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Spring Hill, FL Real Estate News

By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Florida Nature - Catching a Ray of Sunshine It's been a while since I posted any Florida critter photos and especially not of Florida snakes.  When I walked out this morning, I noticed this little Black Racer snake comfortably perched on the Muhly grass in the front yard just catching a ray of sunshine.      Although fairly long, this particular snake is not a very big one, maybe the diameter of about a pen.  He was sitting there long enough for me to snap a couple of photos before he decided to glide back into the grass and hide. Black racers are non venomous snakes and commonly seen in Florida backyards.  Depending on their size, they eat insects, lizards, frogs, rodents, and other small animals.  Black racers have a white chin which is one distinguishing factor from the protected Ind...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Come visit the Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest March 7-9, 2014   When:  March 7 - March 9, 2014 Times:  Friday and Saturday 8 am to 5 pm, Sunday 9 am to 4 pm Where:  Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way (US 19), Weeki Wachee, Florida Admission:  $8.00 adults, $4.00 children 6-11, children under 5 Free.   Have Fun at the 21st Weeki Wachee Annual Swamp Fest!   Proceeds from the Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest will benefit Weeki Wachee Area Club, Hernando County Land Protectors, and the Weeki Wachee Crime Watch, all local non-profit organizations.   Have Fun at the Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest March 7-9, 2014! egin_of_the_skype_h end_of_the_skype_highlighting Interested in buying or selling a home in the Spring Hill or Weeki Wachee area?    
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Working with Foreign Home Buyers Provides Memorable Experiences Working with buyers from other countries sometimes provides for some interesting experiences.  Whether they are local or out-of-state, homebuyers have different levels of understanding of the home buying process and always have at least some questions. Naturally, foreign buyers who are not familiar with our laws and procedures have even more questions and a large part of the home buying process is to educate and familiarize them with the home buying process in the US. A few years ago, I was working with a couple from a small Western European country who were looking for a vacation and second home here in Florida.  Although their English was quite good, they were glad to have found in me a German speaking REALTOR in Florida ...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
My Most Memorable First Time Homebuyer Story First time homebuyers are always special to work with.  Usually, they are very excited about the prospect of owning their own home mixed in with a little bit of apprehension of what is awaiting them.  This was not any different with a young family I was working with amost two years ago.   Preapproved for an USDA loan, their main requirement was that their new home had to have three bedrooms.  A bit of a challenge in their price range as most homes offered had either only two bedrooms or they were in need of work that would not have qualified the home for the USDA loan. On top of this, the market started to heat up.  They made five offers on different homes that were rejected either because other buyers had made higher offers or because seller...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
When Senior Buyers make Florida Home Dream a Reality   A few years ago, I was contacted by a buyer - I will call her Georgie - inquiring about homes for sale in Timber Pines, a 55+ community in Spring Hill, Florida. I sent them some listings of homes that met their criteria to look at and soon after, Georgie and two of her daughters came to Spring Hill for a visit and to look at homes. Georgie was in her late 70's and had lost her husband the year before.  She had listed her house for sale and although packed full with memories, she was ready to move on.  She told me that it had been her dream all of her life to move to Florida and live in a house with a pool.  Now that she was on her own, that was what she was going to do. She found a home and made an offer that was accepted. Unfortuna...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Contacts - It's what Real Estate is all about Or more precisely, getting out there and making contacts is what real estate is about.  This past weekend I went to the grand opening of a new subdivision by Lennar Homes in our area.  The reason I went was to find out about the development and the homes that are being built there.  Since inventory of homes for sale in Spring Hill is rather on the low side, I want to know where else I can find my buyers the home of their dreams. What I didn't really count on where several contacts I made while I attending this grand opening: 1.  