Top 10 Most Expensive Homes Sold in Tampa Bay

Every Monday, Hohman Homes will showcase the top 10 most expensive single family homes sold in the previous week in the greater Tampa Bay area. If you're ready, let's see the top 10 for the week of November 23 - November 30, 2014.

#10
1143 Morningside Pl., Sarasota
$1,115,500

The clean, crisp lines and sophisticated style of this home will delight the collector of rare architecture. It's unique design and integrity have been enjoyed, appreciated and welcomed. Walls of glass pocketing sliders open virtually every room of the interior harmoniously blending with the expansive caged, private, outdoor living/pool/spa area. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 4,556 total square feet with a pool.

#9
628 Key Royale Dr., Holmes Beach
$1,170,000

Resort style back yard complete with large pool cabana. Gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream design with Thermador stainless steel appliances, granite counters, light box cabinets at high level, Polished stone flooring throughout, Cathedral cypress ceiling in main living area. 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 3 half bathrooms, 6,500 total square feet with a pool.

#8
10010 Tree Tops Lake Rd., Tampa
$1,200,000

Exquisite Mediterranean style Hannah Bartoletta custom home on a premier lot with large yard overlooking a 25 acre lake in the desirable neighborhood of Tree Tops. Walk through the 12 ft. wrought iron custom doors to a spectacular curved staircase and dramatic two story foyer. The open floor plan boasts a 24 ft. fireplace that looks out onto the pool/ lanai and lake, with beautiful floors of travertine and exotic elm wood. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 6,528 total square feet with a pool.

#T-7
561 Spinnaker Ln., Longboat Key
$1,400,000

This extraordinary 4,949 sq. ft. , 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom custom home enjoys a formal living room with custom built-ins and fireplace. The formal dining room with butler's pantry can accommodate large parties and the spacious family room is a perfect waterfront gathering space. The gourmet kitchen and adjoining casual dining area with bay windows boasts a massive marble topped center island, custom cabinets, granite & marble counters, breakfast bar, lots of storage, and luxury appliances.

#T-7
74 Bahama Cir., Tampa
$1,400,000

This Davis Island property sits on a quarter acre overlooking the pristine water of Hillsborough Bay.

#5
7412 Seacroft Cove, Lakewood Ranch
$1,454,000

The Kiandra by John Cannon Home. Located in Seacroft. The Kiandra features Tuscan architectural detailing at the exterior with contemporary, light and fresh interior spaces. The Kiandra also features an exercise room and study. The spacious outdoor living area with a separate master suite lanai, overlooks the lake at Seacroft. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 5,419 total square feet with a pool.

#4
1400 North Shore Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
$1,640,000

Elegance and comfort makes this home a one of a kind. The main floor features a true gourmet kitchen overlooking a relaxing family room, a library/office, laundry & adjoining activity/craft room, separate formal dining & living rooms, entry foyer, powder room & a 6 car garage. Outside you'll find a large, private patio surrounding the pool & spa with a fenced yard. 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 10,165 total square feet.

#3
5354 62nd Ave., St. Petersburg
$2,400,000

This timeless beauty has a Media Room with stadium seating and built in screen, a Wine Storage Room, Office, Bonus Room and upstairs and downstairs laundry rooms. Greeted by a fountain imported from Spain, you enter a grand foyer with solid stone columns and chandeliers made in the Czech Republic. Featuring 2 stairwells and elevator, this home boasts a master chef's kitchen with a wet bar and all cabinetry imported from Italy. 5 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, 8,503 total square feet with a pool.

#2
5144 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key
$2,650,000

Unique bayfront compound with deeded beach access. The newer house is directly on Sarasota Bay featuring an elevated pool and fountain with sprawling decks for lounging and entertaining. Private dock and boat lift. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 5,416 total square feet with a pool.

#1
1000 Seagrove Ln. #BH6, Sarasota
$2,750,000

Paradise on the gulf, with this secure complex and expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico. This home features large open floor plans, elevators, a private pool and cabana. It also houses a 2-car garage underneath the building. 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, 3,896 total square feet.

Stay tuned next Monday for another round of Tampa's most expensive homes.

Moving From Phoenix, Arizona to Tampa, Florida

Are you moving or relocation from the Phoenix area to the Tampa Bay area? Not to worry, there are plenty of similarities between the two cities that will make you feel right at home once you move in. Here are some of my favorite ways to make the Sunshine State feel just like the Copper State.

Moving from Phoenix to Tampa? Great! Welcome to your new home.

Professional Sports

Both the greater Phoenix area and the Tampa Bay area share teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Hockey League. Plus, both cities have a plethora of collegiate and minor league teams. No matter what your professional sport of choice, the Tampa area is a great sports home.

