The Dog That Bit Me

What color is your bathroom?

I'm all about home improvement, but really from a management standpoint. It turns out I know what I want and can even plan it out, but ladders and nails and other "boy" things? Not so much.

But, I decided to paint my own bathroom. It's a small space. I can do this. The problem is, I'm stuck on the very first step. What color??

I did what any normal person would do-I called an Interior Designer. I know, I know-most of you aren't lucky enough to have someone close to you who happens to do this for a living. I'm going to hook you up with Debi Abood with Divine Designs.

How's your credit?

When I meet with folks for the first time, I usually ask something generic like, "How's your credit?" The answers are pretty predictable. It's OK. Not so good. It should be really good. Some people will actually give me a number. They will look right in my eyes and say, "It's 680."

Now, I'm not here to scold, but I can tell you that not ONCE has the person ever been right. So where are they getting their information? Most people just guess based on what they think it should be based on how they pay their bills. I'm not one to micro-manage, but I order my credit report once a year like a flu shot.

Why? Because now it's easy and free. You can even do it online. Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and get your copy. There are three agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) so make sure you order all three. I say this because, in my opinion, the site doesn't really make this clear. Once a year, all three reports are free.

How bad do you want that deck?

According to the Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your vinyl siding is the least expensive way to add value and increase the selling price for your home. Replacing wood windows and performing a minor kitchen remodel ($17,000 or less) tie for second place on the list of high-impact home improvements to help you sell. The third most profitable home improvement to add value to your home is a bathroom makeover at $12,000 or less.

So just what you need, numbers to absorb.

Project Job Cost Resale Value Average ROI

• Vinyl Siding Replacement                       $9,134        $7,963      87.2%
• Window Replacement (Wood)               $11,040        $9,416      85.3%
• Minor Kitchen Remodel                        $17,928       $15,278      85.2%
• Bathroom Remodel                              $12,918       $10,970      84.9%
• Window Replacement (Vinyl)                $13,120       $11,109      84.7%
• Two-Story Addition                            $105,297       $87,654      83.2%
• Major Kitchen Remodel                        $54,241       $43,603      80.4%
• Attic Bedroom Remodel                       $44,073       $35,228      79.9%
• Basement Remodel                              $56,724      $44,685      78.8%
• Deck Addition                                     $14,728       $11,307      76.8%

Have you been pre-qualified?

This is a question I’m hearing every day right now:

What does pre-qualification mean?

Why am I hearing that question? Because I’m representing the seller in a house that is not closing, day after day.

What does loan qualification mean? It means the buyer has paid the loan application fee.

What does final underwriting mean? Any minute now...

Seriously, pre-qualification often doesn’t mean very much. The buyer may have had a phone conversation with the lender. They may have discussed income and debt. The buyer’s credit may have been run. But other than the credit report, there probably has not been any tangible demonstration of the basis of the pre-qualification.

The Angels Are Coming!!

The Blue Angels air show at MacDill Air Force Base is one of the great things about living in the Tampa Bay area. We didn't get to see it last year-I don't remember why, but it probably had something to do with security-but they are back! The show is scheduled for March 31st and April 1st from 8 to 5 with the air demonstration rocking our world both days from 3 to 5.

It's free (yee ha), so bring the kids and all of your neighbors. This is a hugely popular event here and the weather is usually perfect. (If it rains or anything, please don't send me nasty notes saying that I promised good weather.) You get to see some of the things your tax dollars are paying for and it's quite impressive. Their website has some basic play nice rules, like don't bring weapons, fireworks, coolers, tote bags, booze, and sadly, pets. Actually the noise would probably scare the bejeepers out of my dogs, so I'm OK with that one.

By all means, check out their official site for a complete list because those military folks get a bit testy if you don't follow the rules and this is supposed to be fun. In the meantime, check out their promotional video.

Do the bugs come with it??

Does the thought of buying a house "As Is" make you want to run for the nearest, cozy new construction home with a builder warranty? Are you having visions of plaster falling on your head in the middle of the night?

Well, the situation is not nearly that bad. There is no magic to this type of purchase, but you do need to be open to what could happen.

In a perfect world, everything would work correctly-my car would never need servicing and I could use the same coffee maker for the rest of my life. Well, that's my perfect world because I am not a "repair" person, whatever that is. If something-anything-breaks, my head just blows up. Complete melt-down. I call people-lots of people. In fact, if the breakdown is big enough-car, computer-well, I just want my mommy. So I completely understand when a buyer gives me a look like I've spoken Mandarin if I suggest it.

Where are we again?

What's the best thing about living in Florida? Is it that knucklehead Mickey Mouse and his lovely bride Minny? The white sand stretching for miles along the beaches? How about perfect weather?

