CLEARWATER FLORIDA CONDO RENTALS

Florida Vacation Rentals

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:57:00 +0000

Florida is a vacationer's paradise with its ample sunshine, miles of beaches, and abundance of attractions that can satisfy the appetite of every age group. No matter which Florida destination you have in mind for your next trip, you can soak in all the beauty and have easy access to all the best activities and amusements when you stay in a vacation rental that is right for you.

With its miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, it is quite possible that you will be staying along the shores in a bustling and exciting city. Whether you choose the Emerald Coast in a city like Destin or the Atlantic Ocean in stunning West Palm Beach, you can find a home or condo rental that sits directly on the water and has some of the most breathtaking views imaginable. Relaxation awaits when you step onto your private deck or balcony and listen to the sound of the waves crashing ashore and slowly forget all the stress you have left behind.

Views of the water are one thing, but having the soft sand directly behind your accommodations is more convenient than you ever imagined. Heading out for a day at the beach is no longer filled with everyone rushing around, throwing stuff into a giant beach bag and then lugging the monstrosity towards the water as the kids run around you. All you need to do is step out the back door and therein lies the sand, waiting for you to sun on its soft body and build sandcastles near the shore. You can make as many trips as you need back into the house, meaning you no longer need to pack for an entire day and you won't miss out on any of the fun since your supplies are a shore stroll away.

As the most popular destination in Florida, you can find numerous home and condo rentals in the Orlando/Disney area. Enjoy the best in family accommodations in a spacious home filled to the brim with amenities such as a private pool and plenty of beach towels while staying only minutes from the Disney World theme parks. You can come home and relax under the dwindling Florida sun after a long day of enjoying rides and attractions while the kids burn off the last of their energy by swimming and jumping in and out of the pool.

If you are looking for a private retreat where you can escape to surroundings unlike any other, the Florida Keys have you covered. Enjoy a Key Largo vacation rental that is covered with towering trees and radiant flowers as you listen to the sweet song of the birds overhead and soak in the sweet smell of the nearby flora. This is a secret tropical haven for anyone who wants to get back to nature without missing out on any of the Keys fun since a private dock sits in the backyard, begging you to come forward and experience some of the best onshore fishing available.

For those visiting a Florida destination such as Miami Beach for the cultural allure, you can choose to stay slightly off the beaten path by opting for a rental that is not in the touristy parts but rather integrates you into the lively, cultural atmosphere. With rentals available in a variety of neighborhoods, you are sure to find one that makes it easy to enjoy the sights and sounds you are drawn to. Forget about being forced to stay in a hotel that is situated in an area that does not interest you since you can choose accommodations that allow you to experience the community in a manner tailored to your needs.

Florida vacation rentals are located throughout the Sunshine State so you can enjoy all the comforts and conveniences of home no matter which area draws you in with its attractions and amusements. Whether you will be spending the majority of your vacation on the beach or in the city, there is a centrally located vacation home or condo rental that will make it easy to experience everything you want to see and do. Begin your search for the perfect rental today and dive into a more exciting and relaxing Florida adventure than you could have ever imagined.

source:http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/florida-vacation-rentals-58553.html

Looking for a Florida Waterfront Home?

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:43:00 +0000

When you’re looking for a waterfront home, what is it that you’re really looking for?

Some people, it seems, are looking for bragging rights. When they buy a waterfront home, it’s all about inviting family and friends over, about hosting dinner parties and encouraging their guests to check out the yard - including the dune walkover to the beach.

Others are looking for relaxation when they seek out a Florida waterfront home. For them, it’s about falling asleep the the sound of crashing waves. It’s about waking up with a cup of coffee and the newspaper while sitting on the balcony and watching the sun rise over the Atlantic.

Still others are looking for a great family home, a place where they will be able to learn about one another, a chance to spend time talking, laughing and enjoying quality family time.

So, which is it for you? Are you looking for a waterfront home that will give you a place with the kids, a spot to relax, bragging rights or a combination of all three?

Resource: www.seasideviews.com

Florida Keys House Boat Rentalsict

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 06:26:00 +0000

Houseboat vacations are best enjoyed with the family. Vacationing is simply the best way to relax and get together in a paradise such as the Florida Keys. You can take charge of your own houseboat and travel around the gorgeous islands at an affordable price.

Houseboats are an excellent choice for those who love the outdoors like campers and boaters. They are like RVs able to float on water, and what is nice about them is that you can decide where you want to secure your boat. You can have a barbeque every day, or if you prefer to go and out to a restaurant, smaller boats are available for easy access to other local dining places.

In the Keys, on a houseboat you can enjoy fishing, swimming and diving from the deck. If you don’t feel like exploring, well you can just relax, sit back, and enjoy the Florida Keys sun. Houseboats have a capacity for 6 to 10 people, so there is no need to worry if you have a big group sharing in the fun. Kids can also enjoy sleeping underneath a blanket of stars.

Experienced instructors will assist and guide you before you set out on the waters. They will teach you the basic in operating your boat like how to start and stop, how to steer and also when and how to anchor. By the time they are finish, you will feel confident and assured that you are will be able to set out on your own without any hassle.

Maps as well as marked buoys are also handed out. So you can easily chart your way. You will also find boat safety gear mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard in every boat.

There is no other vacation place that will provide you with a greater experience. You will see nature in a whole new light. You will be able to see wild life supplying aquatic vegetation, or a dolphin slowly swimming through the clear waters of the Florida Keys.

House Boat Rentals provides detailed information on House Boat Rentals, Lake Powell House Boat Rentals, Lake Cumberland House Boat Rentals, Florida Keys House Boat Rentals and more. House Boat Rentals is affiliated with Hilton Head Condo Rentals.

resource:ezine articles.com

New heights of luxury in Century City

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 11:09:00 +0000

A garden-ringed condo tower is proposed for one of the Westside's most coveted parcels.

Plans for a 45-story, wisp-thin tower of ultra-luxury condominiums between Beverly Hills High School and the Los Angeles Country Club are set to be unveiled today. Developers say it would be one of the most expensive residential buildings in the West.

The $400-million tower along one of the area's toniest corridors would be the first building in California designed by renowned Paris architect Jean Nouvel, known for his daring designs. He is proposing a narrow glass structure with sweeping views through the building and extensive greenery ringing each floor.

The developer predicts the project will attract European and Asian globe-trotters as well as local empty-nesters ready to move from sprawling Westside mansions to roomy condominiums complete with concierge services, a private club, first-run movie screenings and valet parking.

Even at a time of economic uncertainty -- when Southern California employers are trimming payrolls, stock prices are falling and home values are dropping -- the demand for luxury housing continues nearly unabated in the Westside. And with it has come more traffic and growing homeowner resentment about construction and congestion.

Prices have not been set for the proposed condos at 10000 Santa Monica Blvd. But units in the ultra-luxury Century tower being built in nearby Century City are being offered at a range of $3.2 million to $30 million, and the Nouvel condos are expected to be even more pricey.

Two top-drawer projects are also being planned around the intersection of Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards in Beverly Hills. Last year, British developers paid $500 million for the former Robinson-May department store at the site, where a 252-unit condo and retail complex designed by prominent architect Richard Meier has been proposed.

"How much high-end product can the market bear in such a close proximity?" asked real estate broker Gary Weiss of Madison Partners, who called the planned Nouvel building "extraordinarily ambitious."

