Dave Tipton, Broker, GRI, e-PRO, SRES Tampa Bay Area Real Estate

Early in the morning on Aug. 2, 1933, a battered pick-up truck arrived at Hillsborough High School in Tampa. This was the day when Tampa Junior College was transformed into The University of Tampa and when its headquarters moved from the local high school to what is now known as Plant Hall. Riding on the truck was its president, Frederic H. Spaulding, the former principal of Hillsborough High School and the man who had been the motivating force behind establishing the first local university for Tampa's high school graduates.

Plant Hall, the main academic and administrative building for the University, already had an extraordinary history. Formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, the building represented, and still remains, a symbol of the city and its history. Local historians credit its builder, railroad and shipping magnate Henry B. Plant, with the transformation of Tampa from a sleepy fishing village to what would become a vibrant city of the new millennium.

Built between 1888 and 1891, the hotel was designed to surpass all other grand winter resorts that existed at the time. At a cost of $3 million, the 511-room giant rose to a flamboyant height of five stories, surrounded by ornate Victorian gingerbread and topped by Moorish minarets, domes and cupolas.

The rooms that once hosted Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, Sarah Bernhart, Babe Ruth (who signed his first baseball contract in the hotel's grand dining room), Clara Barton, Stephen Crane, Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, the Prince of Wales, the Queen of England and many other celebrities of their day, are today classrooms, laboratories, public rooms, academic and administrative offices - the heart of the University that now fans out around Plant Hall.

Today

The University of Tampa is a medium-sized comprehensive, private university located on approximately 100 acres of prime riverfront land in the heart of downtown Tampa. It is the school of choice for 5,600 students from 50 states and U.S. territories and almost 100 countries. More than half of undergraduates are from Florida. Approximately 70 percent of full-time students live on campus.

The University offers more than 100 areas of study and pre-professional programs through a strong core curriculum rooted in the liberal arts. An Evening College presents degree programs to adults who want to study part-time at night. Graduate programs are offered for Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Finance, Master of Science in Marketing, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Innovation Management and Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Innovation. The MBA program is one of the largest in Florida and is one of the elite private schools in the Southeast to have AACSB accreditation.

Student Body

UT has approximately 5,500 students from all 50 U.S. states. Many students come from northern and northeastern states, attracted by the warm weather, the nearby beaches, and the beautiful campus. Students from Florida make up over half of the student body. Over 100 countries are represented within the student body, giving it a rich cultural diversity.

This information was provided by courtesy of the University of Tampa

For more information, go to University of Tampa's Website: http://www.ut.edu/

401 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, Florida 33606-1490 (813) 253-3333

Dave Tipton, Broker Preferred Professionals Real Estate Brokers

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) second-home sales (for vacation homes and investment homes) accounted for four out of 10 homes sold in 2006. While vacation-home buyers purchase primarily for enjoyment, investment-home buyers are looking to generate income in the following five ways.

1. Appreciation

Returns of 10 percent and more are not uncommon if you select good real estate properties. It's a return rate you won't find on bank products or with most stocks.

2. Cash Flow

More than half of all investment-home buyers rent out their properties. Month in and month out these properties create income from renters AND gain long-term appreciation.

3. Less Volatility

While real estate cycles through periods of highs and lows, it doesn't change dramatically day-to-day like stocks. Investing in real estate is viewed as being less speculative than stocks.

4. Tax Advantages

Your real estate investments offer you two tax advantages: you can deduct property expenses and depreciation. Plus doing a 1031 exchange lets you avoid paying tax on profits from the sale of rental property if you roll it into another real estate investment property (talk to your tax advisor).

5. Value-Added Improvements

The saying "buy it low and sell it high" applies to stocks and real estate. The advantage with real estate is you can buy inexpensive property, fix it up, then raise the rent or sell it for more money.

If real estate investing is a path you are interested in pursuing, please feel free to call or email me with any questions that you might have. Click Here: Brandondwellings@Verizon.Net

Dave Tipton, Broker, Diamond Dwellings Realty- Florida

Check Our Website: www.tampabayrealtyprofessionals.com

813-653-1241

TampaBayRealEstateSnapshot

Every Market is Different: Stay on Top of Tampa Bay Trends

A snapshot is defined as, a fully usable copy or image of a defined collection of data that contains the data as it appeared at the point-in-time at which the copy was initiated.

How can a snapshot help an observer? A snapshot will only tell you part of the story, it is a good starting point. When combined with more snapshots, over a period of time, you will have a panoramic view, not only of where the Tampa Bay area residential market is, but where it has come from as well as a pretty good idea as to where it's headed.

As a real estate company in this market, we feel that it is incumbent upon us to not only keep up with this market information and trends, but to share it with our clients and potential clients.

All real estate is local, and every market is unique, which is why the Big Dog's Tampa Bay Real Estate Snapshot's research will help you to keep on top of how your market is performing. Updated local home price analysis reports will evaluate key factors affecting home prices, including the health of the local job market, home financing options, debt-to-income ratios, mortgage servicing costs and more. The reports will be a regular part of the Big Dog Real Estate Blog. www.tampabayrealtyprofessionals.com/blog

With this, the first in a series of ongoing reports, we will attempt to accomplish this goal. We will over the weeks and months to come, periodically provide a snapshot of the Tampa Bay residential real estate market, and comment on what it means to you as a property owner or potential property owner. Our hopes are that in doing so, we will provide a service and also attract knowledgeable clients to our real estate brokerage.

