida homes for sale. Known for its miles of white sand beaches, accommodations, shopping, casual beach restaurants, breathtaking sunsets, and highly valuable real estate, Clearwater is a great place to live.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/

Sand Key Condos | Complete List of All Sand Key Luxury Condominiums On the Beach

Florida Luxury Condos List | Sand Key Florida Condominiums on the Beach.

Sand Key Florida - the southern most point of Clearwater Beach is one mile of luxury Sand Key condo after luxury Sand Key condo.

Many people don’t know that Sand Key is actually part of the City of Clearwater (and so is Clearwater Beach) and home to some of the most amazing waterfront luxury condos with the sugar white sand of the beach outside your door and the Gulf of Mexico breezes blowing in.

Enjoy truly magnificent Sandbars to Sunsets from any of these Sand Key Oceanfront Condo communities.

We have put together a complete list and are developing detailed information for you. If you would like to see any of these or get daily updates on all the condos for sale just request our Complimentary Market Report.
FLorida Luxury Real Estate | All Sand Key Condos on the Gulf of Mexico Beach


All are Gulf front ~ Ocean front ~ Beach Condos of Sand Key Florida Communities that are part of City of Clearwater | Clearwater Beach

The order of the list is from southern most point of Sand key to the northern most point before heading over to Clearwater Beach

* 1660 & 1600 Gulf Boulevard - Dan’s Island I & II - Condos on Sand Key
* 1586 - 1582 Gulf Boulevard - Cabana Clubs I & II Sand Key Condos on the beach
* 1560,1540,1520 Gulf Boulevard - Ultimar I, II & III Gulf front Sand Key condos
* 1480, 1460,1440,1420 Gulf Boulevard - South Beach I,II,III,IV Ocean front Sand Key condos
* 1390, 1380 Gulf Boulevard - Sand Key Clubs I & II Beach front Sand Key condos
* 1370 Gulf Boulevard - Bella Rosa of Sand Key Gulf front condos
* 1350 Gulf Boulevard - Utopia Gulf beach front Sand Key condos
* 1340, 1320 Gulf Boulevard - Cresent Beach Club One & Two condos on Sand Key, FL
* 1290 Gulf Boulevard - Lighthouse Towers Sand Key condos on the beach
* 1270 Gulf Boulevard - Harbor Light Towers Sand Key condos on the beach
* 1250,1230 Gulf Boulevard - Landmark Towers I & II Oceanfront condos Sand Key,FL
* 1200 Gulf Boulevard - Meridian - Sand Key Condos on the Gulf of Mexico
* 1180 Gulf Boulevard - The Grande of Sand Key Luxury Condos on the beach

Sand Key Condos on the beach | Clearwater Beach Florida 33767Proud to be selling Clearwater Beach Real Estate - waterfront tropical beach living at it’s finest.

Source : http://www.sandbarstosunsets.com/

Clearwater, Florida.: Scientology Stronghold

Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala was one of the first local politicians to warm up to Scientologists in the early 1990s and remains friendly with church officials.

"They've become part of the community because they reached out and made an effort," said Latvala, who got a $250 campaign donation from a Scientology-affiliated political action committee last year. "It's really changed in the last 10 or 12 years."

Said Harney: "We've done some growing up, we've gotten to know people, we're better understood. I think it is more understood that we are people from all walks of life."

With a new causeway to the beach rerouting tourists away from downtown, Clearwater leaders are desperately trying to figure out how to fill the many vacant storefronts and attract a mix of people to the city center.

Meanwhile, Scientology continues to spread out in Clearwater, turning a former assisted-living complex into an upscale hotel for visiting Scientologists, fixing up a run-down apartment complex to house more staff and opening a new parking garage.

Though many of its buildings are tax exempt, the church paid nearly $900,000 in taxes on its properties in the city last year. And a church consultant in 1999 estimated that Scientologists pump more than $80 million a year into the local economy.

Still, there is disagreement about whether Scientology's large presence has helped the redevelopment of downtown Clearwater or hampered it.

New condo buildings are rising on the harbor and a long-awaited streetscape facelift is in the works, but some people wonder if a diverse downtown culture is possible with a Scientology building on nearly every corner and church staffers on the streets every day.