Did you say license plates?? What's not to love about license plates? Yep, here in the Sunshine State we have one for everybody. Seriously. When you come across the Florida line and state your intention to live here, the DMV will whip up a plate just for you. Don't believe me? Take a look:

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Animal Friend
• Aquaculture
• Conserve Wildlife
• Discover Florida's Oceans
• Everglades River of Grass
• Fish Florida
• Indian River Lagoon
• Large Mouth Bass
• Panther
• Protect Florida Whales
• Protect Our Reefs
• Protect Wild Dolphins
• Save Our Seas
• Save the Manatee
• Sea Turtle
• Sportsmen's National Land Trust
• State Wildflower
• Tampa Bay Estuary

MISCELLANEOUS
A State of Vision

Agricultural Education

Agriculture

American Red Cross

Boy Scouts of America

Challenger

Choose Life

Donate Organs

End Breast Cancer

Family First

Family Values

Florida Arts

Florida Educational

Florida Golf Capital of the World

Florida Salutes Veterans

Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch

Florida Special Olympic

Hospice: Everyday is a Gift

Imagine

Invest in Children

Keep Kids Drug Free

Kids Deserve Justice

Live the Dream

Motocycle Specialty

Parents Make A Difference

Police Athletic League

Police Benevolent Association

Salutes Firefighters

Share the Road

Stop Child Abuse

Stop Heart Disease

Support Homeownership For All

Support Soccer

U.S. Air Force

U.S. Army

U.S. Coast Guard

U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Navy

U.S. Olympic

U.S. Paratroopers

United We Stand

So about now you're thinking, "This cannot be for real." And yet, you can't help but find yourself oddly attracted to looking at some and maybe even thinking - ooohhh, that one's pretty. But wait, there's more...

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

Florida Marlins (Baseball)

Florida Panthers (Hockey)

Jacksonville Jaguars (Football)

Miami Dolphins (Football)

Miami Heat (Basketball)

Orlando Magic (Basketball)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Football)

Tampa Bay Devil Rays (Baseball)

Tampa Bay Lightning (Hockey)

UNIVERSITIES

Barry University

Bethune-Cookman College

Clearwater Christian College

Eckerd College

Edward Waters College

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Flagler College

Florida A & M University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida College

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Florida Memorial College

Florida Southern College

Florida State University

Jacksonville University

Lynn University

New College of Florida

Nova Southeastern University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Ringling School of Art and Design

Rollins College

Saint Leo University

Saint Thomas University

Southeastern University

Stetson University

University of Central Florida

University of Florida

University of Miami

University of North Florida

University of South Florida

University of Tampa

University of West Florida

Warner Southern College

So you're thinking this list is finally over, right? It is, but the DMV left off the tag at the very top of this post, which is the default tag for Florida. I have also seen two cars with plates that say "Pearl Harbor Survivor". They are purple and I can't decide if the lack of them is a good thing or not.

So what does this have to do with real estate?? Well, my point here is that living in Florida is an adventure, it's fun, lively, controversial, and all the things mentioned in the first paragraph. It really is quite similar to a Carl Hiaason novel. Is it paradise? Utopia? No, nothing so overstated. But you will never be bored.

Shout outs-Thank you to my new friends at Sellsius for always being a fun place to visit, but particularly for the piece about Groundhog's Day.

Let's Face It, Florida Rocks

  This is a shameless post, meaning that I really have no valuable real estate advice for you today, but I could not resist this post by Dave Barry.

I have been to two Super Bowls here in Tampa and if you've never been to one, even if you hate football, it's still a really good time. Lots of things going on around town, parties, etc. The last time the Super Bowl was here in Tampa, I saw Derek Jeter and Lil' Kim at International Mall. I know, cheap thrills, but still.

Anyway, happy Monday. Hope this gives you some good laughs. Welcome To Florida!!

Yes, There's More...

I'd like to add an addendum to my previous post about Gasparilla. I feel as though I did not give the unitiated adequate coverage and maybe played it down. (BTW-in my original post I spoke of the number of pirates in the Krewe. I was referring to the original Krewe of Gasparilla.)

This http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2418397104176525103&hl=en provides a much clearer look at one of Tampa's funnest and more visible celebrations. If you were there on Saturday, I hope you have recovered. Next up-the Gasparilla Distance Classic and the wonderful Gasparilla Art Show. Enjoy!!

Just Give Me The Keys!!!

For the unitiated, Gasparilla is right around the corner. January 27th, in fact. Growing up, the parade and invasion were on a week-day and we got to miss school. Yep, it was a holiday. The invasion was also in February and coincided with the State Fair. Big doin's for our humble city. The idea was to go to the parade and then spend the rest of the day at the fair. Beyond cool.

Here we are in 2007 and the pirates keep moving it further and further into January. No State Fair. It's just not the same.

Shed no tears, my friend. If it's fun you're looking for, Gasparilla won't disappoint. In fact, the festivities last for about 2 weeks. The parade goes down beautiful Bayshore Boulevard and ends in downtown Tampa. Hundreds of boats follow the lead Pirate "ship" (it's really a tricked out barge), while it is filled with pirates, shooting guns and throwing beads, drinking, and generally making lots of noise. The pirates eventually dock and take over the city from the shivering mayor and she gladly hands over the keys to the city.