Tampa Bay
Clearwater Real Estate | Clearwater Florida is a Great Place to call Home
November 25th, 2008 Categories: Clearwater Florida, Pinellas County, Tampa Bay
Welcome to Clearwater Florida – Why we love to live work and play here
Clearwater Florida – While we specialize in Clearwater Real Estate and the surrounding Pinellas County communities, we can tell you that Clearwater Florida is fabulous for more than luxury pool homes and waterfront condos with amazing waterviews and majestic sunsets. We have award winning beaches, pubic parks, great neighborhoods and more. We’d like to share some of our amazing City and area with you.
Clearwater Florida is a unique area. Most people don’t realize that in Clearwater we have the mainland and yet the city also includes Clearwater Beach | Sand Key | Island Estates on our Gulf front beaches and intercoastal waterways.There are many reasons its a fantastic place to live – starting with the fact that we enjoy at least 244 days of sunshine each year and we are bordered by beautiful blue water on two sides of us – the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa
Bay.Clearwater Florida Fun Facts from Sperling’s Best Places:
- In 2007, Clearwater is home to just under 108,000 people and in the last 7 years the city has had a population decrease of -1%.
- Clearwater’s median homes cost $305,800 and Clearwater Real Estate appreciation in 2007 has been -2.23 percent. This number also includes Clearwater Beach and the waterfront properties that bring this number up.
- Compared to the rest of the country, Clearwater’s cost of living is 2.08% Lower than the U.S. average
- Clearwater public schools spend $5,157 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 19 students per teacher in Clearwater.
- The unemployment rate in Clearwater is 2.70 percent (U.S. avg. is 4.60%). Recent job growth is Positive. Clearwater jobs have increased by 1.61 percent.
Clearwater Florida Real Estate covers 12 zip codes:
- 33755 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $219,000 – Just north of Downtown Clearwater – Old Clearwater Bay and neighborhoods along the waterfront along the mainland, along Ft Harrison from Gulf to Bay north to Sunset Point and east to Keene Road.
- 33756 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $249,500 – Just south of Downtown Clearwater Harbor Oaks and neighborhoods along the waterfront along the mainland, along Ft Harrison from Gulf to Bay south to Belleair and east to Keene Road.
- 33757 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $219,000 – covers Downtown Clearwater area
- 33758 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $230,000 – Downtown Clearwater area
- 33759 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $309,000 – from Gulf to Bay to the Courtney Campbell Causeway and the waterfront of Tampa Bay north along US19 up to Countryside.
- 33761 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $369,900 – is the northern most part of Clearwater and includes most of the area known as Countryside
- 33763 – The Average Clearwater Homes here run $209,900 – is north of Sunset Point Road along Keene Blvd before Dunedin east to US 19 and includes the Top of the World large 55+ adult neighborhood.
- 33764 – Average Clearwater Homes here run Belcher Corridor over to Tampa Bay between Gulf to Bay and Belleair and covers neighborhoods like Grovewood, Morningside, Kent Place and more
- 33765 – Average Clearwater Homes here run From Hercules to US19 from Sunset Point South to Gulf to Bay – including popular neighborhoods like Skycrest and Coachman Ridge
- 33766 – Downtown Clearwater Post Office
- 33767 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $1,050,000. All homes and condos on Clearwater Beach, Island Estates and Sand Key area including Sandpearl, Belle Harbor, Carlouel, Mandalay Beach Club, The Grande
- 33769 – Average Clearwater Homes here run $1,050,000 ( Downtown Clearwater Postal Code used on Clearwater Beach not in use)
5 Reasons We Love Living in Clearwater Florida
- Clearwater Offers an Active Lifestyle – Sports Town USA
- Clearwater has the Best Beaches – Clearwater Beach Best City Beach
- Natural Clearwater encompasses more than Beaches – Enjoy our Pristine Side
- More Fun things to Do in Clearwater
- Clearwater is Home to Great Neighbors and Neighborhoods
1. Active Lifestyle – Sports Illustrated named Clearwater Sports Town USA.
Clearwater, is a city of approximately 110,000 residents and is located just north of Tampa Bays waterfront on Floridas Gulf coast, and became ˜Sports Town USA in 2003 thanks to its investment the City of Clearwater continually makes in the quality of life of all its citizens young, old and in-between.Thousands of people of all ages participate in sports on an annual basis and with our excellent climate our town is conducive to all kinds of outdoor and sports activities all year long.The city of Clearwater’s Parks and Recreation Departments mission is to: To provide parks and recreation programs, services, facilities and beautification to benefit residents and visitors of the city of Clearwater.They serve everyone, visitors from out of town as well as our local residents. The City of Clearwater’s facilities are remarkable and includes all of the following:
- 40 neighborhood parks and
- 8 open space areas,
- 17 scenic parks,
- 14 community parks,
- 41 special-use facilities.