Nouvel's developer, SunCal Cos., said it was undeterred by slumping home sales in Southern California and hoped to break ground in 2009. The company said it expected to start seeking formal city approvals next week.

"What we are really doing is addressing an underserved component of the market," said Frank Faye, chief operating officer of SunCal. "We are confident we would be able to sell these units today and we will be able to sell them quite rapidly once they're made available."

Considered one of the most desirable locations for development in the country, the vacant lot was the object of a high-profile bidding war in 2006 when Irvine home builder SunCal finally topped New York developer Donald Trump with a $110.2-million offer for just 2.4 acres.

Ever since, the site has been eyed with curiosity and suspicion in an area where homeowners have already expressed alarm about the rapid pace of development. "The truth is that people are happy in their neighborhood and they don't want to see it change," said Kevin Hughes, president of the Cheviot Hills Homeowners' Assn.

Plans call for 177 units, with two to six condominiums per floor. Elevators would serve every condo directly so there would be no corridors between units. "Each residence is designed as a home in the sky surrounded by an abundance of plants and flowers but with no visual limits to the spectacular views of the city, mountains and ocean," Nouvel said.

In Los Angeles, "we have to build buildings especially for this climate," he said. "From the boulevard, it will look like a vertical garden."

City Councilman Jack Weiss, who represents Century City, said he supported Nouvel's concept. "We have never had someone of this caliber designing something residential on the Westside," he said.

"My public-policy goal has been to make Century City a world-class residential destination," Weiss said. "That creates benefits because people can live near where they work and traffic is generated at off-peak hours."

But some neighborhood residents are skeptical about how beneficial ultra-luxury housing would be.

"To make Century City truly livable you need housing for people who work there who aren't presidents of their companies," said Barbara Broide, president of the Westwood South of Santa Monica Boulevard Homeowners Assn. "That's what we need to take car trips off the street."

The mayor of Beverly Hills echoes Broide's concern about how the building might add to congestion. "It will not be easy to digest for Beverly Hills people who are already getting a lot of traffic that is not Beverly Hills traffic."

Faye, the developer, however, said that the residential tower would generate less traffic than the office building that used to occupy the site. The previous owner demolished the building that once housed several tenants, including Jimmy's restaurant.

Faye also said he thought the Nouvel building would be set apart from rivals both in price and amenities.

But competition lurks with many other pricey units coming to market.

Westfield, the owner of Century City's shopping center, plans to build 262 upscale condos or apartments to complement its recent $170-million makeover of the mall.

And Century City landlord JMB Realty Corp. plans to build 483 units on Constellation Boulevard.

Owners of the Beverly Hilton Hotel also plan to add upmarket condos as part of a major upgrade and expansion on the property. Other high-end condos overlooking the Los Angeles Country Club and at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills are being built.

The Nouvel design of SunCal's planned tower is intentionally ambitious, Faye said. "This is an exciting opportunity," he said. "The worst thing we could do is under-deliver."

Source : http://www.latimes.com/

Condos eyed for Brentwood Bay Lodge

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:13:00 +0000

Brentwood Bay Lodge wants to add six condominiums to its luxury hotel, following a trend that is becoming the norm in new hotels.

The plan to build the six units goes to public hearing at Central Saanich council chambers on Wednesday.

Owner Dan Behune sees it as a way to have larger units available at the five-star hotel, and provide buyers with a chance at a waterfront vacation home.

"It's a win-win situation for people looking for vacation properties and the hotel, so we can have larger, more luxurious units," Behune said.

The development would need a rezoning to change the property at 7164 Brentwood Dr. to a special new hotel/residential zone on the 1,250-square-metre lot with its 23 metres of waterfront.

Behune and architect Ron Lea envision a three-storey, six-unit residential villa, next door to the Brentwood Bay Lodge but separate from it. It would have two units on each floor of about 1,825 square feet each, with two bedrooms and a den.

The architectural style, colours, materials and finishes would match those on the lodge, including resawn cedar and heavy fir beams.

The public boardwalk along the foreshore by the lodge would also extend in front of the new building.

Behune also wants to extend the existing dock to create four larger boat slips to accommodate larger yachts coming into the inlet.

Strata hotel units allow the owners to use the property when they want, and to put it into the general hotel pool for rental when they're not there.

"We see people buying these units as being from Alberta or Ontario, looking at this as their second or third home," Behune said.

Prices of the units haven't been determined yet, he said, although they would be west-facing waterfront, which isn't likely to be inexpensive.

Studies show that people tend to use their vacation homes an average of eight weeks a year. It makes good sense to buy a place that can provide some income by being in a hotel pool, Behune said. And when owners are there, they have access to all the hotel amenities and services.

Kevin Walker, owner of the Oak Bay Beach Hotel site, said construction costs are so high for full-service hotels that more and more are moving toward a mixed model of hotel rooms, residential or strata hotel units.

Plans for the Oak Bay Beach Hotel include 20 strata units, three of which have been sold, Walker said

Construction work on the Beach Drive site has not started yet.

Walker said he'll have an announcement Feb. 12 on the "go-forward plan" for the development.

Asked about speculation that he has partnered up with a major hotelier, Walker said, "I can't comment on that now, but there will be clarity on Feb. 12."

Source : http://www.canada.com/

Fire at a Clearwater condo

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:12:00 +0000

One firefighter suffered minor injuries during a fire at the Imperial Cove Condos on Monday morning.

Investigators say the call came in at about 8:15 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy flames coming from a condo unit, but they were able to bring it under control within 15 minutes.

Two neighboring units also sustained smoke and water damage. A firefighter was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

A lesson in reading the fine print

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:41:00 +0000

A contract error may keep condo buyers from moving into the Water's Edge. The condo towers are one of the Bay Area's most luxurious projects. Owners are in line for a full refund.

Federal law requires HUD to be provided with a property report detailing the project. Lawyers for the project felt that the language in the original contract did not have enough clarity. 109 of the 153 units have been sold since going on sale in 2005. Owners can still move in approximately eight months from now at a discount or get paid to walk away.

The error came as a shock to city officials who were hoping that the project would help revitalize downtown Clearwater.

There are three condo projects set to open in downtown Clearwater in 2008 and 2009.
"Surprise obviously that the law firm had made a mistake on the contract and then obviously some dismay but um... the more that I've thought about it and talked to other individuals I think that maybe we'll squeeze out some of the speculators and hopefully get permanent residents faster than we normally would," said Frank Hibbard the mayor of Clearwater.

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

Florida's Existing Home Sales Slower in December 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:40:00 +0000

Sales of existing homes and
condominiums in Florida continued to reflect the impact of a sluggish
economy and mortgage financing issues in December. Statewide, sales of
existing single-family homes totaled 8,828 last month while 12,758 homes
sold in December 2006 for a decrease of 31 percent in the year-to-year
comparison, according to the Florida Association of Realtors(R) (FAR).

But some industry analysts see signs that the housing market may be
starting to turn around, with increasing stability in the mortgage sector.
National Association of Realtors(R) Senior Economist Lawrence Yun notes in
NAR's latest market outlook that consumers appear to be waiting for
"additional signs of market stabilization. There are more people with
financial capacity now than in 2005, but many are trying to market-time
their purchase" - which makes the exact timing of the housing recovery more
uncertain, he says. Still, Yun says that 2007 should be the fifth highest
year on record for existing-home sales.