Natural Beauty

Grand Canyon v. the Beaches

The Grand Canyon is one of the country's most magical natural monuments. But just as grandiose are the hundreds of miles of coastline throughout the entire state of Florida. Replace those rocky cliffs and winding rapids with sandy seashells and lapping waves.

Residential Real Estate

Both the Phoenix and Tampa Bay areas are known famously and infamously for their roles in the rise and fall of the residential real estate markets. While there is plenty of money and deals to be made when times are great in both cities, each city takes its share of tumbles when the market falls.

Traditions

Native Americans v. Pirates

Every year, the Phoenix area celebrates its heritage with traditions dating back to the days of the Native Americans. While in the Tampa Bay area, every winter brings out the heritage of pirates and buccaneers in the Gasparilla festival.

The Weather

Dry Heat v. Wet Heat

One thing you will notice immediately upon moving to the Tampa Bay area is that there is no escape from the heat. While the Phoenix area is just as warm - if not warmer - as the Tampa Bay area, you will notice it is a different type of hot weather. So if heat is your thing, you moved to the right place.

So if you're worried about moving from the greater Phoenix area to the Tampa Bay are, don't be! There is plenty to do here to make you feel right at home.

5 Ways to Prepare for Home Ownership

For 95% of all Americans, buying a home will be the most important financial purchase in their lifetime. As such, you want to make sure that you are making the right decisions. To give you a better understanding of the steps involved in buying a home, below is a good checklist of the things you need to consider before buying your next home.

First, you need to create your home wish list. Ask yourself several questions: where do you want to live? What do you want in your new home? What do you need in your new home? To get a better understanding of the things you need to consider before buying a home, check out this list of questions to ask.

Second, you need to get your financial situation in order. You need to determine how much you can afford. Typically, you can afford a home that is between two and three times your gross income. You need to start saving money as well. A home is an expensive purchase and you need money to put a home. If buying a home is truly important 

Thirdly, you need to find the right real estate professionals to help you throughout your purchase. While the role of real estate professionals has changed over the years, real estate agents are still just as important in the transaction process as they were 50 years ago. To find out what to look for in a great real estate agent, read these guidelines. 

Fourth, you need to lock down your financing options. The majority of home buyers will use some sort of leverage to purchase their home. Today, interest rates are low and financing a home may provide better financial returns that purchasing a home with cash. Have your real estate professional connect you with a great mortgage banker who will present the right financial plan for you.

Finally, you need to track your home buying purchase from the moment you start looking at homes to the day you close on the home. There are countless steps you need to take to ensure you can get the keys to move into your new home. Use this checklist to keep your home purchase on track.

If you follow these steps, solicit the help of various real estate professionals, and read all of the literature possible on buying a home, you will be well on your way to moving into your new home.

Top 10 Most Expensive Homes Sold Last Week in Tampa Bay

Every Monday, Hohman Homes will showcase the top 10 most expensive single family homes sold in the previous week in the greater Tampa Bay area. If you're ready, let's see the top 10.

#10
8564 W. Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island
$1,175,000

This spectacular Gulf front home is nestled on the sandy shores of Sunset Beach. Completely rebuilt in 2000, this 3-story, 4-bedroom, 4 full bathroom, 2 half-bathroom, 3,306 sq. ft., concrete block home is divided into 2 separate living spaces featuring a great room with balcony overlooking the beach. The kitchen boasts granite counters, custom cabinetry and Jennair appliances. 

#9
526 Harbor Dr. N., Indian Rocks Beach
$1,200,000

This amazing 4 bedroom, 2 full-bathroom, 2 half-bathroom 3,883 sq. ft. home, located at the border of Belleair Beach and Indian Rocks Beach, highlights an open floor plan with stunning open water views and a spacious gourmet kitchen.

#8
13218 Lost Key Pl., Lakewood Ranch
$1,207,500

This Lakewood Ranch Country Club gated community home boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, two 2-car garages, and 6,552 total square feet. Two stone gas fireplaces, built-ins, large aquarium glass windows in living and breakfast areas accentuate 5 wine coolers and built-in serving buffet in dining room. 

#7
6524 4th St. S., St. Petersburg
$1,385,000

This extraordinary 4,949 sq. ft. , 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom custom home enjoys a formal living room with custom built-ins and fireplace. The formal dining room with butler's pantry can accommodate large parties and the spacious family room is a perfect waterfront gathering space. The gourmet kitchen and adjoining casual dining area with bay windows boasts a massive marble topped center island, custom cabinets, granite & marble counters, breakfast bar, lots of storage, and luxury appliances.