- Specific sporting facilities including tennis courts, baseball complexes, football fields, basketball courts, softball fields as well as bocce-ball courts, fishing piers, boat ramps, lawn-bowl courts, shuffleboard courts, horse shoe pits and
- Over 40 miles of trails for walking, biking and more.
Simply put, if it concerns recreation and you cant find it in Clearwater, it probably hasn’t been invented yet.
Clearwater Proud to have the Philadelphia Phillies and the Threshers Here The Philadelphia Phillies have held spring training in Clearwater since 1947, over 60 years – it is the 2nd longest partnership in MLB. We are also home to the Phillies minor league team the Threshers who call Bright House Field home. Its a great place to catch a game and fun the whole family will enjoy.Spring Training and Major League Baseball ˜Spring Training is at its height in March each year. Other teams in the area are the Tampa Bay Rays in St Petersburg , the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin and the New York Yankees in Tampa. Enjoy Life Long Sports in Clearwater. Finally, Clearwater Parks and Recreation supports life-long sports participation by providing avenues for customer input, as well as developing partnerships with organizations that demonstrate a strong desire to offer life long sports participation avenues. Some of these partners are:
- Clearwater Disc Golf Club,
- Golf Course operations,
- Horseshoe Club,
- Lawn Bowls Club,
- Shuffleboard Club and
- Sunrise Table Tennis Club.
The recreation-based and leisure-related attributes of the city of Clearwater stand out, and their scope in terms of delivering programs and opportunities to people at every phase of life cannot be overemphasized.
The city rightfully takes pride in its comprehensive approach to youth sports, and at the same time, Clearwater’s outlets for senior athletes are unmatched. With such an all-encompassing way of sporting life, Clearwater’s standing as an All-American sports town will undoubtedly continue flourishing will into the new millennium.
City of Clearwater Hosts the Iron-Man Tri-athalon Annually
The 2007 winner, Andy Potts won by completing the 70.3 mile course in an amazing 3 hours 42 minutes and 33 seconds – thats impressive. While they say the view only changes for the lead dog¦in this case, each man and woman, regardless of place, achieved their own personal triumph today on a typical Clearwater day in November it was 78 degrees and tenacity won over fatigue.
This is the second year in a row that the Ford Ironman 70.3 World Championship was held in Clearwater Florida and its easy to see why. Clearwater in November is the ideal place for all kinds of activities outside – just another example of why we love living here, in paradise!
2. Beach Lifestyle – Clearwater Beach Best City Beach on Gulf of Mexico
Did you know that Clearwater Beach was chosen as the Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico?
Many people don’t realize that Clearwater Beach is part of the City of Clearwater. We are proud of our award winning beach that offers plenty of recreational opportunities like jet skiing, boating, parasailing and more.We also have nature-base attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium eco-tours, shelling, private walks on the pristine north Clearwater beaches to Caladesi Island which was named the Number 1 beach in the United States in 2008 (after 2 years as #2) by Dr Stephen Leatherman (aka ˜Dr. Beach) who has been ranking Americas beaches for over 10 years.
- Clearwater Beach named Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico by Dr Beach;
- USATODAY.com readers have ranked Clearwater Beach in Top 10 US beaches;
- The Travel Channel named Clearwater the ˜Best Activity Beach in the United States;
- Conde Nast Traveler has also called Clearwater Beach ˜Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico;
- Designated a Blue Wave Beach signifying nations cleanest and safest beaches;
- Top 20 Park Beaches in the US – 2007 – Caladesi Island State Park – Dunedin, Florida by Reserve Americas Campgrounds and Outdoor Awards
- Top 25 Top Canoeing Spots in the US – 2007 – Caladesi Island State Park – Dunedin, Florida by Reserve Americas Campgrounds and Outdoor Awards
- Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Beach, Clearwater Beach and Caladesi Park were recognized National Healthy Beaches Campaign and each won the Healthy Beach Award,
- 13Pinellas County Beaches annually receive the Blue Wave Award. Given by the nonprofit Clean Beaches Council, the Blue Wave Award is Americas first national environmental beach certification program.
In Tampa Bay Florida and especially on Clearwater Beach, tourism is our major industry and plays a vital role to our local economy. Were not alone, the Clean Beaches Council explains that our United States beaches and coastal areas ˜offer unique recreation, support maritime commerce and provide jobs for coastal communities. In fact, beach tourism contributes over $640 billion annually to the US Economy (85% of all tourist revenue)
In the last 10 years there have been over 20,000 health advisories issued relating to water quality in the United States and here in the Tampa Bay area we are only too familiar with the additional impacts of storms and new construction on Pinellas County beach erosion. Every year miles of beaches are lost to beach erosion.