Florida's median sales price for existing single-family homes last
month was $208,900; a year ago, it was $239,900 for a 13 percent decrease.
The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. In
December 2002, the statewide median sales price for single-family homes was
$145,300, for an increase of 43.8 percent over the five-year-period,
according to FAR records.

The national median sales price for existing single-family homes in
November 2007 was $208,700, down 3.7 percent from a year ago, according to
NAR. In California, the statewide median resales price was $488,640 in
November; in Massachusetts, it was $330,000; in Maryland, it was $293,421;
and in New York, it was $215,000.

Sales of existing condominiums in Florida also decreased last month,
with a total of 2,693 condos sold statewide compared to 3,912 in December
2006 for a 31 percent decline, according to FAR. The statewide median sales
price for condos last month was $187,100, down 8 percent from December
2006's condo median price of $202,500. NAR reported the national median
existing condo price was $221,100 in November 2007.

Last month, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged
6.10 percent, down from the average rate of 6.14 percent in December 2006,
according to Freddie Mac. FAR's sales figures reflect closings, which
typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Among the state's larger markets, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported 467 existing homes sold last
month compared to 607 homes sold a year ago for a 23 percent decrease. The
market's median sales price for homes was $337,900; it was $368,200 in
December 2006 for an 8 percent decrease. A total of 419 existing condos
changed hands in the MSA last month, down 18 percent from the 508 condos
sold the previous year. The existing condo median sales price in December
was $161,400; a year ago, it was $215,700 for a 25 percent decrease.

"Our area is a great place to live, with beautiful beaches, diverse
businesses and numerous cultural and leisure activities," says John Mike,
president of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches and a Realtor
associate with Prudential Florida WCI Realty. "In December, people are
ready to buy because they want to be able to take advantage of Florida's
homestead exemption for the year. As prices have adjusted to more realistic
levels from the highs at the peak of the boom years, it's opened up housing
opportunities for many more people. And with plentiful inventory, it means
that buyers are able to find exactly what they're looking for from a wide
range of options."

Among the state's smaller markets, the Gainesville MSA reported a total
of 179 homes sold in December compared to 237 homes a year ago for a 24
percent decrease. The existing home median sales price was $188,300; a year
ago, it was $194,200 for a 3 percent decrease. A total of 48 existing
condos sold in the MSA last month compared to 66 condos the previous
December for a 27 percent decrease. The market's existing condo median
price was $135,000; a year ago, it was $161,500 for a decrease of 16
percent.

J. Parrish, president of the Gainesville Alachua County Association of
Realtors and president of Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish, Realtors, notes the
area's diverse business and employment opportunities continue to attract
new residents. "At the height of the real estate boom years, two to two and
a half years ago, the Gainesville area posted more realistic, sustainable
sales and price gain figures," he says. "Our colleges, the university
system, extensive healthcare industry and other governmental entities
really drive the local economy and provide a strong underlying economic
foundation."

Two charts showing statistics for Florida and its 20 MSAs are attached.
One chart compares the volume of existing, single-family home sales and
median sales prices price in December 2007 to December 2006 based on
Realtor transactions; the other compares the volume of existing,
condominium sales and median sales price December 2007 to December 2006
based on Realtor transactions.

The Florida Association of Realtors(R), the voice for real estate in
Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and
legislative representation to its 150,000 members in 67
boards/associations.

Source : http://www.prnewswire.com/

Clearwater Beach Recreation Center may get makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:21:00 +0000

On Jan. 17, the City Council is expected to award a $600,000 contract to Oakhurst Construction of Seminole for the renovation of the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, including the addition of 1,200 square feet of library space.

If everything goes as planned, the library will open in late April and the entire project will be finished by August.

“We’re going to have to phase it in,” Kevin Dunbar, the city’s director of parks and recreation, told the City Council at its Jan. 14 work session. “Our number one priority is to get the library in. The other things in the rec center will be secondary.”

Since the municipal auditorium building that housed it was torn down several years ago, the beach library has been in search of a permanent home. Suggestions have ranged from combining it with a firehouse to closing it. Until recently, it has occupied rented quarters in Pelican Walk.

“The Beach Library has moved out of Pelican Walk and is currently operating out of a temporary trailer in the parking lot west of the recreation center,” a staff memo to the council explained. “This is a priority project and staff is attempting to have the renovations completed as soon as possible in order to move the library from its temporary location to the recreation center no later than May 2008.”

The project was put out for bids and Oakhurst Construction was the lowest of the five qualified bidders. In addition to the construction of the new library area, whole sections of the existing structure will be gutted and refurbished, the fitness room will be upgraded and the kitchen and storage areas will be expanded.

“Twelve hundred square feet of library space will be added but the entire building, which is about 9,000 square feet, is going through various stages of renovation,” Dunbar said.

An additional $64,000 is expected to be allocated to upgrade the glazing in all the windows to bring them up to code and flood-proof them, and add additional windows to the multi-purpose room to take advantage of its waterfront views. Two features that should have been included in the original bid, but weren’t, were millwork for a front counter area in the library, and a separate air conditioning system for the library to protect its books from mildew.

Councilman George Cretekos said that he was told in October that a street sign, directing people to the combined recreation and library, would be ready in five weeks, but it’s still not up. Dunbar promised to look into the matter.

Mayor Frank Hibbard said that he hopes that library patrons will discover the beauty of the refurbished recreation center and rent it for weddings or other events.

“It’s about serving the beach and continuing to have a library out there,” said Hibbard.

Source : http://www.tbnweekly.com/

Name gives motel a Florida feel

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:23:00 +0000

The city of Clearwater's first motel is celebrating the beginning of its 61st year.

Tucked between the Belleview Biltmore and Morton Plant Hospital on South Fort Harrison Avenue, Gangelhoff’s Summerside Inn, formerly known as “Gangelhoff’s Delux Motel,” is one of the few family-owned establishments in the city.

It is an old-time Florida motel with shuffleboard, pool and clean, well-kept rooms and it offers visitors a rich mix of friendly accommodations and local history.

The story goes that Fred and Hilda Gangelhoff left the bitter Minnesota cold in 1947 for sunny Clearwater. Daughter Lil Howard remembers the beginning.

“My parents had traveled in the west and they had seen new types of hotels for motorists called ‘motels.’ They noticed that there were no motels in Clearwater, just cottage courts. So they bought this property, moved out all the cottage courts that were here and moved the family – six children – down here.”

Howard said that the family spent their summers at their family owned resort in Minnesota, but the six young Gangelhoffs spent fall and winters at the Clearwater motel working around the property and attending South Ward Elementary and Clearwater High Schools.

“I’ve got lots of happy memories,” she says. “We had people coming from all over the country year after year. Once one of the golf pros from the Belleview Biltmore who was waiting for the hotel to open for the season was staying here. He lost his big diamond ring. Everyone looked all over for it, but I was the one who found it. He was very grateful. It was a big thing in my life,” she said.

Yvonne Silcox, a Gangelhoff granddaughter and her husband Joseph, are the new owners. She said they changed the name to give the old motel a new, fresh and modern sound.

“‘Summerside Inn’ sounds warm, friendly and Florida like,” she said.

Silcox notes that regulars still come every year to take advantage of the location, short distance to the beach, restaurants and shopping.

“Our typical customers are families and people from about 40 to 70 who are snow birds, visiting in the area or have someone at Morton Plant,” she said.

