General News

A Rabbi, a Priest, a Pastor, and some Mayors…Isaiah 54:17

Now throw in Up, Up and Away with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. and what have you got?

The Mayors’ Prayer Lunch, which was sponsored by Bill Edwards and The Edwards Family Foundation in support of All Children’s Hospital held at The Club, Treasure Island, Florida, USA on February 19, 2012. 

The luncheon was held and brought together a unique yet intertwined group of faithful individuals.  Rabbi Dr. Bernard Wolfson shared a prayer for world peace, while Former Treasure Island, Mayor Mary Maloof shared a story of prayers that were answered and how important it is that prayer be very specific.   Former St. Petersburg, Florida Mayor Rick Baker (2001-2010) shared an empowering story of his campaign days and how a bible verse, Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper…” impacted him and his success in life.  Baker came to understand that the word “weapon” can refer not to just guns and other forms arms, but also to disparaging words that public officials and individuals commonly hear in various forms of media and general communication.     

Later in the luncheon, Father John Blum of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in St. Pete Beach, Florida shared a prayer of community.  Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. formally of the 5th Dimension presented bits of their lives, how faith can impact and strengthen our lives, and how they developed everlasting love and faith.  McCoo and Davis shared their most recent book Up, Up and Away, How We Found Love, Faith and Lasting Marriage in the Entertainment World, with an estimated crowd of 200.   

The luncheon closed with remarks made by current Treasure Island Mayor Robert Minning and the musical finale I Still Believe in America sung by Kenn Mann.  Mann had the crowd join him in singing just before Master of Ceremonies, David Chubb, brought the Mayors’ Prayer Luncheon to closure before the inspired group of attendees.  

Shared by Theresa Lynn Collins

Massive Mountain Mansion and 257 Acre Pennsylvania Estate – Get Away for Some Peace and Quiet

Secluded – Take a Break from the City Life

  

    

    

     Massive Mountain Mansion Estate with 257 Acres

    46 Rosswoods Lane, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, USA

 

 

  

 

 

27,000 Sq. Ft. Mansion with 6 Bay Garage, a Caretaker’s or Hunting Cottage with 8 Bay Garage, Detached Garage with 2 Bays, Trails through the Mountain, 75 Acres of Groomed Land, Koi Fish Pond with Two Spray Fountains, Picnic Pavilion, The List Goes on…

Secluded – Get Away for some Peace and Quiet in the Alleghany Mountains – More to Follow…

Debunking the Myths of Condo Financing

 

 

 

 

 

Really…there is conventional financing available for some owner occupied condos – at 97% – including Florida!

  • LTV 97% Owner Occupied (with income restrictions)
  • LTV 95% Owner Occupied (with PMI and yes you can find PMI for some condos)
  • LTV 90% Second Homes (with PMI)
  • LTV 80% Investment

Get with a great lender and ensure that the condo project is eligible for this type of financing.

The EverBank PRO Business Partner Team Presented “Debunking the Myths of Condo Financing” to a large audience at PRO in Clearwater, Florida, USA on January 9, 2012…

www.everbank.com

www.efanniemae.com

New Direction(s)?

 

 

New Direction(s)?

We are just over a week into the New Year!  Are you still focused or is life getting you off track of the plans you established for your personal and business life?  Today I attended the seminar “New Direction for 2013” presented by Linda S. Goldfarb of LSG Consulting Services at the monthly Independent Real Estate Professionals (I.R.E.P.) meeting.

It was a great and focused presentation which helped get me “reeled” (Love Fishing) back-in to my life goals, beautiful sunny Florida days with flat waters can be a distraction, as are the things you love in your life!  Linda talked about action plans, schedules, organization, running a business, obstacles, and normal life commitments.   She also discussed becoming accountable for your personal and business self…as Nike says “Just Do It”…

If you are getting sideways already, reel yourself in too, and give Linda a call http://www.lsgconsulting.com/

Linda – Thanks for Your Inspiration – 

Fort DeSoto Beach and Park Consistently Named #1 Beach, Tierra Verde, Florida, USA

Looking for some good wholesome fun in the sun? Pinellas County’s Tierra Verde Fort De Soto Beach has been recognized as one of the best beaches in the Unites States from a variety of sources.  Recently, Parents Magazine named it the best family beach in America!  Previously, the clean and sunny beach was honored by TripAdvisor and by Dr. Beach.    There is something for everyone from bicycling, boating, camping, to the historian who enjoys a museum.  The list of features goes on, the park is wheel-chair accessible. 