Met one of the developer's representatives who happens to live in my own neighborhood   and who recognized me from driving through the area. 2.  He then graciously introduced me to prospective buyers who are interest...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Hidden Gem that was the Deciding Factor for this Homebuyer A few years ago, I was working with a nice lady moving to the Spring Hill, Florida area.  She was looking for a modest home.  The first day we went and looked at a few of them that met her criteria for number bedrooms, baths, and price range. While she liked them, I noticed that each time we were driving down a major road, she would ask about the homes that were for sale on those streets.  Normally, homes on busy streets are less desirable for most buyers so I asked her why she was interested in these properties. Turned out that this buyer was used to public transportation where she came from.  Naturally, she was interested in bus routes and was looking for a home that was close to them.  Once I knew this - and glad I found out ...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Learn How to Turn Trash into Treasures at Spring Hill Library   What:  "Recycle Tuesday" Educational Program   When:  Tuesday, February 18, 2014   Time:  4:00-5:30pm.   Where:  Spring Hill Branch Library, 9220 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill   Info:  352-754-4042   You can turn trash into treasures if you just knew how.  The Hernando County Public Library system is offering an educational program "Recycle Tuesday" at the Spring Hill Library.   This program is for all ages and will show you what you can make from items that are typically thrown out.  Reusing and repurposing is the theme to put these things to good use or to simply use them creatively in some art projects.    Photo Credit:  Cardboard Recycling Sign by Phiseksit, freedigitalphotos.net
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Coming Soon... Villa for Sale in Timber Pines Golf Course Community offered for sale by Silvia Dukes PA, Tropic Shores Realty, Spring Hill, Florida Inventory of homes for sale in the Timber Pines Golf Course Community in Spring Hill, Florida is at a low level so hurry not for great opportunity to own your own Timber Pines home as a primary, vacation, or second home.  If you are a "snowbird" spending your winters in the Spring Hill area and are currently renting a home in Timber Pines, you may want to consider making this maintenance free villa yours.  Owning versus renting your winter home in Timber Pines certainly would eliminate the hassles of having to make advance reservations and having to stick to them - you can come anytime you want.  You don't even have to bring a suitcase, just...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Happy Valentines Day! Red is the color of the day!  Wishing everyone a happy Valentines Day! Regardless of the commercialism, I think Valentines Day gives us a nice colorful break from cold and dreary winter days where we can think of ways to brighten someones day whether it's a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger. With this in mind, enjoy the day!  
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Guess Who Came to Breakfast Today at Our Local Realtor Association? It's not every day that Realtors get a visit from their State Association President but that's just what happened today when Realtors at the Hernando County Association of Realtors in Brooksville, Florida were honored with a visit by newly installed 2014 Florida Realtors President Sherrie Meadows.  It's one thing to read vision statements and goals posted on your association's websites and publications - it's quite another when a member of the leadership team explains those goals in detail and addresses local Realtor  members personally.      Sherrie Meadows spoke for about 30 minutes during the general membership meeting sharing her vision for the Florida Realtors community and her passion for our profession with us.  ...
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By Bonnie Barbieri, GRI, CIPS, SFR, TRC,CNE,CDPE,SRES
(Remax Marketing Specialists)
We recently posted an article to our website that details the government services available in Hernando County, Florida as a service to our clients. It is a pretty comprehensive list and my webmaster really went all out with the research for this one. It was long enough that it had to be split into two parts. Here's the links if you are interested in checking it out: http://bonniebarbieriteam.com/home/2014/01/hernando-county-government-services-pt-1/   http://bonniebarbieriteam.com/home/2014/01/hernando-county-government-services-pt-2/   We're hoping it helps a few clients find any help they need in town. The county doesn't do the best job of advertising these links so maybe it'll benefit people who are having trouble finding them.