"When you have a mystery, people stay away," said George Kelly, owner of the landmark Downtown Newsstand.

Not everyone agrees. Omar Alexander, 21, who sat sipping a frozen coffee drink at the downtown Starbucks recently, said he isn't bothered by the ever-present Scientologists and doesn't believe they keep other people away. Every Scientologist he knows is a good person, Alexander says.

"They're working hard, doing what they need to do," he says.

Source : http://abcnews.go.com/

Clearwater, Florida Real Estate: Tips for Purchasing Property

The Tampa Bay Area consists of Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida. Known for its fabulous beaches, low crime rate, and cultural activities. Clearwater, Florida is a wonderful retirement area, great place to raise a family, and is also the perfect location for any commercial business.

As seniors retire and begin to make plans for spending their golden years in comfort, Clearwater, Florida offers many benefits. There are many retirement communities located in Clearwater, and many are attracted to them due to the warm Florida climate, the fabulous golf courses, and resort style of living. Seniors looking to relocate will benefit from talking to a real estate agent to determine their various options. Waterfront property, golfing communities, and Clearwater, Florida real estate located with easy access to downtown are all important factors to discuss with your realtor.

The Tampa Bay Area continues to thrive and prosper. Buying Clearwater, Florida real estate allows you easy access to commute to work in both St. Petersburg and Tampa. There are many other local cities that are easily commutable such as Brandon, Largo, and Gulfport. Relocating to Clearwater, Florida doesn’t mean that your job is constricted to Clearwater. As the economy continues to grow in Tampa Bay, rest assured that with your Clearwater, Florida real estate purchase, you could grow and thrive in your career as well.

Pinellas County has a strong commitment to education and residents of Clearwater, Florida reap the benefits. Of all the cities in Florida, Clearwater boasts the lowest crime rate. This makes raising a family in Clearwater very desirable. Beaches, playgrounds, theaters, museums, and great schools all contribute to making Clearwater an excellent community for raising children.

If you are a new or first time buyer, there are some things that you should consider to ensure that your Clearwater, Florida real estate purchase is smooth and unhindered. One of the first things you should do is safeguard your credit. Before you plan on purchasing Clearwater, Florida real estate avoid spending large amounts of money on purchases. These include items such as expensive jewelry, furniture, boats, automobiles, etc. You need to be conscious of your income and be very wary of anything that may be a potential cause of debt. To qualify for your home loan you will need to ensure that your debt to income ratio is very low. Be wary of anything that can increase your debt to income ratio and hinder your new Clearwater, Florida real estate purchase.

You should remain faithful to you job before applying for a home loan or mortgage. Most lending institutions will need to see a two-year track record of stable employment for you to qualify for a home loan. If you are self-employed, you may face additional obstacles in proving that you have enough income to qualify. Changing jobs before you complete a home loan application can have very negative results. Remain faithful on your job and if you wish to be self-employed, wait until after you are a homeowner and have the stability needed to make that switch. By working with your realtor, safeguarding your credit, and taking necessary home ownership classes, new homeowners can realize their dreams of owning Clearwater, Florida real estate.

Source : http://www.clearwaterfloridarealestate.info/

ABOUT CLEARWATER AND ITS ISLAND BEACHES

Our world-renown beaches, extensive recreational opportunities, nature-based attractions, and the availability of accommodations designed to fit every budget and taste, are all reasons why Clearwater and its island beaches are one of Florida's most popular vacation spots. Come put yourselves in our shoes!

Clearwater Beach is the Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico according to Dr. Stephen Leatherman ("Dr. Beach") , a Florida International University professor who has been ranking America’s beaches for over a decade. USATODAY.com readers have ranked Clearwater Beach in their Top 10 List of Best Beaches from Maine to Hawaii. Conde Nast Traveler has also recognized Clearwater Beach as the Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and the Travel Channel has declared Clearwater is the Best Activity Beach in the United States. More

Caladesi Island State Park is currently ranked the fourth best beach, primarily for its water quality, rustic charm, clean beaches, on-site amenities and its emphasis on wildlife. Pinellas County is the only Florida destination which can say it has two of the top 10 beaches; in fact, Fort DeSoto Park is ranked the #1 Beach in the United States.