See you in the sun and sand…

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

http://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/ideas/best-family-beaches/#page=2

Bird Watching on the Tierra Verde Island – The Great Egret

 

 

 

 

 

Life on the Tierra Verde Island of Florida, USA…This photo is of the Great Egret.  It is an absolute joy to watch them wade in the Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico Waters and remain stoic awaiting the opportunity to pounce on their prey.  Take a look at the beautiful glistening eyes, the long yellow hunting bill, and the lacy wedding-like plumage blowing in the wind (left of the egret’s body).  The aigrettes, or nuptial feathers, are somewhat camouflaged in the branches of the mangroves.  What a delight the Great Egrets bring to life on the Tierra Verde Island!  For research…the Great Egret is also known as the American Egret, the Common Egret, the Great White Egret, and the Great White Heron.  Officially in North America it is formally known as the Great Egret (National Audubon Society).  Enjoy!   

 

Tampa Home Prices Bottom Out

 

 

 

 

HOUSING FINDS ITS FOOTING

Grab the champagne! The party hats! Tampa Bay’s home prices hit bottom!

It’s an odd accomplishment to champion but still reason to celebrate. 2012 will mark the first year after a six-year slip-and-slide that home prices ended on higher ground than they began.

Median sales prices jumped about 10 percent, to $131,000, this year in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and parts of Hernando counties, Multiple Listing Service data show…Tampa metro area rose in value by $7.9 billion this year after crashing $10 billion in 2011, Zillow data show…

Compiled by Jeff Harrington, Drew Harwell and Jamal Thalji.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/will-the-local-business-trends-of-2012-carry-over-into-the-new-year/1268033

Live in New Tampa! One of the Hottest Locations in Florida…

Make yourself at home in Meadowcreek at Crosscreek…

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_vRKYcH2DI

Vision for 2013

Make 2013 Your Best Year Ever

Prepare for 2013 with a strategic vision and by setting your carefully planned goals – with deadlines.  It has been shown that written goals are more often achieved than those we just think and dream.  Take daily and measureable action to accomplish your goals.  Have a Vision with Action…

Vision without action is merely a dream.

Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action will change the world.

                                        Joel Arthur Barker

 

Realtors Safety Program

We just attended a Realtor safety seminar put on by 1st Responders. This is a “must” attend for all Realtors. Rafael Navarro, owner of 1st. Responders touched on all kinds of situations the can affect the personal safety of everyone working in our offices. Some of his main points for Brokers were;

Create an office safety plan. Appoint one person as a “Safety Coordinator” to oversee, maintain and enforce the plan.
Assign an office safety contact and several alternatives. The office receptionist could be the ideal person. Require salespeople to report their whereabouts to the safety contact.

Share safety tips with your clients. Remind them that strangers will be walking through their home during open houses. Hide your valuables and don’t leave personal information laying about.

Your cell phone can be your life line. Make sure when showing houses or at open houses that your cell phone is charged. Establish a voice stress code, a secret word or phrase that is not commonly used but can be worked into any phone or in-phone conversations where a person may feel that they are in danger. Examples could be, “could you email me the red file,” “do we need dog food” (when you don’t have a dog). A colleague who receives your distress code will be alerted that the person calling is in danger and call 911.

The 10-Second Rule

Inattention is one of the main reasons people find themselves in dangerous situations. Take a few precious seconds during the course of your day to assess your surroundings.

Take 2 Seconds when you arrive at your destination.
– Is there any questionable activity in the area?
– Are you parked in a well-lit, visible location?
– Can you be blocked in the driveway by a prospect’s vehicle?
Take 2 Seconds after you step out of your car.
– Are there suspicious people around?
– Do you know exactly where you are going?
Take 2 Seconds as you walk toward your destination.
– Are people coming and going or is the area unusually quiet?
– Do you observe any obstacles or hiding places in the parking lot or along the street?
– Is anyone loitering in the area?
Take 2 Seconds at the door.
– Do you have an uneasy feeling as you’re walking in?
– Is someone following you in?
Take 2 Seconds as soon as you enter your destination.
– Does anything seem out of place?
– Is anyone present who shouldn’t be there or who isn’t expected?
10 Seconds Total
Taking in your surroundings lets you spot and avoid danger. Make it a habit. A share it with someone else.

Lot’s of good stuff to keep us all safe. We should all attend this seminar.

1st. Responders contact info is;
Rafael Navarro
727-504-0036
sfcnav@1strespondersfirst.com
www. 1strespondersfirst.com

Allen Collins Realty
www.allencollinsrealty.com