There are also new touches at Gangelhoff’s Summerside Inn. The owners have renovated the rooms and now have high speed Internet and cable. Other plans include a grill area around the pool and possibly a Jacuzzi. They are also considering the feasibility of shuttle service to the airport and to the hospital.

Silcox said that her children are following in the family tradition.

“We’re into the third generation. Just like my generation and their grandmother, our kids help out at the motel and attend local schools.”

Source : http://www.tbnweekly.com/

Strong Buyer’s Market Continues in Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:44:00 +0000

A recent report by the Florida Association of Realtors suggests that for the month of November 2007, Orlando saw a 35% decline in sales of single-family homes compared with November 2006, while condo sales plumeted by a massive 55%. Orlando condo sales were a meagre 125, down from 276 sold in November 2006 (already a bad year!). Condo VultureMedian condo prices fell 18% from $172 to $140.5

Statewide, sales dropped by 29% with a median sales price of $186,700, a drop of 9% from $204,500 in November 2006.

All of which suggests that the strong Florida buyer’s market is likely to continue at least into the first half of 2008. Something I’m noticing for 2008 that has the potential to drastically reduce inventory, is the trend for desperate developers to sell off their entire inventory at 50-60c on the $$ to investors who convert the conversions back to rental - and hold. Our business in this area grows daily and I expect it to have a serious impact on the number of condos available for sale by the end of 2008 - which will start to drive prices up again. 2008 could go down as the year of the Great Condo Sell-off. If you’ve been waiting around for rock bottom pricing - I’d start moving, because when the vulture-investors start grabbing condos by the bucket load, you know that’s exactly where we are.

Source : http://www.condometropolis.com/

Boca's Eden condo project may become homes for seniors

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:25:00 +0000

Boca Raton - The much-troubled and partly built Boca Raton Eden condo project, once billed as a luxury development, may turn into homes for seniors and an assisted living facility.

Ceebraid-Signal Corp. teamed with Atlanta-based Parc Senior Communities to finish the project that's years behind schedule and has faced financial difficulties. They submitted a plan to City Hall on Dec. 21 showing that they want to change the four-building, 248-unit condo project into 193 senior residences and 82 assisted living units.

That has the residents who moved into the project's one finished building fuming.

"This is not what I spent a half-million dollars for," said Seid Bernard, who attended a city meeting Wednesday to review the developer's latest plans.

Adam Schlesinger, vice president of Ceebraid in West Palm Beach, declined to comment Wednesday.

Angry residents have turned to City Hall for help even though the city can't control what the builders do with the project as long as they follow city rules.

For the developers to build the assisted living facility, they need city approval for a rule change since it's not allowed under current zoning regulations. That may give the city some leverage in wringing added concessions from the developers.

In September, skeptical City Council members granted a two-year extension on Eden's building permits. They agreed to a third extension as long as the developers stick to a stringent schedule. So far Ceebraid and Parc have complied with the city's requests.

Bernard lives in the five-story building that stands next to three hulking, gray building skeletons that the developers boarded up on city orders. He said he would move if Ceebraid paid him today's market price for a downtown Boca Raton condo. The developers have offered those who closed on their units what they paid plus some money for closing costs.

Source : http://www.ccfj.net/

Condo crash burns big, sophisticated investor, too

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:26:00 +0000

It's not just schoolteachers, bartenders and other real estate amateurs who got burned by the condo crash. Some big, seemingly sophisticated investors are taking hits, too.

Condo converter Tarragon Corp. (Nasdaq: TARR) of New York just unloaded the 311-unit Floresta Apartments at 400 Via Royale in Jupiter for a hefty 28 percent loss.

Tarragon bought the complex for $83.95 million in February 2006, just after the condo boom ended. It sold the apartments this month for $60.25 million, according to property records.

The buyer was TGM Associates, which paid Tarragon $71 million for an apartment complex in Abacoa in October.

Tarragon has been in the midst of a nationwide fire sale. It said last month that it expected to write off $350 million as a result of the falling values of its properties.

Shares in Tarragon have plunged from more than $20 in early 2006 to less than $2 now.

***

More evidence of a slowing commercial real estate market: An $80 million deal for Vista Business Park west of West Palm Beach has fallen through.

When owner Steve McCraney contacted institutional investors this summer about selling the 500,000-square-foot industrial complex and two smaller warehouse parks, the offering was expected to be a home run that would net $100 million, thanks to a white-hot industrial market. What a difference a few months make.

"We're back to a real market," McCraney said last week.

The winning bidder's financing recently fell through, and McCraney said he's talking to other bidders. Belvedere Business Park in Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast Commerce Center in Martin County no longer are part of the package.

McCraney described himself as "an ambivalent seller." After all, he bought the land cheap and enjoys high occupancy rates.

"If it doesn't sell, we're great with that," he said.

But with residential real estate faltering, brokers say potential bidders are taking a harder look at McCraney's tenants and realizing that many of their fortunes are tied to the housing market.

The housing slump "is affecting everybody," said Randall Greene of Palm Beach Gardens-based Catalfumo Construction and Development. "There's even a spillover into the Class A office market."

***

When German firm Biotest Pharmaceuticals paid $185 million for Nabi Biopharmaceuticals on Dec. 4, it also bought Nabi's real estate at Arvida Park of Commerce in Boca Raton.

Biotest paid Nabi $30.3 million for 23 acres at 5800 and 5900 Park of Commerce Blvd., according to property records. That price was part of the $185 million deal, Nabi told the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

***

Has Callery-Judge Grove's 3,500 acres in the middle of Palm Beach County escaped the plunge in property values? One appraiser thinks so.

Gyrodyne Co. of America (Nasdaq: GYRO), the St. James, N.Y., company that owns 10.93 percent of Callery-Judge Grove, said this month that an appraiser it hired valued the land at $205 million as of June 2007.

That's down only 0.36 percent from a 2006 estimate by the same company, Pinal Appraisal Services, Gyrodyne said.

Source : http://www.palmbeachpost.com/

Clearwater Beach to St. Petersburg Beach -- Homes and Condos for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 11:02:00 +0000

Just west of Tampa in Pinellas County you will find Florida's West Coast Barrier Islands. These islands have some of the most electric communities to be found among beach communities world-wide. They include Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, Sand Key, Belleair Beach, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach.

These areas are blessed with sandy beaches and natural unspoiled landscapes with clear, sparkling Gulf waters, a subtropical climate, and an abundance of glorious Florida sunshine -- 365 days a year!

Pinellas County's barrier islands are accessed via causeways and bridges and each community has its own unique flavor. Because of the mix of many different cultures, foods, music, and entertainment, life on these islands varies from one island to the next. You can find everything from a relaxed escape from the usual rat race of everyday life, to the exhilarating hip-grinding beats of the live music being played at the clubs.

The island of Sand Key is just one of the many different communities you will find here. Sand Key is mostly a residential location of townhouses, homes, and luxury high rise condominiums. This island community does offer shopping and restaurants as well, housing two major hotels on its north end. This is a place to slow down and take the time to truly enjoy the simpler things in life. For the more adventurous, there is the Sand Key County Park, and nearby Clearwater Sailing center that provides for various recreational activities.