Clearwater is very proud to be designated a Blue Wave Beach. This certification program, overseen by the Clean Beaches Council, promotes beaches which are managed to protect their natural assets. This designation assists the public in identifying the nation's cleanest and safest beaches. Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island and Sand Key Park beaches have also received the Blue Wave Designation.

Clearwater Beach is undergoing a dramatic renaissance, the most significant improvement to Clearwater's tourism economy in decades. Our Billion Dollar Beach includes over one billion dollars in private development, a mix of upscale hotel accommodations, residential condominiums and Beach Walk, the City of Clearwater's beautification program. Beach Walk will dramatically complement the beach's landscape - and the visitor experience - by adding green space and public areas with more amenities as well as improving pedestrian access. Several private projects are already underway, including four major hotel/condo properties. Phase One of Beach Walk construction began in January 2006 and will last approximately 12 months.

Source : http://www.clearwaterflorida.org/

Moving to Clearwater Florida | Did you know Clearwater Florida is More Affordable than Where You Live?

Everyone knows that Clearwater Beach Florida is home to one of the top beaches in the world, that we have excellent weather here, and that we have year-round outdoor activities including golf, fishing, diving, boating, and tennis; just to name a few.

What you may not know is that we have plenty of Clearwater real estate housing bargains, and that it is cheaper to live in Clearwater, Florida for a lot of you living elsewhere in the USA?

Yes, that’s right most people will save money by moving to Clearwater,
Florida when compared to where they live today. For example:

* Housing in Clearwater, Florida is a 36% bargain over homes for sale in Sacramento, California;
* Clearwater Florida Real Estate is 72% cheaper than real estate in New York NY and the NJ Suburbs;
* and Homes for sale in Clearwater Florida are 52% cheaper than homes for sale in Alexandria, Virginia.

Source : http://www.sandbarstosunsets.com/

clearwater florida

Clearwater Florida is a BIG town, and can not be easily characterized in a few short sentences. Politically, Clearwater includes the Gulf Beaches of Clearwater Beach and Sand Key, but these are a small portion of the city.

Clearwater stretches from Gulf to Bay and boosts several large shopping centers, office complexes and light manufacturing districts.

Residential neighborhoods run the gambit from small to large, and old to new. Estates, houses, condo's apartments, mobile home parks are all available.

Clearwater's Jazz Holiday, held in October each year, is one of Florida's premier jazz festivals. This free, four-day event is held at Clearwater's Coachman Park, where many other activities take place year round.

From family communities to retiree communities; shopping malls to antique and artist shops; and Home to Phillies Spring Training and The Clearwater Phillies; Clearwater is a Great place to live.

Source : http://florida.real-estate-guide.us/

Mold: A silent, dangerous threat to homes and health

Clearwater, Florida – There are hundreds of thousands of dwellings in the Tampa Bay area. There are apartments, condos, townhouses and single family homes. And each and every one of them is a potential target of mold infestation.

Mold is caused by water intrusion from the roof, in your windows or through the walls of your house.

Wendy Clark lived in a building at the Vinings Apartment Complex in Clearwater. She says she moved in march of this year, and from day one she felt something was wrong.

“The place would have a really bad odor,” Wendy says. After just one month, she moved out because she was constantly getting sick.

Wendy says, “I’ve had several eye infections, breathing problems and anxiety because of this.”

In June of this year, we went in with our cameras and mold was all over her apartment. She had it in her sink, under the cabinets, under the air conditioning unit, in her clothes and in her shoes.

Wendy says she told management at the Vinings about the mold problem immediately, but she says they were slow to respond.

Wendy decided to pay for her apartment to be tested for mold. She hired Innovative Environmental solutions.

And in their report, the total spore count topped more than 117,000 per cubic meter. That is considered “abundant.” They also found an aspergillus count of 112,000, a cladosporium count of more than 3,000 and stachybotrys of 114 count.