We’ve loved living on our beautiful Pinellas Gulf beaches and we’ve also seen many changes over the last 18 years. With more properties on the beaches and more people visiting our beaches it takes even more effort to ensure that we embrace ˜low impact living and work to ensure sustainable beaches.
Clearwater Beach now being called The Billion Dollar Beach
The City of Clearwater has a significant project underway on Clearwater Beach, Beach Walk. Its now being called the Billion Dollar Beach because it is taking 1 billion dollars of private developments, luxury hotels and condo-hotels, new high-end hotels and the City of Clearwater’s beautification program. You can already see the completion of the First Phase and from Pier 60 heading south you will see a new winding pedestrian friendly walkway with more green space and public amenities. Check it out.
3. Natural Florida – Enjoy the Pristine side of Clearwater Florida
You may not know but Florida’s attracts more than snowbirds this time of year. Florida is a bird watching mecca and Clearwater has many spots to view them.
There have been over 500 species of birds spotted in Florida along our Great Florida Bird Trail. This ˜Fowl Trail is made up of 2000 miles of self guided Florida birding along our highway trails. Yes, you read right – I said 2000 miles!!!
We have several spots here in Clearwater and along our Pinellas County highways and you might have noticed the Great Bird Trail Markers as seen below along US Highway 60 about halfway across the road connecting Clearwater to Tampa Florida. Also one of my favorite spots on the trail is in Tierra Verde Florida at Fort Desoto Park and Beach. If you stop by the rangers station they have free guides as well.
Florida has:
- 445 birding sites located throughout Florida.
- over 481 birds native to Florida;
- 12 non-natives;
- and 4 native birds that are currently on the extinction list.
Enjoy watching them from a variety of places in Clearwater including Kayaking though our Blue waterways.
Boating and Waterfront Living in Tampa Bay
Boating is part of living on the waterfront in Tampa Bay especially since we have access to Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater. We have some of the most desirable waterfront homes and condos along our waterways. We have great waters for both sailboats and powerboats. If you want to enjoy boating we have lots of different ways to enjoy boating from buying your own boat to being part of a boating club or sail boat racing team.
We even have extensive classes at the Clearwater Sailing Center and the Clearwater Power Squadron offering lots of “fun by the foot” when boating in 2008 as my friend, Shane Faunce says
Have you ever wanted to learn more about boating in and around Clearwater Florida? Now you’re in luck, the 2nd Wednesday of each month Marine-Max of Clearwater Florida offers a FREE class on boating for women called Women on the Water.
This Clearwater boating course for Women is taught by a Coast Guard certified Captain. It will include information on:
- basic marine rules in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico;
- using a marine radio when boating in Tampa Bay;
- docking a boat or yacht;
- tying nautical knots for Clearwater boaters;
Clearwater Sailing Center – teaches Sailing and Windsurfing on Sand Key
Clearwater Community Sailing Center was established to provide safe, enriching and affordable sailing opportunities to local Clearwater Florida residents and visitors, including youth, seniors, and the disabled for the benefit of the entire Clearwater community. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an experienced sailor because Clearwater Community Sailing Center has sailing instruction and sailboat rentals for everyone.
The sailing instruction is geared to all age groups, is delivered in a small group setting, and they guarantee these courses will teach you to sail safely and confidently. They will teach you everything you need to know to navigate your first dinghy or race your Laser to victory. So, if you ever wanted to learn to sail – theres now an easy way to learn!
Calling all Scuba Divers – Pinellas County has 13 Artificial Reefs
Looking to do some diving in and around Clearwater Florida? Well you’re in luck – Pinellas County Utilities has actually created 13 different artificial reef sites. They can be found as close as 3 miles offshore to up to 38 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico along Pinellas County’s shore.
The reefs for each designed to attract and support different fish. Part of the design includes different size openings to attract the types of fish. Some reef openings are designed to attract bottom dwellers like grouper, snapper, and grunt. The height of these artificial reefs attracts migratory species like mackerel, amberjack, cobia, barracuda, and baitfish.
So if you enjoy Diving – Welcome to Clearwater – we have lots of local dive shops and great places to go out diving.
Clearwater Beach Speed Boat Leaves you Screaming
Come visit us in Clearwater Beach, and experience two boat rides in one on the Sea Screamer. While you are here, ask me about how you can own a home or condo in paradise: Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates Florida.
The Sea Screamer is a 73 foot speedboat, loaded with 38-passengers, that cruises through Clearwater Harbor, Clearwater Pass, Clearwater Beach and Sand Key looking for dolphins. Once you finish the dolphin sightings, the Sea Screamer Captain takes the passengers on an exhilarating ride in the Gulf of Mexico ˜screaming past Clearwater Beaches and resorts.
