Diana Marshall

If you want to buy a home near Tampa, Florida, look no further than Heritage Harbor in Lutz. I have seen much of the available inventory over the past week and there are some great homes ready and waiting for new owners. As I was showing properties, I noticed well-kept homes on manicured lots. I saw friendly people taking an evening walk and/or walking their pets.

Heritage Harbor's proximity to the Veterans Expressway and I75 via Dale Mabry make commuting to downtown Tampa or the Airport business district workable. The neighborhood boasts A-rated schools. You will also find outstanding amenities like golf, a clubhouse, fitness center, pool with water slide, basketball, tennis courts, playground and more. Sellers report a Homeowner Association fee of $115.00 monthly. A CDD fee is included in the taxes.

One 1900+ two-story home we viewed was priced at $65 per square foot. Nearby, a 3000+ sf bank-owned property with fresh paint and new carpet is listed for $75 per square foot. Please contact me for additional details for Heritage Harbor.

Is your income stable or tending to increase right now? Are you paying lots of income taxes?

Here's a tip: If you invest in a residence for yourself and/or an investment property or two, and pay them off (depending on your age) in 15 or 30 years, you will then be able to live rent-free and/or have a rental income stream during your retirement years when your earnings from employment probably will begin to decline. Home prices are currently fantastic and values may begin to improve again (but you don't have to depend on that to prosper). There are currently rental property income tax write offs that save your income and there is nothing wrong with tenants buying a house for you, right? So don't be a tenant...be the landlord instead.

Many people fear being a landlord but I have not found the experience to be that bad. If you owe more on your home than it is worth you really have little choice but to rent your present home if you want or need to move.

I prefer block homes close enough to drive to, in working class neighborhoods near employment, shopping, medical, etc. If the home is older, it should be in an updated condition, especially the major systems like plumbing, electrical, roofing, kitchen and bath, or you will have to put those dollars in yourself.

Whether you are buying your first home, moving up to have more room, buying an investment for college or your future, or downsizing to have more freedom, contact me for a home selling/buying experience and an investment in your future you'll write home about.

This sign announces the entry to the very desirable Quail Woods Subdivision. New Homes are being constructed in the Preserve at Quail Woods. There are 14 models which can be built, ranging in size from just under 2,000 sf living space to over 3,000 sf living space. Homes are offered with a standard home site. Prime conservation and waterfront home sites are available at additional cost. Quail Woods is located just minutes from I75 and the Land O' Lakes/Zephyrhills exit (CR54). The builder is offering 1% of sales price toward closing costs when buyer uses their lender. There is currently one inventory home available, with one coming soon and another ready Winter 2008. Quail Woods is located almost directly across from an "A" rated elementary school! Call Diana Marshall 813-956-2156 for additional information.