It's important for you to understand some common types of mold. Aspergillus is a common mold linked to allergies and other diseases. And then there is cladosporium, which is easily made airborne and can cause respiratory infections, asthma and hay fever. But stachybotrys is the most toxic and dangerous of them all. This mold has the ability to produce what is called mycotoxins.

Dr. Richard Lipsey, a mold toxicologist says it can kill you. He says while cases of fatalities involving mold are rare, there is no ignoring the symptoms of people exposed to dangerous levels of mold.

“You will have upper respiratory, headaches, nausea and pains, like burning eyes, nose and throat, ” according to Dr. Lipsey.

Wendy's doctor referred her to a respiratory allergist because of her exposure to high levels of mold.

But her attorney says he's also concerned about how widespread the mold problem might be at her apartment complex.

“What I’m afraid of in this case of the Vinings, is it appears there’s a possibility it had infected other units.”

He says he does not know how many might be involved. Mr. Berman’s fears are not far fetched. Dr. Lipsey says mold can and will spread quickly.

We asked management at the Vinings about Wendy's case and if they were having mold problems with other tenants.

They sent Tampa Bay’s 10 News a fax saying, “moisture is an issue for every Florida resident. It's why we encourage our residents to control the humidity in their apartments.”

The fax goes on to say, “ensuring the health and safety of our residents and employees is our highest priority”.

Source : http://www.tampabays10.com/

When Choosing a Clearwater Condos or Home - Consider More Than Expense

Choosing between Clearwater Condos and a Clearwater Home is a conflict that many couples face. Weighing the Clearwater Condos and Homes pros and cons is necessary to make an informed decision. Think of these points when you are in the midst of discussions. Don’t make your decision lightly. Read the following.
1. Maintenance vs. no maintenance. Do you have the energy and resources to keep up with the care a home requires? This is one of the main attractions of Clearwater Condos. If spraying your yard with insecticide, trimming your hedges and endlessly mowing grass are not your cup of tea…let someone else pay for your air-conditioner repair and consider a Clearwater Condos!
2. Are you more interested in convenience or privacy? A Clearwater Condos will offer you many conveniences in a common location. A Clearwater Home will afford you the privacy you may crave. Whichever you choose, consider this point carefully as you choose between a Clearwater Condos and home.
3. Space vs. Limited Space. Clearwater Condos are generally smaller that a Clearwater Home BUT NOT ALWAYS. This must be considered as you move. Downsizing may become necessary.
4. Expense- This is something to consider as you choose among Clearwater Condos and homes. You can often get MORE with your money from a Clearwater Condos than with a Clearwater Home! A simple solution too this dilemma is to list the amenities of both- complete lists for both the Clearwater Condos and the Clearwater home will give you the answer you need.
5. Explore all your options before you make your final decision. Don’t discount a Clearwater Condos right away. You may be surprised at what you find! Also, make sure you look at homes in your price range- consider them as well. You can gauge the value of each and be certain you’ve made the right choice!
6. Enjoy your home or condo in Clearwater. Remember no matter which choice you make Clearwater is still the most beautiful city on earth!

Source : http://www.clearwatercondos.net/

The Beautiful City of ClearwaterFlorida on Clearwater Beach, The World’s Best Home Site!

When you are choosing among cities to live, Clearwater Florida is one that rises to the top of EVERY list. ClearwaterFlorida is one of the world’s most livable cities and here are just three of the many reasons why!
1. One of the best reasons is the beach! Clearwater Beach is a number one an international resort destination– one of the top ten beaches in the world! One of the few pure white sand beaches, Clearwater beach is beautiful and warm enough to swim most of the year. If you love the beach, you’ll love ClearwaterFlorida!
2. Another top reason to live in Clearwater Florida is the temperate climate. Located in western Central Florida, ClearwaterFlorida has sub-tropical (rather than tropical) temperatures. Clearwater Florida is a place for folks tired of shoveling snow, piling on coats and scraping windshields!
3. ClearwaterFlorida has some of the nicest residents on earth! Clearwater Florida has people who enjoy the beach, tend toward a positive viewpoint, love life and celebrate it! ClearwaterFlorida citizens come from all parts of the globe and that cultural richness is refreshing!

