Well if you were like me sitting in my house watching the Presidential debates last night you were probably surprised (ok I thought I would fall out of my seat) to hear John McCain drop a bomb...a substantial new program for homeowners.
I was sitting there wondering:
I heard New's pundits say the plan would cost $300 Billion dollars (Does anyone else remember when that was considered A LOT like of money?
Is anyone else getting numb and having a hard time keeping up with all the blank checks being written...$700 Billion here, oh I mean $850 Billion after pork...now $300 Billion more ).
Part of me thought, "I've gotta get a money printing machine like the Government has - if only our personal budgets worked that way". Now I'd definitely love to see our Pinellas Real Estate home prices stabilize, however, I seriously worry about the "unintended consequences" when the government start "managing our real estate market". This plan is targeted at home sellers facing foreclosure and those who own homes that are now worth less than they owe, hence the negative equity position. If you're not sure what your neighborhood values are doing - Get today's Pinellas Real Estate Market Report , a FREE service that gives you real time results based on the Pinellas Suncoast MLS today and see graphs and info for YOUR actually Pinellas County neighborhood.
McCain's says the plan's goal is to keep families in their homes, avoid foreclosures, save failing neighborhoods, stabilize the housing market and attack the roots of our financial crisis. (We'd all like to see the housing market stablized)
America’s families are bearing a heavy burden from falling housing prices, mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, and a weak economy. (The assumption is because the had the wrong mortgage)
The McCain resurgence plan would be available to mortgage holders that:
Their believe is that this plan could be implemented quickly as a result of the authorities provided in the stabilization bill, the recent housing bill, and the U.S. government's conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It may be necessary for Congress to raise the overall borrowing limit of FHA loans.
So I'm curious - do you think this plan is a good thing or a bad thing?
Palm Harbor Florida - Recently my family along with some friends took our kids to Wall Springs Park for the day. It's a great place to hike, bike, fish, bird watch, relax and just have a great time. This is one of Pinellas County's best kept secrets just of Alt 19 before you get to Tarpon Springs. It extends out to the coast through the thick mangroves that offer a real look at Natural Florida.
The Park is also located along the Pinellas Trail. I took quite a few pictures to give you a sneek peak at this special place - however there's nothing like seeing it in person. Pinellas County acquired Wall Springs in 1988 with the initial purchase of 63 acres which included the Spring and surrounding area - Here's an up-close look at Wall Springs Park.
In 1927 the Wall family sold it to the Davis family that changed the name from Wall Springs to Health Springs - where they marketed and extolled the health benefits of these waters. Mr. Harry Davis also spread the myth that Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon discovered this spring.
Mr. Davis eventually sold the property to the Cullen family of Palm Harbor in 1949. The Cullen family changed the name back to Wall Springs and operated it as a commercial recreational facility. They added many amenities like horseshoes, volleyball, hiking paths, picnic shelters and more.
Back in the 1950's this Spring was the site of a freshwater beach where tourists enjoyed lounging and bathing in these pristine waters. 
Eventually in 1966 the Cullen family closed the facility due to high insurance premiums and liabilities. which left the door open for Pinellas County to acquire Wall Springs in 1988.
August 20, 2005 the park was officially opened to the public through the use of Penny for Pinellas taxes - after developing fishing piers, observation decks, playground and restrooms for visitors to enjoy this piece of Pinellas Paradise.
If you are looking for information on buying Pinellas County Real Estate give me a call at (727) 710-8035 - It's a great place to live with lots of green space and great things to do.
2008 Copyright All rights reserved by Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater Real Estate Agent specializing in Pinellas County Waterfront Homes and Condos for Sale
Clearwater FLorida - One of the great parts about living in Pinellas County and the Clearwater area for 18 years is you really get to know a lot of business people and service providers in both a personal and professional way. I have personally unfortunately been in more than one Clearwater car accident in the last few years (none my fault in case you were wondering) and unfortunately there are lots of things I didn't know until I was (1) injured in an auto accident and (2) hand bad auto accident care and advice! However whether you're in a car crash, truck accident or suffer from a motorcycle injury - you need this info because I can tell you that if you or a loved one is in injured in one of these kinds of traffic accidents it's not overreacting in my humble opinion to contact a caring, experienced Clearwater Auto Accident Attorney to be YOUR advocate!! Like most crisis - it's always helpful if you've done your research and have a plan BEFORE you have to ask, "Who's the best Pinellas County Auto Injury Attorney?" when you're still in shock!
I have found that St Peterburg - Clearwater personal injury attorney David Neville, who has been helping people injured, often through no fault of their own, in Pinellas County for years makes a bad experience have the best possible outcome. In my experience, he does a great job and really cares about each client and their family (which is first and foremost for us). I was actually in a Clearwater car accident a few years ago and David was my attorney and when friends and neighbors I know are in a car crash I immediately recommended Clearwater Auto Injury attorney, David Neville to them.
Well while anyone who's been through a car accident knows, recovery is often a long process and you're dealing with the emotional recovery, as well as, your physical injuries (some of which we will live with forever) need to be taken care of. My friends still thanks me for recommending an experienced skilled auto injury lawyer to them after being in Pinellas County car accidents. David was able to negotiate a favorable settlement for me and othes and while money doesn't heal all - it definitely helps you get the care you need and get back on your feet after you go through something I wouldn't wish on anyone.
Most of us don't have reasons to see any kind of lawyers or attorneys very often and I have to admit I always feel a little intimidated (like being called into the principals office even if it's not your fault). While it's normal to feel a little nervous - I know if you're like me, you'll appreciate David Neville's warm smile and his relaxed style as he works to listen and understand your personal situation which really puts me at ease (while being a pitbull when working FOR me). Being comfortable really talking to my attorney...who is my advocate was really important in my experience. There can be "no dumb questions" and I always want a skilled personal injury attorney who listens to me and my needs and my desires.