Clearwater Beach is another of Florida's Barrier Islands. Clearwater Beach is 4 miles of pristine sandy beach, and supplies visitors and residents with plenty of water and beach activities including parasailing, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing and volleyball to name just a few. Clearwater's infamous "Pier 60" has music, arts and crafts, and a daily celebration of the spectacular sunsets viewed from the pier. This community is alive with activity. They have hotels, shopping, and fine dining. Waterfront homes and condominiums are what residents can find for quality housing. A trolley is used to transport people between Clearwater beach and the mainland and also for trips to nearby Sand Key. You will find plenty of venues providing live music and you are only a short-trolley trip away from the city of Clearwater's many music and dance nightclubs.

Madeira Beach is yet another island community just off Florida's western coast. As a direct-entry point to the Gulf, you will find daily fishing, and cruising charters. This community has plenty of waterfront shops and fine dining restaurants. Residents are found living in various dwellings such as condos, apartments, and luxurious waterfront single-family homes.

Belleair Shores is a private community island with million-dollar waterfront homes. Access to this areas beach is restricted to use by residents only. There are no public access beaches in Belleair Shores. This is a community for those who desire to live in an area removed from the common everyday life found in other communities.

So if you're looking to relocate to the sunny Pinellas West Coast of Florida, and would like to move away from ordinary living, consider contacting a Tampa Bay area real estate agent to discuss the different island communities. Your real estate agent can arrange for you to tour the different Barrier Islands that populate Pinellas County Florida's West Coast, so that you can discover the community that offers the lifestyle and housing options that are right for you. Your real estate representative can assist you in finding the financing to buy your new property as well. These friendly, knowledgeable real estate agents are also a good resource for all of the information that you will need in order to make your transition to becoming a Florida resident a smooth as possible.

Source : http://ezinearticles.com/

Clearwater Offers a Beach for Every Mood

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:04:00 +0000

Clearwater, Florida is home to sun-kissed beaches and sparkling blue waters that make up some of America’s best rated beaches. Surf shops, ice cream parlors, outdoor beach bars and more can be found along the beautiful shores of Clearwater. From energetic and activity filled to secluded and romantic there is a beach for you everyone in Clearwater.

With its wide, white sand shores and clear blue waters, Clearwater Beach has been consistently ranked as the best city beach on the Gulf by Conde Nast Travler and the Number 1 beach in the Gulf region by “Dr. Beach*.” Gulf Boulevard runs along the shoreline and separates Clearwater Beach from a wide variety of restaurants, shops and accommodations. Pier 60 is located on Clearwater Beach and is an entertainment hot spot offering live music, handmade souvenirs and kid-friendly entertainment.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

Known as “Mad Beach” to locals, Madeira Beach provides plenty of aquatic fun with great fishing spots, sightseeing boats and even watching dolphins as they playfully swim. Treasure Island is a wide stretch of beach with soft tan sand and warm air filled with kites and the smell of sun tan lotion. Build a sand castle with the kids, splash around in the sparkling Gulf of Mexico and then walk up to a beach bar for a refreshing cocktail. Or visit John’s Pass Village, a unique shopping destination that separates Maderia Beach and Treasure Island.

For a laid back day of lounging, sipping drinks at outdoor bars and sampling fresh seafood at charming restaurants Sunset Beach is a favorite option. Pass-a-Grille Beach is another Clearwater beach that provides a relaxing atmosphere and is tucked away from the rest of the world. Lovebirds will want to enjoy romantic moments on Redington Shores Beach. Bring some friends and a fishing pole to Redington Shores Beach to enjoy the fishing pier that extends 1,021 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and stays open 24 hours a day.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

To the north of Clearwater is Caladesi Island, one of the few completely natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Caladesi Island was ranked the Number 2 beach in the nation by Dr. Beach in 2006 and is a beach lover’s paradise. From swimmers and sunbathers to nature enthusiasts and those looking for romantic seclusion Caladesi Island provides soft white sands, fun activities and tranquility for all.

Located at the southern tip of St. Petersburg is Fort De Soto which was ranked by Dr. Beach as the nation’s Number 1 beach in 2005. This beautiful peninsula beach attracts locals from the Clearwater and St. Petersburg area as well as visitors from around the world. Fort De Soto has everything from paved bike trails, large picnic pavilions and a fishing pier to snack bars, campgrounds and a military fort that has been transformed into a museum.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

For the ultimate beach retreat take a relaxing boat or ferry ride to Shell Key. Explore miles of undeveloped beaches while searching for unique shells and sand dollars. Be sure to bring your sunscreen and lots of water since shade on Shell Key is limited. Also bring your camera to snap shots of native and migratory birds that can be found nesting on this peaceful beach.

Miles of soft white sand and sparkling water make it easy to see why the beaches of Clearwater continue to be ranked as some of the best in Florida and in the nation. Endless water activities, building sand castles with the kids and enjoying romantic strolls along the coastline is what Clearwater, Florida is all about.
Experience America’s Top Rated Beaches in Clearwater

Source : http://www.bookit.com/

Home-Sale Numbers, Prices Continue Slide In Florida, Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 11:57:00 +0000

The number of existing single-family homes sold in October in the Tampa area fell 30 percent, compared with a year ago, and the median price took another beating, sliding 7 percent.

Despite the declines, there was a blip of good news.

The median sales price for existing homes in the Tampa metro area rose by 4 percent in October, compared with the previous month, according to data released Wednesday by the Florida Association of Realtors.

The median sales price in October for a single-family home was $209,000. That's up from $200,700 in September. The median is the point at which half the homes sold for more and half for less.

But home sellers shouldn't get too optimistic. Economists typically look at year over year comparisons to assess the real estate market, and the Bay area's October median price dropped 7 percent compared with October 2006 when the median price was $225,800. The yearlong drop is in keeping with the recent trend of falling home prices.

Still, it's refreshing to see a positive change, said Brenda Wade, a real estate agent with Signature Realty in Brandon. However, she warns not to read too much into the jump in the median sales price between September and October.

"Buyers may be spending the same amount of money, but they're getting a lot more home for their money," Wade said. She noted that some of her sellers have dropped prices by as much as tens of thousands.

Wednesday's home sales data comes on the heels of a report released Tuesday that showed Tampa leading the nation in yearlong price declines. The Standard & Poor's Case Shiller Home Price Index showed September prices dropped 11.1 percent, compared with the same month last year.

Mike Larson, an analyst with Weiss Research in Jupiter, said the increase in the median sales price in October may be mildly encouraging to sellers, but he doesn't expect a trend.

"I think it's just a little noise in the numbers," he said. "The bigger story is still intact."

Larson predicts housing prices in the Tampa area will fall 5 percent to 10 percent more before the price slide ends and the market starts to improve in late 2008.

The number of single-family home sales in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area dropped 30 percent to 1,700 in October, the Florida Realtors group said.

Wade said clients who purchased homes in 2004 or earlier generally are making money when they sell, but those who purchased in 2005 or later are having trouble getting any significant appreciation. Buyers who purchased in 2006 typically are losing money if they sell now, she said.

Statewide, Florida saw an 8 percent drop in median price to $222,100 and a 29 percent drop in the number of sales in October, compared with the same month last year.

In other Florida cities, the price and sales trends were similar:

•In Miami, home prices remained essentially flat year over year with a median price of $354,800. The number of sales fell 33 percent.

•In Orlando, prices dropped 11 percent to $238,500, and the number of sales fell 36 percent.

•In the Sarasota-Brandenton area, prices dropped 5 percent to a median of $263,900, and sales fell 17 percent.