Source : http://www.clearwatercondos.net/

Clearwater FL Real Estate Information

Many times Clearwater Real Estate buyers avoid using the services of a REALTOR under the mistaken belief that it costs them money - or that they will be able to negotiate a better deal directly with the seller or seller's real estate Broker. This can be an expensive mistake when buying a home. If you are negotiating directly with the seller or seller's real estate Broker, you may not be taking advantage of the best value available in the residential housing market today! You can have your own REALTOR, a Buyer Broker or Buyers Agent, who is committed to using the experience gained through hundreds of successful Clearwater real estate negotiations for your benefit at no charge to you!

The realty business is unique, where an agent with one day's experience and no home sales gets paid the same as real estate agents with several years experience and hundreds of successful sales. An experienced Realtor can help you avoid costly mistakes, find the best home value, and make your home buying or relocation experience an enjoyable, stress-free one!

When viewing homes for sale, it is important for homebuyers to know and understand for whom the agent helping with the house hunting is actually working. The agent may be working as a sub agent - representing the seller's best interests during negotiations - or as your agent representing your best interests during negotiations. If you are not sure who your agent is working for - ask for clarification. Realtors must fully explain agency. When negotiations commence, wouldn't you want to know whether information you divulge will be used for the seller's benefit - or your's?

The contract you sign to buy or sell a property is a complex and legally binding document. An improperly written contract can allow the purchaser or seller to void the sale, or cost you thousands of unnecessary dollars. Have an experienced Realtor who knows the "ins and outs" fully explain the contract you are about to sign to you, or have your lawyer review it before acceptance.

Source : http://www.epoweredprofessionals.com/

Favorite Clearwater Florida Condos | Chateau Belleair from $75,000 | 33764

Clearwater Florida Condos Under $100,000Buyers often ask me, "Can I buy a condo in Clearwater Florida for Under $100,000?" Today the answer is YES!Well today there are still some great choices for living in Clearwater for under $100,000. There are options for both buyers looking to find their full time home and also for our seasonal buyers looking for hassle free condo living. Today we'll introduce you to one of the best condo buyswe know of in Clearwater: Chateau Belleair. Chateau Belleair is an extremely desirable, quaint, peaceful community of 114 condos with 14 larger garden units. It is centrally located in Clearwater Florida off Belcher and Belleair Road with the added benefit of having a totally private and tropical retreat feel. You can look forward to coming home nightly and relaxing in the large heated pool or the largest hot tub/spa I've ever seen or sit on your patio and enjoy the lush landscaping out your back door.