4. Fun things to do in Clearwater Florida
We’ve seen how much Clearwater has to offer along our beaches and natural resources – we also have fun things to do that incorporate both in many cases. All I know is that they are lots of fun and some of the things that make living in Clearwater fabulous.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of Clearwater’s Home Town Treasurers
Looking for fun things to do around Clearwater and Clearwater Beach? Well, one of the best kept secrets around Clearwater Florida is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It is here that you interact with the dolphins, stingrays, turtles, and river otters.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Inc (CMA) is dedicated to public education, research, animal assisted therapy and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured animals. CMA is a Florida non-profit organization located on Island Estates.
So, take a break visit us in Clearwater at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium- Parents can play while the kids go to Special day adventures or in the summer they can even go to a fabulous Summer Camp.
Here are some of the many activities offered by Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
- - Summer Camp
- - Behind the Scenes Tour
- - Eco-boat tours
- - Dolphin Encounter
- - Dolphin Photo-op
- - Trainer for a Day
Theres no better way to get around Clearwater Beach than the Jolley Trolley.
Clearwater Beach’s moving landmarks is the Jolley Trolley – these open aired Trolleys are a fun and economical way to get around on Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and Island Estates. This is a great service for Clearwater beach condos and home owners from Sand Key Florida to Island Estates as well as the local tourists.
The Jolley Trolley had 2 routes covering Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, Island Estates and Downtown Clearwater. Hop aboard and see the sites in a new, fun, inexpensive way.
Clearwater Golf Courses – Public and Private
Many people will tell you the thing they find most fabulous about Clearwater is the great year round golfing on any of our many golf courses. If you find youve mastered these we have plenty more in our neighboring cities of Pinellas County.
Airco Golf Course – 13690 Stoneybrook Drive Clearwater Florida 33762 Airco Golf Course is an 18-hole championship regulation length golf course in Clearwater.
Belleview Biltmore Golf Club – 1501 Indian Rocks Road Clearwater Florida 33756 The Belleview Biltmore golf course is a popular 18-hole world class championship course, 71-Par golf course is challenging and beautiful for golfers of all abilities.
Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club 3030 McMullen Booth Road Clearwater Florida 33761Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Course is a 12-hole, Par 69 Golf Course located in mid Pinellas County with over 70 sand traps. It is also home to the Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation.
Clearwater Country Club Golf Course 525 N Betty Lane Clearwater Florida 33775. Clearwater Country Club Golf Course is a 72 Par championship golf course that opened in 1921. Is semi-private and gives discounted rates to Clearwater residents with valid Parks and Recreation card.
Countyside Country Club – Pine Course, Lake Course & Bay Course - 3001 Countryside Blvd Clearwater Florida 33761. Countryside Country Clubs has 3 private 18 hole golf courses are enjoyed by its private equity members in the Countryside area of Clearwater.
Cove Cay Country Club Golf Course 2612 Cove Cay Drive Clearwater Florida 33760
Cove Cay Golf Course is a semi-private member owned 18 hole Clearwater golf course. It is a par 70 golf course and has over 6000 yards a greens along the waterfront of Tampa Bay it offers the best of both worlds.
Feather Sound Country Club – Feather Sound Golf Course – 2201 Feather Sound Road Clearwater Florida 33762. Feather Sounds Golf Course is a private 18 hole golf course that is a Par 72 course located in the gateway of Pinellas County.
Top of the World Golf Course – 2367 World Parkway Blvd Clearwater Florida 33763. Top of the World private golf courses are enjoyed by the residents of this 55+ condo community in the heart of Clearwater and they have both 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses.
5. Clearwater is Home to Great Neighbors and Neighborhoods
Clearwater Beach Real Estate and Tampa Bay offer Priceless Sunsets
When Jack and I relocated to Tampa Bay, we were drawn to Clearwater Florida because of its world renown sugar white sand and its crystal clear water (thats where the name Clearwater actually comes from).
Quite frankly its family-friendly environment (hence the reason Clearwater Beach won best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico) was a big draw when we decided to make this our home. We found that Clearwater and the Tampa Bay area offered the perfect blend between vacationers and full time residents.
As I was writing it was reminded of what it was like when Jack and I moved from Philadelphia to our first beach house 17 years ago. We would sit on our beachfront porch each evening and joke as we watched the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico that it was like seeing a new masterpiece being painted right before our eyes – art appreciation at its best!I guess thats when we fell in love with living on the beach and the Florida lifestyle we get to enjoy every day.I still find it hard to believe that we get to ˜work as REALTORS in this beach front luxury resort community where others only get to come and visit for a short time each year as tourists or winter residents.I want to thank all our readers who continually make me stop and realize each week how beautiful our Tampa beaches and sunsets are and how lucky we are to earn a living helping buyers and sellers with Clearwater Florida Real Estate where our homes and condos have the bluest backyards. Are starting to see why we believe this is a fabulous city and a fabulous place to live?Are you ready to join us in paradise – living in Clearwater Florida where the average temperature is about 60-degrees. (Today was almost 90 degrees) You will love playing golf and tennis, the white sandy beaches, and the beautiful blue water of the Gulf of Mexico.So, if you are looking for a Clearwater vacation home, a second home to go during the winter, or want to move to Clearwater Florida, then it is time to get your piece of paradise.