Nationally, sales of existing homes fell for the eighth consecutive month in October, with median home prices falling by a record amount. Analysts blamed the worsening housing slump on the credit crunch that hit in August.

The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing single-family homes and condominiums dropped by 1.2 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.97 million units.

The median price of a home sold last month declined to $207,800, a drop of 5.1 percent from a year ago, the biggest year-over-year price decline on record.

Analysts blamed the October weakness on the fallout from a serious credit crunch that roiled financial markets. Banks and other lenders have tightened credit standards in response to soaring defaults, especially on subprime mortgages, loans provided to borrowers with weak credit histories.

Source : http://www2.tbo.com/

The Allure Of Clearwater Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:11:00 +0000

What immediately comes to mind when you begin thinking of Clearwater, Florida? Do you think about the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico? Do you think of time spent relaxing on the sand with your family, making a quick trip to Busch Gardens with the kids for a day of thrills? Do you consider a region that is so beautiful that it's the destination for many destination wedding, or do you think of travel to the Sandpearl Resort?

If you enjoy the time that you've spent at the Sandpearl Resort and are thinking about making Clearwater, Florida your home, why not consider the Sandpearl Residences? At the Sandpearl Residences, you'll find that you're able to take advantage of all of the area's natural beauty - clear blue water and white sand beaches - as well as the modern conveniences that you want to have in a home.

Of course, your convenience doesn't mean that your home at the Sandpearl Residences will have had a negative impact on the environment around you: the properties have been designed to be environmentally sound, eco-friendly and energy efficient. The new luxury homes available at the Sandpearl Residences were designed for those who wanted to enjoy the best of what the area has to offer - whether you choose to make a condo at the Sandpearl Residences your year round home or to have the property as a place where you can vacation, you'll know that there's nothing missing from the experience.

First, there are the views. Stretching in each direction, views from the
Sandpearl Residences include long stretches of white sand beach and blue water - reminding residents of the beauty of Clearwater and the allure of the community. Then, of course, there's the interior of each condominium home within the development - an interior that varies depending on your choices.

You'll find homes with three bedrooms and a wide-open floor plan if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for a place that's a bit smaller, consider choosing a two bedroom home with an outside terrace or, if you would rather spend time on the beach than looking at the sand and sea, consider a two bedroom interior unit.

Regardless of you needs, regardless of what you want to find in your home, you'll discover that the Sandpearl Residences offer high ceilings, tinted and laminated glass, granite countertops throughout the kitchen and bath, control over the temperature, premium appliances and more. You'll also find that the developers will work with you to customize your home with various colors, finishes and materials.

In other words, you'll find that your home at the Sandpearl Residences is likely to be as unique as you are, while still offering all of the comforts and amenities that you would expect to find in a luxury condominium. Sit back and enjoy the beauty without having to travel far from home; when you live at the Sandpearl Residences, you're likely to find that you have access to everything you want - and it won't take long to understand why others dream of visiting Clearwater, Florida.

Source : http://vacationrentals.vrwd.com/

Buying Real Estate in Clearwater, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 12:04:00 +0000

This is actually a very good time to buy real estate in Clearwater, Florida. Pricing has come down up to 25% with many properties.

There was the insane run up in prices from 2004-2006, but that run up has caused buyers to stay away from the market. Sure, there are still sales. But, the sales volume is down around 30%.

Buyers of real estate are always skiddish when they believe prices are going to drop even lower. That is understandable, but keep this in mind: when sellers find out that the bottom has been reached and prices are starting to rise again - they will not be very willing to take a bit hit on their price.

One major difference between buyng real estate in a buyer's market and buying stocks - you can always bid lower than the asking price. I have seen a seller with an asking price of 1 million, accept 790K. Real estate is really a market driven commodity.

In Clearwater, Florida it is no different. Now is an excellent time to grab a piece of Clearwater Beach. There are so many properties for sale - you can almost name your price.

Here is another real example: I know someone well that has a condo for sale in the luxury Belle Harbor on Clearwater Beach. The condo next to hers was purchased about 2 years ago for 1.4M. The view on that one was somewhat better, so he figured his was worth 1.2-1.3M. He started trying to sell it for about 1M about 1 year ago. Now he is down to 712K and will probably take less.

I hope you see that now is a much better time to buy real estate than stocks. The stock market is not likely to go up another 20% in the next year or two. Real estate really can be a good investment, if you buy low enough.

Source : http://www.articles-hub.com/

Fun Meets Inspiration in St. Petersburg/Clearwater

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:52:00 +0000

What do jellyfish eat? Why are stingrays flat? After my 8-year-old nephew asked those and other questions that I couldn't answer, I came to a realization. If I was going to be his favorite aunt, I needed professional help – experts who could answer his questions, activities that challenged him and places he could be anything he wanted.

Fortunately, all of these things were in my grasp on Florida's Gulf Coast. The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is famous for its calm, kid-safe Gulf waters (like you'll find around top-rated Fort De Soto Park) and for its fun family activities (like the nightly sunset festival at Clearwater Beach's Pier 60). But the area has much more to offer, too: attractions and activities that will entertain kids of all kinds, and stimulate and shape who they become.

Budding biologists
You've seen them on TV and in aquariums, but it doesn't compare to seeing dolphins surface beside your boat. Amateur biologists can accompany a pro on Clearwater Marine Aquarium's Sea Life Safari Nature Cruise and learn about marine life. Back at the aquarium, don't miss Winter the dolphin, who gained global fame after being rescued from a crab trap. She lost her tail but has managed – amazingly – to survive under the aquarium's care. The dolphin has received a prosthetic tail from a local prosthetics company, and the aquarium has developed a program that brings disabled children and amputees to visit the dolphin for inspiration.

If you can't get enough of dolphins, take a thrilling ride aboard the Dolphin Racer in St. Pete Beach or sail among the beloved mammals on a quiet luxury yacht cruise from Dolphin Landings on St. Pete Beach. Want your own boat? Kayak the sunny channels and shady mangrove tunnels of Fort De Soto Park and look for wildlife.

One of Florida's oldest residents, the American Alligator, prefers freshwater and you may likely spot one gliding across Lake Maggiore at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg. An interactive exhibit there teaches about the wildlife and vegetation you can see along the preserve's paths. For a colorful biology lesson, visit historic Sunken Gardens, where velvety wings fill the air inside the butterfly garden.

Adventurous explorers
Kids of all ages love ghost towns, and one with a beach is a recipe for hearty adventure and sweet relaxation. Wander the empty brick streets and let the kids climb ruins of the fort on Egmont Key, then hang out on its pristine beaches. The island at the mouth of Tampa Bay held a fort and town of 300 during the early 20th century. Today it crawls with box turtles and is still home to a working lighthouse. A ferry runs daily from Fort De Soto Park.

About the only thing that can compete with a ghost town is a ghost tale. By the light of a lantern, a hooded storyteller with Ghost Tours of St. Petersburg leads the intrepid through the shadows of St. Petersburg's supernatural history. Older kids are more likely to appreciate the history and not be too frightened. If you prefer the daylight, take the family on a fun-filled Segway tour of the St. Petersburg waterfront.

For other more scientific and cultural explorations, voyage on a sponge boat with the St. Nicholas' Boat Line in Tarpon Springs, or let the kids learn how to build a tree house (and climb to one) at Great Explorations, the Children's Museum adjacent to Sunken Gardens.

