It is that time of year for what has become a Fall tradition at base of the Sulphur Springs Water Tower. The Water Tower is a national register ditrict landmark on the banks of the Hillsborough River in River Tower Park at 701 E. Bird St., Tampa.
The weather forcast reports that our 2nd cool front should move through the area on Thursday making for an enjoyable evening under the stars listening to the Florida Orchestra on Friday evening.
Florida Orchestra concert Fri, Oct 16, 2009 at 7:00 PM River Tower Park, entrance off of Bird street. For a map to River Tower Park, click here
Picnic under the stars with your Florida Orchestra offering a fun mix of symphonic and pops favorites at this FREE outdoor concert.
Gerald Steichen, conductor
ROSSINI: La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie) Overture
BIZET: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1: II. Minuet; IV. Cariollon
CHABRIER: España
COPLAND: Variations on a Shaker Melody
J.STRAUSS, JR: On the Beautiful Blue Danube
WILLIAMS: The Cowboys Overture
TURINA: Danzas Fantásticas
WILLSON: The Music Man: Symphonic Impressions
SOUSA: El Capitan March
J.STRAUSS, JR: Thunder & Lightning Polka
TCHAIKOVSKY: 1812 Overture
River Tower Park is located at 701 East Bird Street, Tampa, FL.
posted by: www.athomeintheheights.com your source for vintage homes in Tampa Florida
Rick Fifer, 813-758-7444
Ella's is the lastest in new dining options in Seminole Heights. In this down economy Seminole Heights is continuing to add new businesses. Melissa and Ernie have created a one of a kind dining experience in this homage to great food an Americana folk art. The restaurant is new construction from the ground up and is the first to incorporate sculpture into their landscaping.
Now into their 3rd week it is a hopping place with a large outdoor deck built around one of the many grand oaks that are a Seminole Heights signature feature. These residents of Old Seminole Heights have created a special destination in the Southeast section of Seminole Heights. Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe is located at 5119 N. Nebraska Ave.,Tampa, Fl 33603 813-234-1000
picture courtesy of Ella's Folk Art Cafe.
If you are looking for a really vibrant and creative neighborhood to call home, visit me at www.HeightsBungalows.com. Let the leading Realtor in Seminole Heights show you what our community has to offer. Tampa's urban core neighborhoods have choices to fit every budget and awesome places to hang out with friends.
Rick Fifer, 813-758-7444
Well I love my neighborhood and lately we have been getting some great press about Buying and Living in Seminole Heights. This past winter Seminole Heights was featured in American Bungalow. Now Seminole Heights has again been featured in a national publication. This time This Old House magazine features Seminole Heights as one of the best neighborhoods in the south to buy an old house! This follows Newsweek magazine's rating of historic Hillsborough High 
School among the top 50 public high schools in the United States, a ranking the school has held for a number of years.
Seminole Heights was Florida's representative in This Old House magazine's article that sought to identify the best old house neighborhood in each state. As a neighborhood of porch parties, great neighborhood parks, potlucks, preservation and community activists, the magazine felt that Seminole Heights stood out among Florida's old house neighborhoods. As the Tampa Tribune put it: These old houses keep turning heads.
If you are looking to buy in Seminole Heights, you want an agent who truely knows the community and who knows what to beware of when buying vintage home. As a resident of Seminole Heights for nearly 2 decades, former president of 2 of the 3 neighborhood associations that make up Seminole Heights and someone who has renovated 4 vintage homes, check out my website at www.HeightsBungalows.com. My goal has been to make it the best site for real estate in the heights neighborhoods and to assist my customers with honest and intergrity.
Rick Fifer, Realtor
813-758-7444
Florida Executive Realty
Seminole Heights has developed a reputation for have some of the most active an organized neighborhood associations in the city of Tampa. When there was a possibility that Architecural Review Commission would keep Starbucks from moving in well over a hundred went to city council. When it looked like the city would keep Cappy's Pizza from opening again city council was packed. The neighborhoods banded together more than 10 years ago to create a residential overlay district to compliment the historic districts and the character of the area. The neighborhood has pushed the city to test out form based code for zoning.
Now Seminole Heights is going into more unchartered territory in the Tampa Bay area with the establishment of the Seminole Heights Foundation, Inc., which the founders hope will be able eventually provide funds and resources to accomplish long frustrated neighborhood projects. Launched with great press in the St. Petersburg Times: Seminole Heights tries nonprofit approach to neighborhood improvements And the Tampa Tribune: Foundation To Fill In Gaps
I post a lot related to Seminole Heights, it is most of my primary market. It is also a neighborhood that has it's struggles to overcome long held negative perceptions.