Sand Key Florida – Living in Waterfront Luxury – Sand Key Condos – Sand Key Real Estate
Sand Key Florida is home to Finest Luxury beachfront Condos in Clearwater, home to Beach Wildlife and home to some of the Finest Beaches in the US – its up to all of us to work together to sustain and protect all of them for the future.
We get to enjoy our amazing Clearwater beaches and Sand Key Park here year-round:
- Sand Key Beach is home to fine sugar white sand and a large wide beach thats great for building sandcastles or just relaxing in the sun;
- Sand Key has Clean and Healthy Beaches – you’ll find water clear enough to snorkel in right off shore;
- We have lots of wildlife and Sand Key Park is part of the Great Florida Bird Trail – enjoy a wide variety of birds;
- There are currently 2 Turtle nests also found on the south end of the beach – for the endangered turtles;
- Jet Skis and Para-sailing is also available here;
- You can snorkel right off shore and we have great diving a ways out in the gulf
- But nothing can beat the private beaches you can experience below
Clearwater Beach Real Estate – Clearwater Beach Condos
- Sandpearl Condos
- Mandalay Beach Club Condos
- Belle Harbor Condos
- Regatta Beach Club condos
- Chateaux White Sands condos
- 440 West Condos
- Aqualea Condo – hotel
Clearwater Beach Real Estate – Sand Key Condos
- Ultimar
- Sand Key Condo South
- The Grande
- Cresent Beach Club
- Dans Island Condos
- Harborage Condos
- Bella Rosa Condos
- Lighthouse Towers Condos
- Cabana Club Condos
- Clearwater Sand Key
- Harbour Condo
- Complete list of beachfront Sand Key Condos
- and more…
Clearwater Beach Real Estate – Island Estates Condos
- Dolphin Cove
- 51 Island Way Condos
- Starboard Tower Condos
- Island Estates of Clearwater Condos
- Windward Passage Condos
- Island Estates Condos
- Diamond Isle Condo
- And more
Clearwater Florida Real Estate – Clearwater Condos
- Top of the World
- Village on the Green
- Coachman Reserve
- Grand Bellagio
- Imperial Cove
- Cove Cay
- Normandy Park Condos
- Pennwood Manor
- The Fountains of Clearwater condos
- Chateau Belleair Condos
- Avalon of Clearwater condos
- Raintree Village Condos
- Imperial Pines Condos
- Eagles Glen Condos
- Nelson Place Condos
- Rustlewood at Countryside Condos
- Normandy Park South
- Villas at Countryside Condos
- Hammock Pine Village Condos
- Club at Feathersound
- Audubon Condos at Feathersound
- Club at Feathersound condos
- Pierce 100 Condos
- Coachman Creek Condos
- Crystal Bay Condos
- Imperial Oaks Condos
- Brandford Acres Condos
- Bourdeaux Village Condos of Feathersound
- Morningside East Condos
- Old Clearwater City Flats
- Winding Woods Condos
- Belleair Village Condos
- Seville Condos
- Vinings of Countryside Condos
- And more
Clearwater Florida Real Estate – Homes in Popular Neighborhoods
- Island Estates Homes
- Carlouel Homes
- Mandalay Homes
- Coachman Ridge Homes
- Morningside Estates Homes
- The Meadows Homes
- Raintree Homes
- Skycrest Homes
- Old Clearwater Bay Homes
- Harbor Oaks Homes
- University Park Homes
- Countryside Homes
- Grovewood Homes
- Del Oro Homes
- Northwood Homes
- Timer Ridge Homes
- Woodgate Homes
- Landmark Woods
- Mission Hills
- And more..
Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market Report for 2007
Clearwater beach condos that have sold on the beach in Clearwater Beach and Sand Key this past year compared to the previous year. Were all standing by to see where 2008 takes our luxury beach real estate in Clearwater Florida, however, Jack and I are seeing lots of serious buyers prepared to purchase luxury Clearwater Beach condos in 2008.
We have included a 2 year historical look since our Beach condominium real estate market that shows we have seen lots of changes over the last two years with new buildings and complexes like Sandpearl Residences, Belle Harbor, Mandalay Beach Club being completed and other projects like Indigo that didn’t make it off the ground.