#6
825 S. Delaware Ave., Tampa
$1,395,000

This historic 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom, 5,624 sq. ft. Hyde Park home is your entertainment hub. It features a huge front porch, a living room with original tray ceiling, built-in bookcases, gas burning fireplace and huge windows. The kitchen has custom cabinetry, gas stove, double ovens, warming drawer, two sinks, and a butlers pantry with wine cooler. 

#5
16315 Clearlake Ave., Lakewood Ranch
$1,620,000

The Villa Brunello is an Italian villa inspired home with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and 6,566 sq. ft. Broad plank millwork adorning each room, custom wood cabinetry, marble flooring, Venetian finish, and two concrete fireplaces highlight the exquisite interior features.

#4
1257 Snell Isle Blvd. NE., St. Petersburg
$1,900,000

This impressive waterfront home on an oversized lot boasts 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and 6,716 total square feet. The gourmet, eat-in kitchen is enormous and equipped with top-of-the-line gas appliances, a huge island, custom cabinetry, breakfast bar, and a large walk in pantry, and has stunning water views. 

#3
355 Brightwaters Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg
$2,000,000

This spectacular 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom waterfront home showcases a 2-car garage and 6,207 sq. ft. A wide open floor plan with water views from nearly every room make this the ideal place to entertain family and friends. After a long day relax in your backyard oasis and enjoy the amazing Florida sunsets from the one-of-a-kind double decker dock or by the heated lagoon style pool.

#2
350 S. Shore Dr., Sarasota
$2,122,000

This grand 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom abode offers 174 feet of prime water frontage of Sarasota Bay. The elegant open floor plan features over 5,300 sq. ft. of living area with nearly as much exterior space. A three stop elevator will take you to the second level guest bedrooms - with a split floor plan for privacy. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the bay front swimming pool, flanked on each side by romantic staircases.

#1
807 Tropical Cir., Sarasota
$2,137,500

This waterfront, secluded 5 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom, 3-car garage home with 6,257 total square feet showcases space for everyone: family room, formal and informal dining spaces, even a media room and separate home office. The open kitchen is spacious with custom cabinetry, granite counters, as well as a Sub-Zero Refrigerator and 6 burner Wolf Range. Boaters will love the 50 foot dock and 13,500 pound boat lift with remote controls.

Stay tuned next Monday for another round of Tampa's most expensive homes.

6 Ways Sustainability Equals Profits

For businesses to succeed today, and to be around tomorrow sustainable business practices must be integrated into their organization's core strategy. Sustainable business practices have evolved in recent history, and businesses should take heed to incorporate the environment into the mission statement. Much like employees, vendors, and clients are stakeholders in a company, so too should companies treat the environment as a major stakeholder within the company.

To better help you understand how to incorporate sustainability into your business practices, here are some ways that helping the environment also helps your business.

1. Lowering Costs

Sustainability has a direct correlation to the bottom line. Installing energy efficient products into your office or adopting sustainable practices - while they may increase your costs initially - will ultimate drive up your profits as your long term costs decrease. Plus, you get the added benefit of saving money while saving the environment.

2. Increasing Revenue

CBRE, the world's largest commercial real estate firm, recently surveyed commercial properties in San Diego, Calif. and found that green buildings produce rents 18% higher than their non-energy efficient counterparts. (That translates to $0.40 per square foot more.) Plus, vacancy rates at green builders were lower, at only 11.7% compared to 15.7% for non-green buildings.

3. Improving Cap Rates

In the real estate world if you can charge higher rental rates while having more people in your buildings you will always make more money. From our last example, we saw that energy efficient buildings not only produced higher rents but also had more people in their buildings. According to the Appraisal Institute, this can translated to an almost 11% higher cap rate.

4. Building Brand Awareness

Sustainable brands, or brands that are perceived to be sustainable, can significantly outperform their peers in the market. Based on figures showcased by GreenBiz.com, 75% of retailers say sustainability and sustainable practices have improved their brand image. But, it is important to not "greenwash" your clients and your consumers with too much marketing of sustainable and green practices, especially if you do not actually perform the sustainable practices you claim to preach.

5. Promoting Wellness

Older, non-sustainable buildings can develop "sick building syndrome." Essentially, the materials and products in an older building eventually rot, decay, or emit toxic fumes over a period of time. For employees or clients trapped inside of these spaces for extended periods of time, the building can actually make the individuals sick. Newer, sustainability-built structures use materials and methods that have been rated and tested to ensure that this does not happen.