Source : http://www.topblogarea.com/

Clearwater - Tampa Florida Area

Clearwater, often referred to as the jewel of the Suncoast, is a worldwide vacation destination. Tourists come from around the globe to enjoy the white, sugar sand beaches, gentle Gulf breezes and tropical-like climate this Tampa Bay area destination affords. Located on the most western portion of Pinellas County, the city is a favorite of those seeking an action-packed vacation or simply wanting a stress-free vacation away from the everyday bustle and grind. As a prime vacation destination, Clearwater largely relies upon tourism as a major source of revenue. Over the years a number of the smaller motels and hotels of yesteryear began to deteriorate and officials began looking at ways to revitalize the beachfront. This led to a vision of unprecedented proportion, one of which would not only provide a new, enhanced beachfront for the community, but also increase tourism. Clearwater officials teamed with developers and hammered out one of the most dramatic renovation plans the area ever experienced. Dubbed Beach Walk, the city's $30 million beach beautification program is transforming this slice of paradise into a haven for real estate investors and those seeking a luxurious, upscale waterfront lifestyle. Gone are the majority of rundown motels and hotels, replaced with more than $1 billion of private development consisting of five-star condominiums, resorts, vacation rentals and luxury town homes. Activities are endless. Fishing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing and more await the water sports enthusiast. Board one of the many cruise ships docked in Clearwater and enjoy majestic sunsets, dolphin watches, dinner cruises or casino gaming. The beaches, golf, shopping, the Clearwater Aquarium and an array of culinary dining experiences ranging from casual to black-tie await the landlubber. Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach provides anglers a most excellent saltwater fishing opportunity. Extending 1,076 ft. into the Gulf of Mexico, it is one of the best-equipped and most attractive piers in the state, staffed by expert employees. The Pier is a multipurpose facility functioning as a public observation point, fishing platform and serves to host the nightly Sunset Festival, a celebration of artisans, street performers, musicians and merchants offering hand-crafted wares. Sand Key, located just south of Clearwater Beach across Clearwater Pass is condo central. Affectionately dubbed "Condo Row" by locals for the continuous row of high-rise condominiums fronting the Gulf of Mexico, this barrier island community, similar to that of Clearwater Beach is less than a mile wide. The Western side of Sand Key faces the Gulf of Mexico and sport the majority of high-rise condos. The Eastern portion of this Clearwater enclave overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Sand Key is home to a plethora of condominiums, vacation rentals, townhouses, beach houses, time shares and single-family homes providing for immaculate lodgings. Clearwater is known for its hospitality and love of the arts. The city takes great pride in sponsoring annual events such as the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Fun & Fun Festival, Clearwater Celebrates America (July 4) and more. The city is also home of the spring training facilities for the Philadelphia Phillies major league baseball team. Many major airlines fly directly to St. Petersburg-Clearwater-International Airport making for quick drive-times throughout the Tampa Bay area. An easily navigable Interstate system provides easy access to beaches and other major attractions such as Tampa's Bush Gardens and Disney World in nearby Orlando only 90 minutes away. Whether one's lodging preference consists of condominium vacation rentals or time shares, Clearwater provides an abundance of lodgings second to none. A large number of condos, vacation rentals, motels and hotels are found throughout the community with pricing and facilities designed to accommodate all budgets and lifestyles.

Source : http://tampa.condocompany.com/Clearwater/

Taylor Wimpey throws in Clearwater Beach towel

Construction firm Taylor Wimpey is looking for white knight to rescue it from a disastrous $30m-plus investment on Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast.

The company has abandoned its efforts to develop any kind of property on 2.5 acres of edge-of-the-water prime real estate at Clearwater Beach and is looking for a buyer for the land.

The developer – which still operates as Taylor Woodrow in the US – bought the hurricane-damaged, 217-bedroom Adam's Mark Hotel in mid-2005 at a top-of-the-bubble price of $31.5m (£15.12m).

It demolished the hotel in order to develop the $180m Indigo Beach Residences and Suites, a project boasting 112 luxury condominiums and 78 condo-hotel suites.

However, in May the company said it was suspending its plans for that project because of the deteriorating property market in Florida. At the time TW said that move would knock £15.5m off this year's bottom line.

Now the company has decided that the Florida condo market is completely overbuilt – it is believed there are 800 condos on the market in the Clearwater Beach vicinity alone - and that a 230-bedroom timeshare resort would be a more profitable way to go.

TW is hoping to attract a buyer that specialises in that kind of development and to sweeten the deal the company has applied to Clearwater's city council to change the land use. TW is not saying how much it wants for the property.

"There is no market as a condominium," Robert Glantz, senior vice president of the company's US Tower Division told the St Petersburg Times. "Our choices were to hold or to sell. If we want to sell, we have to change it to something that is marketable."

Source : http://www.guardian.co.uk/

On Clearwater Beach, condo dreams dry up

CLEARWATER - Not long ago, popular south Clearwater Beach was teeming with tourists staying at the Beach Towers, Days Inn, Spyglass, Holiday Inn Sunspree and the Adam's Mark.

But those hotels and others were knocked down or closed in recent years to make way for nine high-end condominium and hotel projects, valued at $1.4-billion. And more closures are expected.

The thinking was the beach community could absorb the loss of an estimated 1,100 rooms because the new units would attract more tourists, residents and money.

Somewhere amid the "condo boom," however, prices skyrocketed, the market softened, insurance rates escalated - and buyers vanished.

Developers delayed or changed projects. Some refunded deposits, downsized rooms or lowered prices. Nearly all have pushed back construction.

What was supposed to be a time of great optimism, of unprecedented construction on the famed beach, has given way to quiet and an uncertain future. It could be many years before the rooms - and the millions of dollars in business - return to the beach.