Looking for a home in the Seminole Heights area? www.HeightsBungalows.com
Buyers Beware
We have had a crushing 3 years of a buyers market here in the Tampa bay area, indeed the whole state of Florida. Sellers thought the good times would never end so they borrowed and borrowed and never saved a cent. They had a hard time adjusting to the falling home values. "Under water", "upside down", "short sales" became a routine part of the home buying and selling process. Buyers regained a more level playing field.
Well it has been a long 3 years. The price has dropped on that home beautiful home down the street. Rates are low. Now you're ready to buy. You scraped your 3.5% that the lender says you need for that new FHA mortgage. Time to pounce.
Oops! While you were waiting for that price to drop to a fire sale price, the credit markets seized, the home has sat vacant for 2 years. The roof began to leak, mold grew on the walls. The FHA inspector just told you "no go" on the house. What?
Or maybe it is beautiful old house in need of a paint job? Sorry peeling paint. Lead based too boot! No loan for you.
Now I have nothing against FHA loans but when you are asking government to guarantee your loan, there are some strings attached. Yeah a conventional loan with 20% down is tough. But lenders know you got some skin in the game. That conventional lender won't be as strict about the condition. Unfortunately you haven't saved, and you still owe 5k on that last vacation.
It not the buyers market you thought.
Specializing in a older neighborhood, I would say more than 2/3rds of the short sales and bank owned properties won't get past the FHA inspectors and the sellers aren't going to put out money to fix it. The inventory that is actually open to you is actually smaller than it was 2 years ago. While the buyer pool is small, everyone is chasing those same few homes. Most of the desirable houses aren't on the market because the sellers actually have a choice. These days best deal is actually the one you can get a loan on.
I just saw 2 homes go under contract in less than a week without a big hit on price. Why? They were in good condition and could pass FHA standards. It has been a long time since that happened in my urban neighborhood.
Buyers beware the market is changing again. (at least in my fish pond)
Rick Fifer, 813-758-7444
Specializing in bungalows & vintage homes in Seminole Heights, Ybor Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights. Neighborhoods noted for their charm, tree shaded brick streets, riverfront parks & more
Originally from the suburban Philiadelphia area, I came to Tampa in 1983. My undergraduate degree is from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. I have two graduate degrees from the University of South Florida. Prior to going into real 
estate, I spent 20 years in social work doing eveything from case management, supervision, contract management, and as a program director. I currently live in the Seminole Heights neighborhood with my two dogs, Homer (from the Humane Society) and Cicero who I adopted at a neighborhood yard sale over 10 years ago.
My first home was in the Hampton Terrace section of Old Seminole Heights and Seminole Heights has remained my home 15 out of the past 17 years. I have completed renovations of my third bungalow home in Seminole Heights. But there is a character and charm in vintage homes that I can't resist. Some might say that makes me a glutten for punishment but I have come to love the challenge. Each time I say I'm staying put life has a way of introducing change. So will this be the last personal home renovation? Who can say. Even the two years I moved back to Philly, I had to renovate a home while I was living 
there. I think it is an addiction.
Along the way I gained a bit of knowledge and learned a lot of new skills. This has often proven helpful when working with customers since my speciality is historic and vintage homes.
During my years in the Seminole Heights area I have actively worked with many equally dedicated neighbors to bring positive changes to our central Tampa community through volunteering in a number of ways. As a former President of both the the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA) and the South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA), I have seen tremendous changes made within all of the Heights neighborhoods over the years. I was an early supporter of the Seminole Heights Business Alliance when it formed.
While I am dedicated to providing excellent service to all of my customers. When you start talking about Seminole Heights is when you really see my passion and commitment to community. To search for homes in: Old Seminole Heights , South and Southeast Seminole Heights Or maybe you are like me and are drawn to Vintage homes, well I have a search that will match your budget, however modest or grand. Just visit: Vintage Homes
My first and foremost I strive to provide each of my customers with superior customer service. That applies to both my buyers and sellers. I don't disappear after listing your home but I keep you informed with feedback until your home sells! As a buyer, it is not about getting you into contract and moving on, I am very hands on involved in making sure everything runs smoothly. Whether you are a buyer or seller, the words of my past customers below speaks best to my commitment to my customers.
Tampa has many unique neighborhoods just like any city. My goal is to help you get the home you want in the neighborhood that meets your needs and budget. However, my speciality is bungalows and older homes in Seminole Heights, Ybor Heights, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights and Ybor City. These neighborhoods are noted for their historic homes, brick streets, riverfront parks and historic districts. Bungalows from the Craftsman era are the most common of the historic homes and can be found each of the Heights neighborhoods. In that sense I am selling
not just a house but neighborhoods and communities to which I am deeply committed.
Historic Districts. Tampa has 6 designated historic districts: Hyde Park, Ybor City, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, West Tampa, and Hampton Terrace. I love the charm, character, and craftmanship that can be found in older homes. Some have been neglected and abused but they have stood the test of time. And personally, I don't think they still build them the way my great-grandfather and his generation did. But of course he didn't build in hurricane alley or in termite heaven.
