You don't have a say in setting gas prices. You certainly can't force the real estate market to bounce back. And you cannot control a flagging stock market. ...more

May 18, 2008

Perhaps some of the economic stimulus local folks are looking for will come from Amendment One, which passed in January. Everyone knew it would double the homestead exemption, but it's the portability factor that might give our area an economic boost. Portability gives homeowners with the Save Our Homes property tax cap the opportunity to take that protection with them to the next home they buy. That wasn't possible before Amendment One. All of a sudden, homeowners on either Florida coast can sell their $750,000 home, move here and buy the same house for $250,000, and with portability, pay little property tax. We won't claim that hundreds of people are lining up to do this, but the numbers are growing. Residents already living here also are moving within the county due to portability. We hope all of this bodes well for the real estate market. Getting some movement – any movement – will make a big difference. ...more

February 22, 2008

Just about everyone is feeling the queasiness associated with our nation's — and especially our local – economy. Quality businesses are cutting wherever they can. Good workers are concerned about layoffs and the general economic outlook is dismal. All of us are affected and it's not a pleasant situation. That said, most of us know that better days are coming. The difficulty is hanging on until then. ...more

February 6, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - International investors are taking advantage of Florida's real estate market getting good deals on second homes and rental properties. ...more

January 22, 2008

Why aren't cities and counties screaming, hollering and lobbying against Amendment One, an amendment which if passed would severely cut its revenue? Is it because they are afraid to take on the state? Perhaps they believe they can easily operate with less money? Or maybe they think they have no credibility with the voters? Doubtful on all counts. The most logical conclusion is that if Amendment One passes, local governments will continue to get the revenue they need to provide the services we are used to and demand. ...more

January 20, 2008

Impact fees are an important pay-as-you-use tax/fee, and recent concern about raising them in a real estate market slump is unjustified. ...more

January 19, 2008

PLANT CITY - Local building permit activity sharply declined in 2007, a city report states. ...more

January 9, 2008

In 2007, the shift from small, cozy motels to mega resorts and condominiums continued, with backers saying economics dictated more and pricier rooms and opponents fearing concrete canyons walling off the beach. ...more

December 25, 2007

Despite the doom and gloom you might hear about the real estate market, people are still buying and selling homes, says Jeff Shaw, president of Century 21 Shaw Realty Group. ...more

November 25, 2007

A soft real estate market forced the developer of the proposed Harbor Key Townhomes to ask for a one-year extension of the project's site plan approval permit from the city of Safety Harbor. ...more

November 3, 2007