Becky Troutt

I was reading the Tampa Tribune paper online this morning and an article caught my attention. Condo Company Plans Clothing-Optional Pool. This is a ploy to help move units in a down market in Temple Terrace (near Tampa). My first thought is, it might have the opposite affect of what they are hoping for.

Even though only one of the pools with be clothing optional and will be 18 and older, I still would bet a lot of people would not want their kids in a community where some people are outside nude even if it is behind gates, shrubs or whatever.

In an online advertisement, the following statement was used: "You're going to be very comfortable with our dress code," it says. "Our residents are welcome to shed more than their inhibitions as they enter the gates of Eden. Because when our residents come home after a busy day in the working world, they want to completely unburden themselves, shed the trappings of the outside world ... and be totally free."

After some residents read that statement, they were up in arms because it made it sound as if the entire complex was going to be clothing optional. Not true they say. Only one of the private pools with me made clothing optional!

I'll be curious to see what happens if it gets passed and if it helps the sales!

Instead of "The right to bear arms" maybe it should read, "The right to bear butts"!

Below are the stats for properties that SOLD and closed in April & May for Manatee County:

May 2007
# of single family homes SOLD = 248
Avg SOLD price for SFR = $368,228
Median price for SFR = $309,500
Average Days On Market = 106

# of condos SOLD = 81
Avg SOLD price for condos = $243,872
Median price for condos = $185,000
Average Days On Market = 104

May 2008
# of single family homes SOLD = 207
Avg SOLD price for SFR = $318,821
Median price for SFR = $245,000
Average Days On Market = 113

# of condos SOLD = 86
Avg SOLD price for condos = $205,662
Median price for condos = $152,000
Average Days On Market = 146

April 2007
# of single family homes SOLD = 235
Avg SOLD price for SFR = $365,430
Median price for SFR = $290,000
Average Days On Market = 98

# of condos SOLD = 88
Avg SOLD price for condos = $228,691
Median price for condos = $176,250
Average Days On Market = 113

April 2008
# of single family homes SOLD = 223
Avg SOLD price for SFR = $352,745
Median price for SFR = $255,000
Average Days On Market = 101

# of condos SOLD = 79
Avg SOLD price for condos = $212,856
Median price for condos = $165,000
Average Days On Market = 147

As of today, there are: 3,859 SFR Active on the market and 1,682 Condos Active on the market for sale.

To check previous months stats, click here.

*Information is deemed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

In case you haven't heard yet, Forest Creek in Parrish, a Neal Communities subdivision now has REAL affordable housing available!

Single family cottage style 2 bedroom single story homes are starting in the low 120's. Two story cottage style homes are starting in the 150's! THIS IS FANTASTIC NEWS!!

Forest Creek is a beautiful gated community located off of Hwy 301 in Parrish.

I will be getting more info on these new houses including prices, floor plans and such and will be posting more info in the next day or two! So be sure to check back!!

If you're interested in touring this community, please feel free to contact me. Don't forget that it costs you NOTHING to use your own agent so that you're fully represented when you do decide to purchase! Our commission is paid for by the builder and is already included in the price of the home! It just makes sense to have your own agent!

Here's a quick video I found on Bay News 9 about this fabulous news!

Below are the stats for properties that SOLD and closed in January for Manatee County:

Jan 2007
# of single family homes SOLD = 135
Avg SOLD price for SFR = $345,304
Median price for SFR = $279,000

# of condos SOLD = 35
Avg SOLD price for condos = $319,034
Median price for condos = $218,000

Jan 2008
# of single family homes SOLD = 149
Avg SOLD price for SFR = $314,903
Median price for SFR = $245,000

# of condos SOLD = 33
Avg SOLD price for condos = $282,539
Median price for condos = $192,000

As of today, there are: 4,237 SFR Active on the market and 2,036 Condos Active on the market for sale.

To check previous months stats, click here.

*Information is deemed to be accurate, but is not guaranteed.

Don't miss out on this year's Cortez Fishing Festival! It starts today at 10am.

The festival offers food, fresh seafood, vendors with arts and crafts, live music, plenty of activities for children including a marine life touch tank.

Admission is $2 and children under 12 are FREE!

For the first time this year, festival visitors will be able to tour the newly opened Florida Gulf Coast Maritime Museum at Cortez, located in the Historic 1912 Schoolhouse on 119th Street West.

Admission to the festival, located on the south side of Cortez Road at 123rd Street West, just east of the Cortez Bridge.

Off-site parking will be available at Sugg Middle School, 3801 59th St. W., and Cortez Beach, on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island. Shuttle bus service to the festival costs $2 for a round trip.

For more information, visit the festival website.