When I was in my first car crash several years ago (a car ran a red light and side swiped me in an intersection where I did a 180 degree turn and totaled my car I actually was able by some blessing to walk away - many people aren't so lucky) I thought it was no big deal physically - even though I knew my car was totalled.
Luckily I did know enough to see a doctor immediately for a check up regardless of how I felt. I come from a family that believes if you aren't bleeding or throwing up you're fine (Can anyone else relate?) - well based on that criteria I was fine...only I wasn't. Unfortunately I went to my primary care physician for a check up and he refered me to what I would say is the "puppy mills" for people who have been personally injured in a car accident.
I did some things right - I had seen a doctor and followed his advice on the next step - however I made the mistake of not getting an experienced Pinellas County personal injury attorney working as my advocate and looking out for me from the beginning. Thankfully a friend referred me to one of the best accident injury lawyers in Clearwater - St Petersburg while I was still having appointments in the "puppy mill" process.
I think I was like most people in car accidents, I'm not someone looking to sue anyone and I also didn't want to spend money talking to a lawyer - even if I did want to get their opinion. I didn't know that they get paid like I get paid as a realtor - ultimately if we can achieve a successful outcome we get paid. I'm so glad I know a better now.
The result - the experience that followed was like night and day. I was ultimately able to get the care and injury rehabilitation that I needed. I have to say that I also learned Clearwater's best chiropractor makes all the difference (but that's a story for another post)
While I am not an attorney or lawyer and am not giving legal advice here just sharing my personal experiences (Please call David Neville, Attorney in Law at or your own personal injury attorney if you have questions) here's what I've learned from mine along the way ...
So while I hope you, your family or friends never needs this information - if you do at least you'll know where to turn for the help you need.
If you want more info or to get a FREE consultation call David Neville, Attorney on his cell phone at 727-481-3072 - he's available when you need him!
His office is located at: 6251 Park Boulevard Suite 9 Pinellas Park, FL 33781
P.S. Tell him Cyndee told you to call -
Tampa Bay Florida - Today I was reading one of my favorite Tampa Bay blogs and was reminded that this year's Super Bowl is only 149 days away and will be held right here in Tampa Bay. Our community has hosted the Super Bowl before and boy does this town enjoy the festivities. If you want to find out more about this year's Super Bowl or opportunities to volunteer or get involved then visit the Tampa Bay Superbowl website.

It's amazing what local homes, beach condos and vacation rentals of all kinds will go for during that weekend. If you are planning to be here don't put off making your reservations. While Jack and I don't handle rentals you can call Patty Belloise at 727-410-1936 who does (just in case you're looking for a great local contact).
Now if you are someone who has decided that "now is the time to buy" Tampa Bay real estate - we CAN help you with this. :)
Regardless of what your plans are here are some pictures of our Bucs Stadium, which I had the privledge of touring with Leadership Pinellas last year - I'll give you a sneak peek into our stadium.
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Call us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you!
Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS
and your Clearwater Real Estate
Consultants specializing in Tampa Bay Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
Tampa Bay Real Estate News - Well all Tampa Bay property owners and investors got some bad news to followup on the Tampa bay property tax news we received on August 15th when a Leon County Circuit Court removed Amendment 5 (aimed at lowering Florida property taxes) from the November ballot.
The wait is over here's the Tampa Bay real estate news: Florida's Supreme Court decided by a 7-0 ruling on September 3rd that Amendment 5 - the Property Tax reducing Amendment will not be on the November ballot and their decision is final.
This Supreme Courts' ruling ends an intense fight to help provide property tax relief to Tampa Bay real estate owners as well as all Florida Property onwers. The court's ruled to uphold the Circuit Court's decision to remove Amendment 5 from this fall's ballot because of the language in the property tax amendment which said "education funding would be held harmless". The issue for them was the "language" and the fact that Amendment 5 funding would only be held harmless for the 1st year and then education funding would be determined by the Florida State legislature.
We will continue to keep you posted on what's happening with Tampa Bay real estate issues that effect you so stay tuned.
The Florida Association of Realtors, which supported the amendment, decried Cooper's ruling saying "Homeownership is a fundamental right, and Floridians deserve a say on how their property is taxed," said Chuck Bonfiglio, president of the Florida Association of Realtors, in a prepared statement. "We are shocked that the court decided to deny property owners' the ability to dramatically lower their property tax rates."
We as Tampa Bay Realtors and home owners were excited about voting YES for Amendment 5 Property taxes. We believe it would have helped Tampa Bay Real Estate buyers, residents and renters because everyone should have experience savings. We also believe it would have helped home sellers since by making Pinellas County homes more affordable and more appealing to buyers who do not currently qualify for homestead exemptions. Remember: Florida property taxes have doubled over last 6 years!
Amendment 5 had projected savings for Tampa Bay property owners
Amendment 5 Property Tax Details
Now we'll have to wait and see what happens in the future. Here are the details for the Amendment 5 proposal at Give Me 5 Florida and the actual Amendment 5 property tax proposal. Benefits: Amendment 5 would have provided much-needed tax relief to Florida's seniors, many of whom fear losing their homes because of an inability to pay higher property taxes on a fixed income.
Other articles of interest
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Call us Today at (727) 710-8036 to hear more about how we can help you sell your home or buy a new one!
Copyright © 2008 Jack and Cyndee Haydon, Clearwater REALTORS and your Clearwater Real Estate Consultants specializing in Tampa Bay Real Estate and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published.
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