Future sports players
Whether they're aspiring athletes or simply sports fans, there are plenty of venues for kids to get their game on. Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Devil Rays, not only gives kids a chance to watch the baseball pros but also has things to amuse them if they get restless. Kids can take swings against computer images of Major League pitchers or touch the smooth skin of a live Manta Ray swimming in the Rays Touch Tank.

Kids awe as the nation's top volleyball players spike the ball on Clearwater Beach. The nets aren't just for pros. Bring your own ball and sunscreen for a family game.

For a little nostalgia and a break on the wallet, try the retro-style St. Pete Shuffle downtown. Listen to music, enjoy the warm weather and play that classic game of shuffleboard – all for free.

Playing pirate
There are pirates in these waters, and they might just be your kids – at least for a couple of hours. The crew on The Pirate Ship at John's Pass Village & Boardwalk and Capt. Memo's Pirate Cruise on Clearwater Beach indulge kids' swashbuckling fantasies as mom and dad relax to the backdrop of a Gulf cruise and possibly a sunset. Young pirates can get their faces painted, have water gun battles and hunt for treasure. Another pirate ship, The Treasure Seeker, offers air-conditioned cruises departing from The Pier in St. Petersburg.

And when the kids just want to relax and be kids, there's always the beach and the business of building sandcastles, collecting seashells and bobbing in the waves.

Source : http://www.visitflorida.com/

St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 10:57:00 +0000

This area has 35 miles of powder-white barrier island beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. From undeveloped, isolated island hideaways to wide, soft city beaches, you find exactly what you want in this slice of Florida. Area beaches have won many awards for everything from sand quality to environmental management. Whether you are in town for a quiet respite or can’t wait to catch some waves, you are in the right place.

Anclote Key State Park
A picturesque 1887 federal lighthouse standsstands lookout on the southern end of the island's four-mile beach while ospreys nest in the pines throughout the island. Six distinct biological communities provide habitat for dozens of species of birds including bald eagles. Anclote Key is an excellent swimming area and provides a perfect area for nature study. The island is accessible only by boat, but you can catch a ride from the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs.

Fred Howard Park
Located in north Pinellas County on the Gulf of Mexico, this 150-acre family park features a 1,000-foot public beach. A mile-long causeway connects the swimming area with the mainland. It’s a good spot to windsurfing or to watch others who are.

Sunset Beach
This small city-run park in Tarpon Springs features a quiet, sheltered waterway in the north end of Pinellas County. The light surf and constant breeze makes this a perfect area for windsurfing or sunset watching.

Honeymoon Island State Park
Both sandy and rocky shores line this state park. Wildlife is abundant, and two bird observation areas and nature trails offer plenty of opportunities to see osprey and other native Florida wildlife. Sunbathing, shelling, swimming, fishing and picnicking are

Caladesi Island State Park
Named by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman (Dr. Beach) as the second best beach in the United States in 2006, Caladesi is a pristine island only accessible by boat. Enjoy the three-mile nature trail that winds through the island’s interior. Ferries depart hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island. Spend your day shelling, picnicking, swimming or scuba diving.

Clearwater Beach/Pier 60 Park
This wide beach of sugar-fine sand draws volleyball players, sun worshippers and swimmers. In other words, this is where the action is. Pier 60 Park features a recreation complex on Clearwater's expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing and concessions. Come visit Pier 60 for festivals, concerts, entertainment, and most of all, beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunsets.

Sand Key Park
With a half-mile of powder-white sand and gorgeous blue water, Sand Key Park is consistently rated among the top beaches in the Unites States. Hosting mostly families, the 90-acre park includes picnic shelters, restrooms and plenty of parking.

Bellaire Beach
This beach is the beginning of a narrow strip of gulf-side communities surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. Belleair Beach offers several public beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. The largest site is at Morgan Street. The Belleair Causeway, a popular place to windsurf and kayak, connects Belleair Beach to the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area mainland.
Indian Rocks Beach
Indian Rocks Beach features wide, flat, white-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and is accessible by more than 20 beach access points along Gulf Boulevard. The public access park is conveniently located near several restaurants and shops.

Indian Shores
Indian Shores includes a fishing pier and access to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. The beachside sanctuary is the largest wild bird hospital in the United States and cares for more than 500 birds at a time. Public beach access is north of Park Boulevard. Tiki Gardens park is the most popular beach access point in the area and features ample parking, restrooms and showers.

Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach
Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach are relatively quiet neighborhood beaches known for three fishing piers. Public beach access points are available throughout the area.

Madeira Beach
A favorite among tourists and locals, this wide,sandy beach is packed on weekends with families and singles, both young and old. At the southern end is John's Pass Village. This cozy, turn-of-the-19th century fishing village is a world apart in rustic charm. There are several beach access points, the largest being at the County Park, which is a 1-½-acre site featuring 450 feet of beach, ample parking, restrooms and showers.

Treasure Island
This big, wide, community beach has abundant sea shells on its white shores, which are often jamming with sports, concerts and cooking and crafts shows. A playground and three public boat ramps are also on site. There are six public access points.

St. Pete Beach
Set on seven-mile Long Key, which also contains the community of Pass-a-Grille and the renowned Don Cesar Hotel, St. Pete Beach offers wide swaths of shelly sand and usually calm waters, making this a popular family hangout and is an ideal place for a long walk. Water sports abound on these five-miles of soft sand. Public access, restrooms and showers are available at Upham Beach.

Pass-a-Grille Beach
The first established town on Florida's West Coast barrier islands, Pass-A-Grille retains its historic charm. The area has no
tall buildings and the beach is wide. The two-block-wide peninsula features inns, stores and restaurants. There is parking along the beach, and showers and restrooms are located near the center of town.

Shell Key
This island features dynamic sand dunes and beaches. Shell Key remains one of the last pristine barrier islands in Florida, providing ideal habitat for more than 100 species of nesting, migrating and wintering seabirds and shorebirds. Its beach offers excellent shelling and sunbathing opportunities. Located near Tierra Verde just north of Ft. DeSoto Park, this island is accessible only by boat. You can catch a ride from St. Pete Beach.

Fort De Soto Park
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, also known as Dr.Beach, ranked Fort De Soto Park the number one beach in the continental United States in 2005. A historic fort built during the Spanish-American War is located on Mullet Key, the largest of the five islands making up this unique area that features fishing piers, kayak rentals, rollerblading and biking trails, camping areas and 900 unspoiled acres including seven miles of wide, white-sand beaches.

Egmont Key
This 440-acre island wildlife refuge was once a camp for captured Seminoles and, later, a Civil War Navy Base. Accessible only by boat, this island is recognized by its 1858 lighthouse and the ruins of Fort Dade. Daily tours to the island are offered from Ft. DeSoto, St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and John's Pass.

Source : http://www.visitflorida.com/

Clearwater Florida Vacation Condos| Ho! Ho! Ho! It Is Not Snowing on Clearwater Beach!

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:25:00 +0000

Clearwater Florida Condo Buyers Planning on a White Christmas

For all our Snowbird and Cold Weather Friends we just wanted to say we’re dreaming of a white Christmas but “Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Not Snowing on Clearwater Beach!” – just sugar white sand everyday!

Okay, all of you folks living up north you need to look at the picture below a friend just sent me and realize what your winter will look like

soon, and it’s not too late to pick up the phone and call us to buy your winter home in hot and sunny Clearwater, Florida.