Please respond with comments, requests or questions. Click for E-mail PreferredProfessionals@Verizon.Net

Dave Tipton, Broker, Preferred ProfessionalsReal Estate Brokerage

Alderman's Ford Nature Preserve and Park, Eastern Hillsborough County Gem

The Big Dog's Favorite Park

The Alderman's Ford Nature Preserve consists of 970 acres of natural habitat purchased for preservation under the Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program and the State of Florida's Conservation and Recreational Lands Program.The preserve occupies both sides of the Alafia River and, together with Alderman's Ford County Park, other preserve lands to the east and south, and the Alafia River State Recreation Area, forms part of a permanently protected riverine wildlife corridor of over 10,000 acres.

The hiking trail winds for roughly five miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in west central Florida. Some stretches follow along the banks of the Alafia River, which occasionally runs over limestone outcroppings, forming rapids during low water periods. Other stretches of the trail climb away from the river and enter high and dry forests of longleaf pine and live oak.

The wildlife is as interesting as the natural habitat and includes fish, turtles, alligators, birds, snakes, deer, river otter, bobcat and many other surprises for sharp-eyed hikers.

The trail is open year round during daylight hours but is best enjoyed during the cooler, drier months from October through April.

The main trail head and access point is on Turkey Creek Rd, 1/2 mile south of Keysville Rd. Parking is inside the small entrance on the west side of Turkey Creek (south of the security trailer). Another access point (walkthrough gates) is located on Pitt Rd. Facilities, including restrooms, water fountains and picnic shelters are located at Alderman's Ford Park, located off CR 39 at 100 Alderman's Ford Park Dr. or the Park's canoe launch on Thompson Rd.

History abounds at this park. It was one of the first fording spots on the Alafia River and for many years a popular place for political campaigning in Hillsborough County. This scenic park includes the area where the Alafia River branches into its north and south prongs. The Alafia is one of the most popular canoe spots in the state, and the park includes a modern, erosion-free canoe launch. Several picnic areas are connected by a pedestrian/bicycle loop path, and a first-hand view of the abundant plant life is available on a self guiding nature study via accompanying boardwalk and foot bridges.

Preserve Rules:

• Hours: sunrise to sunset

• Remove all garbage from the preserve

• Dogs must be on hand-held leashes

• No unauthorized vehicles or bikes

• No swimming

• No firearms or hunting

• No digging or fires

• Fishing is allowed; a fishing license is required.

• All plants & animals are protected (Hillsborough County Ordinance 97-14)

Facilities: There are no restroom facilities on the preserve.

Facilities are available at Alderman's Ford Park, located off County Road 39 at 100 Alderman's Ford Park Drive or the Park's canoe launch on Thompson Road.

Safety Guidelines:

• Bring a compass

• Drink plenty of water

• Wear insect repellent and sunscreen

• Poison ivy is present along parts of the trail

• Leave a plan with family and friends letting them know where you will be and what time you expect to return.

Directions:

Trail head address: 8911 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City FL 33567

• From I-75, take exit 250 (Gibsonton Drive) Head east (road name changes to Boyette Rd., then Fish Hawk Boulevard) for 8 miles to Lithia-

Pinecrest Road, Turn southeast, continue 4 miles to County Road 39.

• Head north on County Road 39 for 3 miles.

• Turn west on Keysville Road, continue 2 miles.

• Turn south on Turkey Creek Road.

• Trail head and parking is located on west side of road, approx 1/4-mile south.

• Total trail length = 5 miles

For More Information, Contact:

Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department

Conservation Services Office

10940 McMullen Road

Riverview, Florida 33569-6226

(813) 672-7876 fax (813) 672-7880

www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks

This is a fabulous way to get in touch with nature. Whether you cycle, hike, canoe or just picnic, it's a great destination for the weekend or during the week. Get out there and enjoy the fresh air.

Dave Tipton, Broker, Diamond Dwellings Realty- Brandon Florida- Driven by our goals, respected for our integrity, chosen for our exertise.

Click here to connect with Diamond Dwellings website: www.tampabayrealtyprofessionals.com/

Florida Voters Pass Amendment 1 Tax Relief

I would like to start off by saying, thank you to the 64 percent of Floridians who voted for the tax-cut plan. The plan needed 60 percent of the vote to become law.

I believe that this is a small step for the tax payers in Florida, but it was a much needed first step. I hope that Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Legislature will continue to explore new avenues to make home ownership more affordable in our state. After all, home owner ship is a big part of the "American Dream".

What does all of this mean to you the homeowner?

It's not a huge amount, but it's a step in the right direction, Amendment 1 created a second homestead exemption that will be worth in the neighborhood of $240 to $300 on average for homeowners. The plan also allows homeowners desiring to move to apply their Save Our Homes tax benefit to new homesteads within the state.

As always, the negativity in the media receives a disproportionate share of attention. Overall, the past year was a pretty darn good.

The Top 10 Pieces of Economic Good News

1) Stock markets posted solid gains and price multiples are still low

2) Households are wealthier. In part because of rising stock markets, household net worth increased in 2007.

3) Congress did nothing. Gridlock has historically been good for the U.S. economy.

4) The Federal Reserve did do something. The Fed has responded to the weakening economy with multiple policy moves.

5) The world economy had another huge year.

6) The trade deficit declined. As the US's trading partners become wealthier, they demand more of our products.

7) Even with the reality of the housing-market bust, economic growth was solid.

8) The creation of new jobs was vigorous. According to the latest jobs report, which covers data through November ‘07, the U.S. economy added 1.3 million jobs in 2007.

9) The federal budget deficit declined.

10) Inflation risk is low. Although energy prices surged, core inflation was up only 2.3 percent for the year ended in November. This is excellent news, making the possibility for further Fed cuts to interest rates possible if needed down the road.

See also: Big Dog Blog- January 14, 2008 "Property Tax Crisis is Overwhelming Florida www.brandonsbeautifulhomes.com/blog

Dave Tipton, Broker

Please call or e-mail me with any questions or comments: 813-653-1241, dave@diamonddwellings.com