Gulf Front Condos on Clearwater Beach | Sand Keys 2007 Year in Review
Its been a buyers market in the Tampa Bay area and especially on Clearwater Beach where there was a lot of ˜speculative Beach condo investing in new developments with the intent of just flipping these beach condos quickly by buyers ˜on paper that never planned to own or live in them.
Why do niche Tampa Real Estate market reports? Readers tell us that its easy to find information on total Pinellas County market statistics however it can be misleading when those reports include everything from condos under $100,000 in 55+ Adult Retirement Condo Communities to the record setting condo sale of $4,400,000 at the Sandpearl Residences on Clearwater Beach in 2007. We also had 5 condos sell in December of 2007 for over $3,000,000 this year in communities like The Grande of Sand Key, Mandalay Beach Club condos, Vinoy Place and Parkshore Plaza. Luxury condos and fine living still have their discriminating buyers even in this real estate market.
Just like all real estate is local – we believe each Tampa Bay real estate market niche is unique especially when you are looking at Tampa beach communities on the ocean and our goal is to provide you with a deeper view into our Gulf Front Clearwater Beach | Sand Key Condo Real Estate Market
We’ve seen the time it takes to sell Clearwater Beach Condos or Sand Key condos that are on the Gulf of Mexico rise significantly from a low of under 54 days in January 2006 to 138 now down from a high of 207 in mid 2007. We are starting to see buyers back in the market buying condos on the beach that are priced properly.
There are many factors that have effected the time its taken to sell condos on the beach this year. One is the time it has taken some condo sellers on Clearwater Beach and Sand Key to price their beach condos correctly for todays real estate market (many started asking more that it could ever appraise for).
Second, Clearwater Beach Condo Buyers had lots of choices and many sat on the sidelines wondering what prices would do and if wed reached the bottom of our price-adjustment.
Jack and I are finding much of the Clearwater Beach real estate has asking prices that has finally moved into a realistic range for todays market – Clearwater Beach condo sellers have finally come to grips with the fact that were not in the 2005-2006 Real Estate market anymore – if you want to sell any property the first key today is that you need to price it correctly.
The median price for Clearwater Beach Condos and Sand Key Condos on the beach is rising again and are currently at $704,500 which is up from the January prices of 2006 when it was $675,500. The big spike in January is caused when new high-end luxury condo developments like Sandpearl Residences Luxury Condos reached completion and several units were sold for over 1 million dollars and up.
We see that the Clearwater Beach condo Asked to Sold ratio has fallen as buyers have addressed the two points we discussed above. One, they’ve force the Clearwater Beach condo asking price to come down to a price that will fit todays market place and actually appraise out and two, the fact that theres so much competition along with some highly motivated sellers they’ve negotiated more seller concessions than normal.
Clearwater Beach Real Estate still has a condo supply that far exceeds demand and most Clearwater Beach condo buyers have continued to ask us for info on the Clearwater beach condos that are deals, bargains, short sales or in pre-fore-closure since many novice Clearwater Beach investors found themselves coming up short in 2007.
Ironically we had 71 beach front Clearwater Beach condos and Sand Key condos sold in both 2006 and 2007. So again is shows things are selling its just that our inventory (condos for sale at any one time) is so much larger than normal.
In 2007 we saw 2 ends of the Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market get the most activity – One was the top end of the luxury beach condos in communities like The Grande, Sandpearl Residences Resort Condos and Mandalay Beach Clubs which all had sales in 2007 over $3,000,000 with the Sandpearl Luxury Condos setting a new all time high for Pinellas County condos sold at $4,400,000.
Then we also saw people looking to buy that luxury vacation home or winter retreat at a deep discount. They found distressed sales prices on Clearwater beach condos – and there were and still are real bargains to be found.
Most Clearwater Beach condo prices have dropped back to 2004 prices and many savvy investors realized the opportunity to buy a Sand Key gulf front condo is now since many believe, like we do that Clearwater Beach property will continue to be in high demand and buyers may get their best bargains for a long time to come.
Clearwater Florida Real Estate – a Fantastic Place to Live, Work and Play
Are you looking to buy a house in Clearwater or a Clearwater beach condo? We are happy to give you all the information available on any property for sale (including condos, townhomes and villas) or you can go ahead and search right now and see all the Clearwater Homes for sale by all real estate companies in the Clearwater MLS.
We live, work and play here ourselves and specialize in Clearwater Florida Real Estate – We’d love to help you – give us a call today at 727-710-8036 or 727-710-8035.