6. Retaining Clients

Green buildings and green spaces typically are more aesthetically pleasing than those spaces that are not designed and built sustainably. As such, customers and clients tend to stay in spaces longer that are more pleasing to the eyes, ears, and mind. Steps as simple as opening blinds on a window, installing LED lights, and planting indoor trees in a work spaces can improve the mood and performance of those working there.

The next time you look at your mission statement, see how you can incorporate sustainability into your business practices. It is not just good for the environment, it is good for your bottom line too.

How to Sell Your Home

Selling your home involves several important players and several moving parts that have to come together under tight deadlines with significant amounts of money at stake. It is a process not to be taken lightly and you should always consult and work with professionals whenever possible.

To better help you on your journey of selling your home, watch this brief video on the basics of what is required to sell your home.



Below is a transcript of this video:

"Hello and welcome to Real Living Casa Fina Realty.  My name is Nico Hohman and I will be your guide in today’s video on “Selling Your Home.” 

"There are three important phases when selling your home.  In today’s video we will talk about the first phase by going over your pricing strategies, and your marketing activities.

"It’s important to know that the most influential marketing practice that you can use when advertising your home is the listing price. Next, I’ll show you what goes into that price. 

"We conduct a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA.  And within a CMA, we look at different factors that help us set the right listing price for your home.  

"Specifically, we will look at location of your home, the current condition of the your house, and what is going on with the local market around your home.

"Once we finish with our research, we want to maximize your sale by pricing your home right.  We will set the listing price of your home as close to a fair market value as possible to ensure you will attract the most buyers in the shortest amount of time possible to get your home sold for what you want as soon as possible. 

"Now that we have set a price for your home, we need to market your home.

"We will make sure the marketing plan for your home includes an extensive digital approach.  This way, your home will be featured on the websites that people use most often to search for homes.

"Along with third party websites, Real Living websites will market your home to motivated buyers locally, regionally, and nationally. 

"Social Media is an important platform when marketing your home.  Blogging, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest are just some of the social media outlets we will use to market your home.

"As more buyers are turning to their smart phones and tablets to find homes, we want to make sure that your home is listed there on buyers’ phones when they are looking for properties.

"On top of websites, social media, and mobile advertising, we will use targeted email newsletters to new and existing clients to reach exactly the right buyer for your home.

"We also utilize off-line networking to spread the word about your current home for sale. We network with real estate specific groups as well as general networking groups throughout Tampa Bay. 

"We also advertise to lenders and mortgage bankers who have willing and able buyers looking to afford a home.

"We can also connect with the top local home builders and real estate investors to market your property to another group of motivated buyers.

"Now that we have a price for your home, and know of ways to advertise your home, let me tell share with you more about me and my brokerage.

"My mission is to help you obtain the highest possible price in the shortest amount of time while negotiating the details and representing your best interest throughout the selling process.

"When you choose Real Living to represent you, you have the opportunity to work with my entire dedicated team who have decades of combined experience in all types of real estate transactions.

"The Premier Service program is an exclusive promise made by all agents with Real Living Real Estate that guarantees a superior and highly satisfying service experience.  We promise – in writing – to work for the best possible outcome for you and only you.

"Through our promise with the Premier Service program, Real Living continues to lead the industry with a 96% national customer satisfaction rating – that best in the entire real estate industry.

"Thank you for watching this video on “How to Sell your Home with Nico Hohman at Real Living Casa Fina Realty.”  Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime.  You can find all of my information here.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.  Thanks again.  And remember: Nico Hohman, Your Realtor with the Builder’s Edge."

Special Announcement: Palma Ceia Living Magazine

I was very honored and excited to be in the November issue of Palma Ceia Living magazine. I want to thank Emily Hinsdale and her team for taking the time to meet with me and share a little bit about my story and my appreciation for the neighborhood of Palma Ceia.

Below you will find a full transcript of that article by the editor of Palma Ceia Living, Emily Hinsdale:

"Recently, I had the chance to sit down with a new Palma Ceia resident. Nico Hohman and his wife, Jessica, just moved into the neighborhood and bought their first home together. They grew up in Tampa and picked Palma Ceia because they wanted to be in 'the heart of Tampa.'

"'The architecture of the homes [in Palma Ceia] is definitely the best of any neighborhood in Tampa,' Hohman said. He is well-equipped to make the judgement; Hohman has a real estate license and a construction license that, put together, allow him to help people find an older home in need of some updates and redesign it to meet their own tastes and budget.

"'Not everyone can afford the nicest home in the nicest neighborhood,' Hohman observes. 'While you can't change the neighborhood, you certainly can change your home to make it your perfect home in your perfect neighborhood.'