First time buyers. Years ago when trying to buy my first home, the downpayment and closing cost were a hurdle that kept me from buying. I would talk to agents and even some lenders who wouldn't give me the time of day or point me in the right direction. I haven't forgotten those days and so I try to connect my first-time buyers with resources to purchase their first home. Using these programs require a greater investment of time on the part of buyers and mine as their real estate agent; generally take a bit longer to go from contract to closing (one reason many lenders and real estate agents don't get involved with them). However, for buyers who are really wanting to own instead of rent, I have the resources to help you navigate down payment assistance programs.
... we wanted to live in Seminole Heights, but we weren't sure which realtor to use. We chose Rick because of his expertise in this area, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. Rick is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and he is an excellent listener as well! After just a few conversations with Rick about our preferences and needs, he found us a number of houses that met all of our criteria. We ended up in a great house that's in a perfect location for us. Rick helped us immensely throughout the entire process, and even though we closed over a year ago, we still go to him for advice about home improvement and recommendations for skilled laborers. He is always ready to offer his expertise, and we consider him an invaluable resource. Jennifer Bosson and Dave Davisson neighbors in Old Seminole Heights
"Thanks Rick for showing us all the properties,... we were really glad the first seller didn't respond on time, it gave us time to find the perfect home with your help. ...my wife was really glad you knew so much about all the different plants in the courtyard. And thanks for being so professional ... I would not of had the patience you did. " Randy and Penny Dean, new homeowners in Carrollwood Village
"...thank you for helping me through this home buying process. I really do love the house and couldn't have made the move without your compassionate help and guidance." Jamie Pilarczyk, first time homebuyer
"Rick was an absolute joy to work with. As a first time home buyer this was an exiting yet unnerving experience for me, so having a reliable and knowledgeable agent was key. It was clear to me that he has strong ties to the Seminole Heights community and genuinely cares for the neighborhood and its residents. Most importantly, I think Rick listened to all of the specifics I was looking for in a home, and found the perfect match for me. I couldn't be happier, or more satisfied. I feel completely confident recommending his services to anyone interested in buying or selling a home." Courtney Ellison, Hampton Terrace resident.
"We wanted to express to you are gratitude for helping us sell our property. We sincerely feel that we could not have done it without you. You went far above what would be considered standard realtor effort to make sure everthing was perfect. Your knowledge of the marketplace, your eye for detail and your integrity are certainly a winning combination. Over the last couple of years we have had many experiences across the country in real estate and by far dealing with you has been the best experience that we could ask for. We can highly recommend to anyone that when they hire you... they are hiring the best! Please have any of your potential clients call us if they need a referral." Tom & Andrea DeFrancisco, Lake Wylie, SC sellers, 912 W. Idlewild
"Although it has been a couple of months since the closing on my new home, I have not forgotten how you helped me fulfill that dream. Four realtors later, and me at the end of my wits, is when I met you. I will admit I was skeptical at first...however, you immediately gained my trust and the rest is history. Your patience and determination prevailed as you kept looking for the perfect home for me and then we found my "Gingerbread House!" With all said and done, your diligence, perseverance and patience was outstanding. I truely believe you were operating in my best interest and for that, I am most grateful." --Linda "Lou" Gomes, first time home owner
We had worked with two other realtors who could not find what we were looking for. Our participation in the city's first-time homebuyer program presented several challenges, but Rick met them all. My dad even told me "I never saw a real estate agent work so hard for his client." We were so pleased with his abilities that we have recommended him twice, once to a friend who he helped into her own first house, and later to my sister when she wanted to sell. They were both as happy as we were with the experience, and we would recommend Rick to anyone." --T.J. Weekes and Chris Schad, first time buyers
"I wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful service you provided me over the last year in my house hunt, and my recent purchase of a home. It took me over a year to purchase a home and I greatly appreciate you're patience, and consistently providing me with prompt and courteous service that whole time. I think most other Realtors would have become fed up with me after showing me house after house and I either wasn't interested in making an offer, or by the time I made up mind and decided I wanted to make an offer, the property was already under contract. In spite of all my hemming and hawing you stuck with me and remained positive and supportive and encouraged me to do what I felt was right, and didn't put any pressure on me to buy something I wasn't sure about. Thanks again for all of your patience, advise, and good service on the purchase of my wonderful home. I've already been recommending you to all of the people I know who are interested in either buying or selling a home." Cole Talty, CPA south Tampa.
"You made selling our house a calm and even fun experience. Your knowledge, support, and customer service led to a quick and profitable sale. While we are both happy with 'quick and profitable,' it is your guidance and honesty we'll remember forever!" - Marky Spies and Ed Van de Wall
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