So it’s your choice – another cold winter shoveling snow in Canada, New York, Michigan and other destinations north of here or get your request into Santa… “I want a warm tropical beach house or condo in Clearwater Beach, Sand Key or Island Estates Florida (I’m not picky) for Christmas this year”, a place where kids use shovels and buckets to build sand castles not to get out the front door.

There’s never been a better time to buy your piece of paradise. Did we mention it was 78 degrees here today and it’s December?

Update from our friend Elaine Reese, a leading REALTOR in Worthington Ohio – who shared it’s snowing in Ohio and the Murph, her dog, is NOT dreaming of a white Christmas – he’s ready for Spring Break!

If you have been following our blog articles, you will know we can get you in a condo bargain for under $150,000, so what are you waiting for?

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

Clearwater, Florida: "A Great Place to Live"

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:33:00 +0000

The Clearwater Florida / Greater Tampa Bay region, including St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Tampa, Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, is among the top 10 expanding real estate markets in the United States.

If you are planning to invest in real estate or move to a great year-round location, consider the Clearwater Florida area. The median sales price in the area rose 29 percent in the third quarter of 2005. Incredibly, it is still lower-priced than the majority of Florida coast property, so there is time to take advantage of investment opportunities.

Focus on redevelopment

As Clearwater moves into the new millennium, members of the community have united to focus on redevelopment. Dramatic changes are visible along key roadways, in neighborhoods, along the beach, and in the expanding downtown area.

Located in the center of Pinellas County, Clearwater offers unique opportunities to residents and businesses to redevelop historical buildings and rejuvenate an already dense area.

The Memorial Causeway, a scenic palm-lined highway, connects the city’s mainland with Clearwater Beach and its three miles of white sand beaches directly on the Gulf of Mexico.

Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County and one of the largest cities in the rapidly growing Tampa Bay metropolitan area.

Clearwater: Better place to live, work and play

By taking full advantage of Clearwater’s many strengths and resources, residents and visitors will find the city a better place to live, work and play.

Clearwater is a progressive city that is committed to enhancing residents' lives while preserving a heritage that is rich in culture and exquisite in landscape. Here you'll find everything you could expect from a tropical paradise - and much more.

The Clearwater area was named for its abundant fresh springs along the shore. Settled by colonists in the mid-1830s, it was not until the 1890s that Clearwater gained a reputation as a resort community. Today, fun 'n sun lovers still come from around the world, and although Clearwater is a great spot to get away, it's an even better place to live. Our community is friendly and socially responsive, and our City government is economically active and environmentally conscious.

Clearwater: Cost of living below national average

Pinellas County is the most economical place to live in Florida and the entire Southeast United States, according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index.

The composite index for Florida cities shows the current Clearwater - St. Petersburg area cost of living is 6% Below the National Average. According to ACCRA, the area's cost of living is below the national average, with Clearwater - St. Petersburg reporting a 93.9% cost of living, 6% below the national average.

Factors included in measuring living costs are housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, health, and miscellaneous goods and services.

Source : http://www.highpointrealtycorp.com/

Clearwater Florida BEACH WALK

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 06:20:00 +0000

...a winding beachside promenade with lush landscaping, artistic touches and clear views to Clearwater's award-winning beach and the water beyond, a place where bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians all have safe and convenient access and where visitors and locals can socialize, dine, play games, or simply enjoy the spectacular sun and surf.
This is Beach Walk

Five years in development, Beach Walk is designed to revitalize the community that surrounds Clearwater's popular south beach destination, which has played host to generations of visitors from all over the world. Part of the city's "Beach by Design" plan, it has already played a vital role in attracting new hotel development to the beach in a time when many older hotels are being converted into condominiums, threatening our community's tourism industry.

The project will transform the look and feel of south Clearwater Beach and bring new vitality to the area, providing a setting that complements the beauty of the true destination: our pristine, white beaches.
Why Beach Walk

Tourism is Clearwater's number one industry, and the beach is at the center of the tourism. City and tourism officials recognized that, in order to meet the expectations of visitors in the new millennium, there was a need to improve the atmosphere surrounding our beautiful beaches. With more permanent residences going up on the beach, it was important, too, to preserve overnight accommodations for the millions of visitors who come back year after year.

Beach Walk is designed to bring visitors closer to the beach and provide an environment that will draw new hotel, retail, entertainment and restaurant business for out-of-town visitors, residents, and day trippers. Already, several new hotel projects are in development in part because of the improvements promised by Beach Walk.

Modern amenities and a true "beachside experience" is what Beach Walk is all about. It will set Clearwater apart as a destination for Tampa Bay, the region, and the world. In short, Beach Walk is the future of tourism in Clearwater.

Source : http://www.myclearwater.com/

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Clearwater Florida Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Ranjan Chauhan) — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 04:23:00 +0000

Clearwater is the area's second-largest city covering much of the northern half of the Pinellas Peninsula including the barrier islands that make up Clearwater Beach. There are hundreds of clearwater real estate available Clearwater homes for sale. Clearwater is known for its miles of white sand beaches, accommodations, shopping, casual beach restaurants, breathtaking sunsets, and highly valuable Clearwater Florida real estate. Looking for Clearwater Homes? Search the MLS here. Find Clearwater subdivisions here.

Officially designated the Best City Beach in the Gulf region by the nation's foremost beach expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Clearwater Beach features public parking and a host of facilities at Pier 60 Park. Pier 60 facilities include beach showers, concession stands, clean restrooms, volleyball nets on the beach and the largest beach playground in the area. Pier 60 also hosts a nightly Sunset Festival with live music, artisans and entertainment as the sun sets into the Gulf of Mexico.

The largest fishing fleet belongs to the Clearwater Municipal Marina housing around 50 commercial boats for diving, fishing, sailing, parasailing, sightseeing, dolphin watching and more. Clearwater is home to more than 250 hotels and motels including many Superior Small Lodging properties. It is also home to some of the countries finest corporations including Fortune 500 distributor of PC hardware and software Tech Data.

History of Clearwater
Long ago, Clearwater was the site of Fort Harrison where wounded soldiers healed after fighting Indians on the Florida frontier. The United States Army began the fort in 1841 during the Second Seminole War. The fort closed in less than six months and the area was opened to settlers. The city was incorporated in 1891 and now has a population of 101,830. There are plenty of affordable homes for sale in Clearwater, please contact us for more details.

Clearwater is the crown jewel of Pinellas County and one of the most popular vacation spots in Florida. This one fact makes Clearwater Florida Real Estate so valuable. With its world-renowned white sand beaches, abundant sunshine and world class recreation areas, Clearwater enjoys a reputation as a visitor’s paradise as well as a satisfying city in which to live and work. Clearwater combines the beauty of our tropical environment with festive activities and amenities. It is a safe and fun place that values cooperation, respect, and life long learning.

Incorporated in 1891, Clearwater experienced significant growth due to the Victorian interest in healthful living. The Florida climate brought many tourists to Clearwater via Henry B. Plant’s Orange Belt Railway and they happily settled into the area permanently. Since that time, Clearwater experienced the land boom of the 1920’s and the post-war population boom in the 1940’s and 1950’s. People from all around the United States live in Clearwater and move here everyday! It's a great place to live and to raise a family.

Source: http://www.lipplyrealestate.com