Real estate, financial and government experts say the delays - some of which have left rubble-filled spots where hotels once stood - could make the beach less accessible, shrink city business revenues and cripple the tourist industry.

"We might never make up for what we've lost," said David Little, a real estate agent and redevelopment chairman for the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Source : http://www.sptimes.com/

Florida’s September 2007 Existing Condo Sales Report

We now have stats on the sales of existing condominiums in Florida for the month of September. It has decreased in the month of September, with a total of 2,557 condos sold statewide compared to 4,032 in September 2006 for a 37 percent decline, according to FAR. The statewide median sales price for condos last month was $194,200, down 4 percent from September 2006’s condo median price of $202,800. NAR reported the national median existing condo price was $228,500 in August 2007.

Last month, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.38 percent, according to Freddie Mac, which was lower than the average rate of 6.40 percent in September 2006. FAR’s sales figures reflect closings, which typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Mirroring the national trend, turmoil in the mortgage market impacted Florida’s housing sector in September, despite continued low unemployment rates and other positive economic activity. Statewide, sales of existing single-family homes totaled 8,688 last month while 14,044 homes sold in September 2006 for a decrease of 38 percent in the year-to-year comparison, according to the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR).

Housing industry analysts previously predicted that mortgage disruptions would affect home sales in September. The National Association of Realtors’® (NAR) latest market outlook expects conditions for the mortgage industry to improve in the coming months and that widening credit availability will help homebuyers. Keeping the current housing market in perspective, 2007 will be the fifth highest year on record for existing-home sales, says NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun. “Although sales are off from an unsustainable peak in 2005, there is a historically high level of home sales taking place this year,” he says. “One out of 16 American households is buying a home this year.”

Source : http://www.condoleaf.com/

Clearwater Real Estate

Clearwater is located in Pinellas County, just south of Safety Harbor and west of Tampa. The city of Clearwater stretches over more than half of the Pinellas Peninsula as well as the barrier islands that make up Clearwater Beach. Here you will find detailed information on Clearwater homes for sale, including condos, villas, townhomes, waterfront property and vacant land.

Clearwater offers those in the real estate market many different properties which combine a tropical atmosphere with an array of different housing choices. Whether you are searching for a single family residence or a deluxe waterfront condo, you are sure to find what you desire in Clearwater. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that you'll be owning property that will increase in value throughout the years. Find Clearwater Florida homes for sale, condos in Clearwater Florida, condominiums on the water in Clearwater Florida. Clearwater Florida single family homes including town homes in Clearwater Florida. Living in Clearwater Florida means living near the beach, within walking and a short driving distance to the beach.

Source : http://www.clearwaterfloridarealestatesite.com/

clearwater florida condo rentals

The white beaches which look almost powdery, along with the clear blue waters make the name given to this place so apt. Clearwater is located to the west of the Tampa Bay area. All those who are interested in more than just shopping and relaxing on their vacation will find this place the ideal holiday destination. Clearwater allows you to spend your time parasailing, snorkeling, fishing, surfing and jet skiing.

Rooms or cottages at the luxury resort here are available for as low as $100 per night. Other kinds of accommodation facilities such as motels and hotels are available at cheaper rates.

Most people who have visited Clearwater have been nothing but very pleased with their holiday experience. While a few complain of the occasional hair in the food or the room that did not offer a decent view, most people cannot stop gushing about the courteous and amiable people and staff of Clearwater which is seen as a welcome relief from the snobbish and selfish crowd at other popular holiday destinations in Florida. Even those who complain cannot neglect the breathtaking sunset or the beautiful beaches of this exquisite place.

Some of the hotels and resorts offer you cottages or apartment suites which provide you with the luxury of a patio from where you can see the famous Pirate Ship coming and hear the music playing on board with tourists having a gala time. Most of the hotels are situated at close proximity to the beaches which let you take quiet lunch picnics by the sea and also allow you to walk back to your room quickly and easily.

Once you have found the perfect hotel or any other accommodation of your choice, you would want to return to this place again and yet again and once you become a frequent visitor you cannot help but hope to own your own private condo here some day.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/