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Rotary International is "This" Close to Ending Polio While driving through Spring Hill, Florida, today I was very happy to spot this billboard on Commercial Way with Rotary's End Polio Now message: "We are THIS close to ending Polio!" It hasn't been that long that Polio was a feared disease everywhere including in the US and many of us still remember some people in our neighborhoods or even in our own families who were paralysed as a result of the disease.      Going on 30 years, Rotarians across the globe have supported and worked for the eradication of polio worldwide.  Thanks to vaccination programs worldwide, 99% of all countries are free of this crippling disease.  There are still three countries left with a handful of new cases each year.  That is why we are "this" close to ending...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Love is in the Air in the Timber Pines 55+ Community in Spring Hill, Florida That's what it feels like driving through the Timber Pines Golf and Country Club community in Spring Hill, Florida, these days.  In honor of the upcoming Valentine's Day, residents have lovingly decorated the entrances to their villages with hearts, cupids, and other Valentine Day related ornaments.  Love is in the air!  They definitely like to get in the spirit for any holiday in Timber Pines!    Interested in Living in Timber Pines? Timber Pines is a 55+ golf course community in Spring Hill, Florida.  Located just north of Tampa, Florida, this community is one of the premier 55+ communities in the United States.  Homes and villas for sale in Timber Pines are available for sale ranging from the 80,000s to the ...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
What is the Difference between an Offer and a Contract to Buy a Spring Hill Home?   The terms "offer" and "contract" to buy a Spring Hill home are both specific terms describing very different situations and should not be used interchangeably to avoid confusion. The offer comes before the contract.  As a buyer, you cannot "put in a contract" but you can make an offer to buy. Once you have made an offer on a Spring Hill home, it is presented to the seller.  There may be some negotiations on the offer terms including price, time frames, financing assistance, or other items. Only when the buyers and sellers have agreed to all terms of the offer and signed the document with all it's changes, the offer becomes a contract.  We also call this a fully executed contract because both parties, buy...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Hernando County Florida Home Sales for January 2014 provided by Silvia Dukes, REALTOR, Tropic Shores Realty, Spring Hill, Florida Hernando County homes sales decreased in January 2014 by 14 fewer homes sold than in December. Homes under contract however, increased by 17% from the previous month indicating that after the holidays, buyers returned to actively look for homes making offers to buy. Compared to December, average sales price in January 2014 declined by about 2% and median sales price declined by 7.8% resulting from an overall lower sales price range. Inventory of homes for sale in Hernando County is currently remaining stable.  The proportion of distressed homes for sale such as short sales and foreclosures in Hernando County remains below 25% of all inventory.  Average days o...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Florida Nature - Winter Rose Camellia This beautiful flowering bush is a Camellia japonica, here in Florida often referred to as "winter rose" because here it is in full bloom in December and January when the rest of the country is covered by a blanket of snow and ice. I took these photos while walking across the park-like grounds and taking photos at my new listing, a Spring Hill home for sale with over one acre of land.  Look for the upcoming listing announcement for more information!     Meanwhile, if you are interested in homes for sale in Spring Hill, Florida to escape the winter cold, please contact me at 352-584-7441 for more information about living in Florida!  
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Home Sales in Timber Pines, Spring Hill Florida for January 2014 Real estate market data for the Timber Pines community in Spring Hill, Florida provided by  Silvia Dukes PA, Tropic Shores Realty    Homes Sales in Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida Inventory of homes for sale in Timber Pines continued to decrease, there are five fewer homes on the market in Timber Pines than at this time the previous month. Average and median list prices increased again over those from the previous month.  Average days on market for homes sold in Timber Pines in January was 74 days. Closed home sales in Timber Pines decreased in January compared to December 2013 home sales. Currently, 33 homes and villas are under contract in the Timber Pines community. This is an increase of 15 units more under contract...
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  Will Home Values Fall if Spring Hill FL Mortgage Rates Rise A Little Further?       Right now, mortgage rates in Spring Hill FL (as in the rest of the nation) are higher than they’ve been for 15 months—a trend that’s likely to continue. We have to wonder about the impact higher Spring Hill Florida mortgage rates will have on Hernando county home sales in the coming year.   First, some perspective. If mortgage rates do increase in 2014, it’s no ‘done deal’ that home buyers will be put off—nor that a wave of foreclosures will follow. The reason? By past standards, interest rates will still be low, even at the 5½% predicted by the N.A.R. Any hike in mortgage interest rates are coming off the historical 3.52% set in the spring of 2013. Consider: most of us were paying mortgage rates betwe...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Top Ten Reasons for Living in Florida! Having lived in Florida since 1996 and having visited the State regularly since the late 80's, I've certainly seen some changes happening around here.  Nevertheless, there are reasons for living in Florida that are timeless.  1.  We are the Sunshine State!  Most days, the sun will shine and cloudy days without any sunshine at all are very rare.  No need to buy Vitamin D in a bottle. 2.  Beaches.  Wherever you live in Florida, it's never far to the beach, the ocean or the Gulf of Mexico!  Florida has 1350 miles of coastline and is number one in the contiguous United States.  Only Alaska has more coastline than Florida... but try swimming in their water in December!  3.  Watersports.  In addition to the most coastline, Florida has lots of rivers and ...
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