"Palma Ceia's different home styles - 1920s bungalows sitting next to 2014 two-stories - mean different kinds of residents can enjoy the same neighborhood. Our neighbors include young couples like the Hohmans, or this month's cover family, the Schurs, who can purchase a first home in a pleasant area; growing families in need of plenty of living space; and individuals and couples looking for a smaller space.

"This essentially eclectic scene is, for me, as charming an aspect of our neighborhood as the brick streets. We can incorporate a range of tastes and practical needs and that results in a range of people living here. It keeps things interesting."

To see the original article, see the picture below:

5 Creative Ways to Afford a Home

One of the more difficult things to overcome when purchasing a home is how to pay for a home. However, finding the money to buy a home does not have to be a difficult process. There are several programs and opportunities for home buyers to find the money for buying a new home.

Below are some creative ways to afford your new home.

1. Down payment assistance programsThese programs give qualified applicants loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and in the Tampa Bay area, use the Down Payment Resource Center.

2. Seller financing
In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you would do with a mortgage.

3. Crowdfunding
Under this arrangement, your family, friends, or even a third-party may buy a portion of the home and share in any appreciation when the home is sold. The owner/occupant usually pays the mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance costs, but all the investors' names are usually on the mortgage. When it comes time to sell your home, you split the profits with your other investors.

4. Gifts
Perhaps a family member will loan you money for the down payment or act as a co-signer for the mortgage. Lenders often like to have a co-signer if you have little credit history. Family members also have the ability to give tax-free gifts to family members that can be used to help to afford a home.

5. Second mortgage
While you may be able to make larger monthly payments, but you do not have a lot of money in savings, you may qualify for a short-term second mortgage. This would give you money to make a larger down payment. This may be possible if you’re in good financial standing, with a strong income and little other debt.

6 Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

Your neighborhood has a big impact on your lifestyle. Do you want to be in an urban district where you can live, work, and play? Do you want to live in a rural area with lots of land and very few neighbors? Or, do you want to live somewhere in between? When it comes to real estate, location is the most important factor to consider when buying your new home.

Follow these six steps to find the perfect community to call home.

#1.
Make a list of the activities — movies, health club, church, etc. — you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently. See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engage in your most common activities. If travel and commute time are important to you, find areas that are closest to  your most commonly visited places.

#2.
Do you have kids in the public school system? Check out the school district. Even if you do not, good school districts have a positive impact on resale values of homes. For more information on the public school systems in the Tampa Bay area, click here.

#3.
Find out if the neighborhood is safe. Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type — such as burglaries or armed robberies — and the trend of increasing or decreasing crime. Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area? Check out the makeup of a neighborhood by using the mobile app Sitegiest.

#4.
Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable. In the Tampa Bay area, check out the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation to see what will be happening to the Bay area economically in the near and distance future. The Urban Land Institute also has excellent information on the real estate climate at large, especially within the commercial and development spheres. High remarks in these categories means overall growth for neighborhoods.

#5.
See if you’ll make money. Unless you never plan on putting your home on the market to resell, making a profit on your home purchase is always an important factor when selecting your home. A real estate professional will be able to approximately calculate your rate of return on your home based on past and expected future real estate data.

#6.
Make personal observations. Once you’ve narrowed your focus to two or three neighborhoods, go there and walk around. Are homes tidy and well maintained? Are streets quiet? How does it feel? Visit the neighborhood at different times of the day and on different days of the week. Is the neighborhood quiet and safe on a Saturday night? Looking at a neighborhood at different times gives you a better overall impression of a neighborhood.

When buying your new home, the location is the most important factor. Follow these 6 tips to make the right choice for you.

Housing Trends Across the County

The Census Bureau recently released a massive amount of data and information regarding housing in the United States in 2013. It calculated and collected data about everything from the age of a home, to who lives in a home, to what areas have the most expensive homes and everything in between.

To give you a summary of the most important points in the recently released data, check out the infographic below.

To read the full report, click here.

Open House | Lutz | 10/18 | 1p-3p

Open House

Saturday, October 18, 2014

1:00pm - 3:00pm

22305 Magnolia Trace Blvd., Lutz, FL 33549

$285,000 | 5 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,858 sq. ft.

Luxury Lutz Living

Visit this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom, 3-car garage home, nearly 3,000 square foot home with a pool, and a true separate in-law suite overlooking a tranquil pond.

The foyer opens to formal dining and sitting room leading into the spacious kitchen and breakfast nook.

The master suite features a private access to the pool and the master bath featuring a garden tub, separate shower, and dual sink vanity.

The in-law suite features a full bedroom and bathroom with private lanai access. This home is eligible for USDA 100% financing.

For more information on this property, please contact Nico Hohman or visit this listing on the MLS.