Cyndee and Jack Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS with Charles Rutenberg Realty
Located at 1545 S Belcher Road Clearwater Florida 33764
About Cyndee Haydon
Cyndee Haydon, Premier Sotheby's International Realty - Realtor | Estate Agent specializing in selling Luxury homes and beach condos from Clearwater Beach to St Pete Beach - 26 miles of paradise. (727) 710-8035 Cyndee's Google Profile
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Tampa Mortgage Rates Update – November 19, 2008
November 19th, 2008 Categories: Real Estate News, Tampa Bay, Tampa Mortgages
Tampa Mortgage Rate – Lock and Close
Clearwater Florida - Yesterday we shared the new Tampa FHA Loan limits and today Brian Brady, America’s #1 Mortgage Broker give us his latest update on Tampa Mortgage Rates. If you are buying a home in the next 45 days anywhere in the Tampa Bay area including our specialty Clearwater Beach to St Petersburg luxury waterfront and Pinellas beach properties for sale- you’ll want to check this out.
“The economy is really sick:
Today’s CPI report signals deflation, or a prolonged price slide, may become another hazard facing Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke and President-elect Barack Obama. Deflation could worsen the economic downturn by making debts harder to pay off and countering the impact of Fed interest-rate cuts.
“The economy’s really just in horrific shape,” said Joseph LaVorgna, chief U.S. economist at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York. Fed officials will “take rates as low as they have to” to avoid “a deflation-type scenario, which now all of a sudden is very possible.”
LaVorgna predicts the Fed will cut its main rate to 0.5 percent from its current 1 percent when it meets on Dec. 16.
Fed Vice Chairman Donald Kohn said today that while the risk of deflation is “still small,” policy makers must be “aggressive” in fighting the danger. The economy “is declining right now” and will record a couple of quarters of contraction, he said in answering questions after a speech in Washington.
Fed policy makers last month forecast the U.S. economy will contract through the middle of 2009, with some officials prepared to cut interest rates further in response, according to a record of the group’s meeting.
If the Fed’s thinking of cutting rates further, why aren’t Tampa mortgage rates going down? I think it’s because the Fed has done all it can do. Future rate cuts are like that eighth scotch. Drinking that eighth scotch isn’t going to make you feel any better than the seven prior. It just might make you feel worse.
I advised folks, right after the election, to lock loans with rates under 6% if they were closing within 30 days. Today, I”m suggesting that you lock any Tampa home loan that is closing this year. Today, a 45-day lock for a 6.0% rate would costs 1.25%. While you may see rates drop below 6% , in the next 45 days, the risk of them moving higher is greater.
So if you are buying Tampa Real Estate and closing this year….”Take 6% and run.”
Tampa Mortgage Relate Articles:
- Summary of all Tampa Mortgage Rates and News Reports
- Tampa Bay FHA Loan Limits for 2008
- Tampa Mortgages Will Fed Rate Cut in October help Home Buyers in Nov and Dec 2008
Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage options or you can search all Tampa and Clearwater homes for sale.
Call Us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate Consultants specializing in Clearwater Tampa Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
About Cyndee Haydon
Cyndee Haydon, Premier Sotheby's International Realty - Realtor | Estate Agent specializing in selling Luxury homes and beach condos from Clearwater Beach to St Pete Beach - 26 miles of paradise. (727) 710-8035 Cyndee's Google Profile
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Tampa Mortgages – Will Fed’s Rate Cut in October help Tampa Bay Home Buyers Now?
October 31st, 2008 Categories: Tampa Bay, Tampa Mortgages
Will Feds Cut rate cut help Tampa Bay home buyers get lower Tampa Mortgages Now?
Tampa Florida – Brian Brady, America’s #1 Mortgage Broker, always keeps his pulse on the mortgage market for us. Today he shared how the latest Fed Cuts will effect those planning to buy Clearwater Tampa Homes. Today that “we analyze mortgage rates by examining the mortgage-backed securities market and its reaction to economic data and events. Today, the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate to an historical low of 1%:
The Fed funds rate target is now 1%, the lowest level in more than four years. In announcing its decision, the Federal Open Market Committee cited a drop in spending by consumers and businesses, and predicted that consumption may slow further due to tighter lending standards.
“The pace of economic activity appears to have slowed markedly,” the FOMC said in a statement, “owing importantly to a decline in consumer expenditures.”
Why’s the economy in the tank? You just aren’t spending enough money, Joe the Plumber. Of course, you can’t borrow any either so you’re hesitant about spending. Hence, the Fed cut in rate. Normally, a Fed cut should be followed by a RISE in mortgage rates but it looks like the mortgage-backed securities market anticipated the cut a week ago.
Let’s take a look the crystal ball (market chart):
See what’s happening here? 2 weeks ago, we had a six day BIG drop, which caused rates to rise from 5.875% to 6.5%. That drop was followed by a 5 day rally, which brought rates back down to 5.875%. Then, we had a six day BIG drop, driving mortgage rates back up to 6.5% (today)…
…and I think the market overreacted which means I think we’ll see lower mortgage rates into the beginning of November.
What’s this mean for those buying a Home on Tampa Home Mortgages?
