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
Lately I have been doing some thinking about the going green craze. Our local MLS has a category for "green certified home." I have a customer who is very curious about a house that is advertised as a "green" house. It is a many ways a fad. It is trendy to be green.
When it comes to "green" houses there are some questions that never seem to get asked. I am curious about what use to be where the new "green" house or development has been built. Did it use to be a wooded area? Did they drain a wet land to build the new "green" house? How many miles of asphalt were laid to get to this new "green" house? Tell me about the materials? Did they use a metal roof or did the builder use asphalt shingles that will go into a landfill every 15 to 20 years? Where do we get that asphalt? Did anyone stop and question that it comes from the worlds diminishing oil reserves? What was the carbon footprint for harvesting the new lumber, producing the cement, manufacturing the shingles, etc.?
My house wouldn't meet a green certification in all likelihood. It doesn't have all the trendy bells and whistles. But my home sits on a lot that has been residential for more than 60 years. It is in an urban core that doesn't contribute to urban sprawl. My metal roof will outlast me barring some natural disaster and when it is time to replace it there will still be a recycle value unlike those asphalt shingles. That metal roof also reflects a huge percentage of the UV rays thus reducing my cooling costs. Because I renovated a blighted house the waste stream going into a landfill was much less that what was produced to clear the land or bulldoze the existing structures to build those new green homes. Through wise choices my old house actually cost 40% less in electric usage than when I bought it a little over 4 years ago. Does this make my house a "green" house yet?
When you think closely about the environmental impact, new isn't greener. It is just new. It is only green if you ignore the impact to the environment going forward and ignore all the ecological costs and the carbon impact and the waste stream that got you to the new "green" house. Renovating an old house is much more environmentally sensitive than any new house could ever be because the environmental costs were already paid decades ago. Yes there are eco-costs in renovation but they are so much lower than building anything new.
Maybe it is time to consider all the costs. When you do it becomes clearer that recycling isn't just for bottles, cans, and newspapers.
Naturally since my specialty niche is older historic or vintage homes I feel somewhat passionate about the history, the aesthetics, and the charm. But these homes are also "green" in ways we seldom think about.
Rick Fifer, 813-758-7444
Florida Executive Realty
This coming Sunday will be the 11th annual Old Seminole Heights Home Tour showcasing the wonderful homes in Old Seminole Heights. Unlike past years, this tour will be comprised of historic Bungalows and other homes going back into the late 1800's. Advance tickets for the tour are $10.00. If you wait until the day of the tour the tickets are $15.00 at the door.
With a stunning Arts & Crafts Bungalow on the market just 2 blocks from Historic Hillsborough High school, I will once again miss the Home Tour. It is much more 
important to get exposure for this home at 5114 Suwanee Ave. I will have the home open on April 5th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. All the work has been done in restoring this home while updating all the mechanical systems for life in the 21st century.
This is a perfect time for prospective buyers to come out and check out the neighborhood. I have found that the neighborhood has a very different feel when you see it at the speed of a pedestrian. Seminole Heights in one of Tampa's most affordable historic neighborhoods. So if you are in the mood for a day of discovery, education, and history, you might just find yourself right at home.
Rick Fifer, rfifer@tampabay.rr.com
Florida Executive Realty
Spring brings out neighbors and friends and in what has become a ritual, the evening events at Tower Park (other wise know as the Sulphur Springs Water Tower). The Suphur Springs Water Tower was built by Josiah Richardson in the 1920's to serve what was then the resort town of Sulphur Springs and his developments in the area. Today it is one of Tampa's most well known landmarks and visible from I-275.
Coming up on on March 21st at 8:00 pm
Admission to the movie is free. River Tower Park at Sulphur Springs in Tampa at 701 East Bird Street (bordered by 1-275 and Florida Avenue) Contact # is 819-274-8615 Parking is available at the park. Parking attendants will be on hand to provide direction.
Please consider bringing donations of pet food or supplies for the 
Humane Society of Tampa Bay Pet Food & Supplies Drive. To learn more about the Humane Society and view a supplies wish list, visit www.humanesocietytampa.org.
Sunset Cinema is sponsored by Bank of America, 107.3 The Eagle, The St. Petersburg Times, tbt* Tampa Bay Times, Grown Man Brand, Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, The City of Tampa Parks and Recreation, and Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation.
In our challenging economy, a free movie is good. At a time when the animal shelters are being overwhelmed with abandoned pets helping the Humane Society helps them provide for animals who's former owners can no longer do it.
It is a chance to discover the Seminole Heights area, maybe get a bite to eat at 3 Coins, Bunglow Bistro, the Front Porch or one of the other nearby restuarants. Maybe you'll even meet that future neighbor.
posted by www.atHomeintheHeights.com Your resource when looking for homes in Seminole Heights and Tampa's historic neighborhoods.
The tradition of the Home Tour continues this year. The starting point this year will be the stunning Gothic Revival architecture of Hillsborough High School. The Hillsborough High School is easily the most ornate school in all of Hillsborough County with stained glass windows rivaling those of churches. Designed by Francis Joseph Kennard and completed in 1928. From there tour participants will spread out across the neighborhood to see some of the earliest homes in Seminole Heights. This year the home tour is themed on the "Early Years" building off of the highly acclaimed Seminole Height historical documentary. To learn more about Historic Seminole Heights.
The Old Seminole Heights Home Tour will be Sunday, April 5th from 11:30 to 5:30. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and can be purchased online at www.oldseminoleheights.com or can be purchased at Sherry's Yesterdaze at 5207 N. Florida Avenue. Advanced tickets went on sale March 1st. Ticket prices the day of the Home Tour are $15.00. The proceeds benefit the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to a neighborhood serving organization. In years past the donation has gone to one of the local schools.
Come visit, Come Discover, Seminole Heights. Let an expert help you find that vintage home at www.heightsbungalows.com
Rick Fifer, real estate consultant with Florida Executive Realty
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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