This is the kind of volatility we’ve come to expect. Tampa Mortgage rates should drop to 6.25%, pause, then drop again to the 6% level or below. No guarantees but November closings should get a peek at 6% or better rates soon”
Related posts:
Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage options or you can search all Tampa Bay homes for sale.
Originally posted on Millionaire Real Estate Lender by Brian Brady, America’s #1 Mortgage Broker
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Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate Consultants specializing in Clearwater Tampa Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
About Cyndee Haydon
Cyndee Haydon, Premier Sotheby's International Realty - Realtor | Estate Agent specializing in selling Luxury homes and beach condos from Clearwater Beach to St Pete Beach - 26 miles of paradise. (727) 710-8035 Cyndee's Google Profile
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Tampa Mortgage Rates Report for Home Buyers – Updated October 27, 2008
October 27th, 2008 Categories: Clearwater Florida, Tampa Bay, Tampa Mortgages
Tampa Mortgage Rates Rise Friday
Tampa Florida – Friday, Tampa mortgage rates jumped from 5.875% to 6.25% as mortgage-backed securities traders joined the world wide sell-off. Global stock markets plunged Friday and the Asian markets were weak for Monday. Investors world wide don’t want to be invested in ANYTHING.
When the world panics, we FLOAT mortgage rates. So, roll the projectors! The movie “Float Club” is playing all week.
Interestingly enough, gold isn’t skyrocketing in price. Long held as a “safe haven” during times of turmoil, investors are opting to hold their portfolios in cash instead:
Bullion is down 15 percent this month as the dollar climbed to a two-year high against the euro and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index headed for its steepest monthly loss since 1938.
`We’re seeing some consolidation in the market today as investors pause for breath following the roller-coaster we had last week,” Zhu Lv, research manager at Shanghai Tonglian Futures Co., said from Shanghai today.
Gold for immediate delivery gained as much as 1.7 percent to $746.91 an ounce, and traded at $735.33 at 10:29 a.m. in Singapore. The metal fell below $700 on Oct. 24. Silver for immediate delivery was up 1 percent at $9.4575 an ounce.
Gold still benefits from its safe haven properties, although these days, more and more are choosing to hold just cash instead, so it won’t be surprising to see gold below $700 again,” said Zhu.
What does this mean if you’re a home buyer looking for a Tampa Mortgage?
What’s that mean to Tampa home buyers or property investors looking to get a home loan or mortgage in the Tampa Bay area? It means that while investors are cautious, they aren’t completely terrified and that bodes well for mortgage-backed securities. When investors buy mortgage-backed securities, mortgage rates drop; that’s what we think will happen in the next 7-10 days.
I cautioned borrowers to lock in all October closings last week when mortgage rates dipped below 6%. That opportunity had a short-lived window. Like all panics, reason eventually prevails. Central banks world wide are slashing interest rates to avoid an economic recession. This make US dollar denominated investments, especially mortgage-backed securities more attractive.
Hold out for a Tampa home mortgage rate below 6% if you’re closing in November. Contact us for a FREE quote and to find out your Tampa Mortgage Rates and home loan options.
Originally posted on Millionaire Real Estate Lender by Brian Brady, America’s #1 Mortgage Broker
Call us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Beach REALTORS and your Clearwater Beach Real Estate Consultants specializing in Tampa Bay Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
About Cyndee Haydon
Cyndee Haydon, Premier Sotheby's International Realty - Realtor | Estate Agent specializing in selling Luxury homes and beach condos from Clearwater Beach to St Pete Beach - 26 miles of paradise. (727) 710-8035 Cyndee's Google Profile
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Clearwater Community News | Tampa Rays lose Tonight – Still Battling to Win the World Series
October 16th, 2008 Categories: Community News, Tampa Bay
Fun things to Do in Clearwater / St Petersburg – Enjoy Tampa Ray Baseball Games
Clearwater, Florida – The Tampa Rays (I still find it hard not to say Devil Rays after 11 years) are about to achieve the ultimate in Pro Baseball – winning the world series. We are all rooting for them. There’s something so American and Apple pie about baseball.
What I love about this years Tampa Ray’s baseball team, as explained by their coach, is it’s not a team of superstars – it’s solid players working together – demonstrating the synergy of the whole outways the sum of the parts.
We are blessed with so many fun things to do here in the Clearwater Florida area. I put together a collage of a few photos I’ve taken at some of the Ray’s baseball outing at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg I’ve had with the boys. The always have a ball when we attend a game.
We’re wishing the Ray’s the best of luck on Saturday! Go Rays!! - from your Clearwater fans 
About Cyndee Haydon
Cyndee Haydon, Premier Sotheby's International Realty - Realtor | Estate Agent specializing in selling Luxury homes and beach condos from Clearwater Beach to St Pete Beach - 26 miles of paradise. (727) 710-8035 Cyndee's Google Profile
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