Downtown St Petersburg has its first Mounted Police. Brooklyn and Jacob came to St Pete from Boston - hope they'll like the warmer winter! Boston recently disbanded its 12 member Mounted Police which had served Boston for over a century.
I was having lunch at the St Petersburg Yacht Club when I saw this pair pass the big window by the waterfront. This is their first day on the job here, so heads are turning and people are coming outside to watch.
Tami took this photo from right outside our office - one more attraction we can see from our desks. They are in Straub Park, right by the Museum of Fine Art.
The St Petersburg Police Department has patrolled downtown St Pete by car, on foot, by bicycle and Segway - now they can add horses. Friday and Saturday evenings we'll see the mounted police as well as the horse drawn carriages in beautiful downtown St Pete.
This evening enjoy wine and cheese at ALVA International until 8 pm - author (and client and friend) Nino Fabiano is signing his newest book Egmont Passage Tale of the Dreamcatcher.
A tale of intrigue set on Tierra Verge, the book blends local history with current events.
Pirates Amy and Tami dressed for the occasion.
Nino will also be here tomorrow from 10 am to 1 pm. Come buy one or both of his books, and have it autographed.
Vinoy Place continues to do well despite a slower condo market in downtown St Petersburg. Built in 2001 and 2002, the 4 towers and 10 townhomes have 102 units.
So far in 2009 there have been 5 closed sales of Vinoy Place condos, ranging from $775,000 to $1,200,000, with an average of $890,000. The price per sq ft has ranged from $262/sf to $331/sf, with an average of $293/sf.
There are currently 8 Vinoy Place condominiums available for sale through the MLS, ranging from $580,000 for a 1,793 sq ft short sale to $2,200,000 for a 4,033 sq ft townhome.
Ovation condos have begun closing - so we now have a definitive answer for the question we're frequently asked - When will Ovation start their closings.
The first buyers to close are Richard and Melissa Middlesworth. Check out the Ovation article in tomorrow's St Pete Times.
Ovation is the latest luxury condominium developed and built by JMC Communities. Mike Cheezem has been building quality condominiums for many years here in the St Petersburg area. It means a lot to buy a condo knowing that the developer will stand behind what he builds, and will be there in the years ahead to take care of any problems that may arise.
It's a real pleasure to work with the JMC Community, and so good to know that whether selling a new unit of theirs or a resale, that they will be there to handle any issues.
In an era of extended finger pointing, it's a welcome change to deal with a company that takes responsibility. That's part of what you're buying when you buy a JMC condo.
The sales staff for Ovation will be moving into the Ovation building on Tuesday. If you have an interest in buying in Ovation and want to see one of the two furnished models, please call The Simms Team at (727) 898-2582.
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Representing buyers and sellers in St. Petersburg, Gulf Beaches, Clearwater & Tampa Bay area, Florida. Luxury, resort & international. Waterfront specialist. Downtown condos. New construction. 1031s.
The Simms Team is a mother, daughter, son team (Sharon, Tami Simms-Powel and Rob Johnson) with expertise and enthusiasm, backed up by a wonderful Strategic Execution Officer (Amy Grashel). Sharon has been a full time REALTOR® in St. Petersburg, Florida, since 1986. She started with Merrill Lynch Realty which became Prudential Florida Realty which became Arvida Realty, which was bought by Coldwell Banker. Sharon then moved to RE/MAX Metro for 5 years before starting her own real estate company, ALVA International, Inc. Sharon and Tami are also instructors for the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, and both are national speakers, often quoted in publications. Originally from Newport, Rhode Island, in her life before real estate, Sharon was a financial advisor, oil company executive (handling oil and gas leasing, investor relations, contracts and managing the office staff), teacher, innkeeper, and was in hotel sales in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Our mission is to make a significant difference in our clients' lives by best meeting their real estate needs and providing a home base. Continuing education is very important to us and each team member has real estate designations as well as a college education. As a family, we bring unique talents to the team, but all share in serving all our clients, so each of us is familiar with every client and the status of their search and transactions. Sharon brings a background as a business owner and financial analyst, Tami owned a graphic design company and was head of Concierge services at a luxury resort hotel, and Rob entered real estate after retiring as a major in the United States Air Force, with many years living in Europe. Our varied ages, interests, families, and community involvements allow us to help our clients become part of the community.
We enjoy living in this beautiful waterfront community, which encompasses small towns with unique character; cities with dynamic activities, arts, entertainment and recreation; a warm climate with lots of sunshine, access to an international airport, a vibrant business community and a wealth of choices. Please let us share our community with you and help you with all of your real estate needs. Whether helping you buy or sell here, or work with selected colleagues throughout the country and internationally, we're here to counsel you and help you.
We sell real estate, and we're good at it. We listen carefully and talk straight - believing that's how we can best serve you. Visit our website to learn more about properties in this area, our team, our expertise and track record, and recommendations. We like matching nice people with nice properties.
We cover areas that are within a 45 minute commute of the main work centers of Pinellas County, from the Gateway/Carillon area to downtown St. Pete. Sharon specializes in luxury homes, waterfront (and waterview) homes and condominiums, including the exciting development of downtown Saint Petersburg and the Gulf Beaches.
Sharon, Tami and Rob are all Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialists, with many international clients. Sharon, Tami and Rob's wife, Paqivi, are multilingual. Rob is also very knowledgeable in new home construction, and has been the team expert in short sales. Sharon works with many empty nesters, local clients as well as second home and resort property owners. Tami has many clients who are young professionals, and Rob works with many families - but none of us are limited to those and we work as a team to offer a variety of skills and personalities to our clients. Amy is our Strategic Execution Officer, who is generally in the office in charge of our Command Center, keeping all of us in line, and making sure every deadline is met, and every detail of listings and contracts is taken care of.
Designations:
Sharon:
ABR Accredited Buyer Representative
ACRE Accredited Consultant in Real Estate
ASP Accredited Staging Professional
ASR Accredited Seller Representative
CIPS Certified International Property Specialist
CLHMS Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
CNHS Certified New Home Specialist (earned but no longer current)
CRB Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
CRS Certified Residential Specialist
CSP Certified New Home Sales Specialist
Ecobroker Certified
e-PRO e-PRO Certification
GRI Graduate, REALTOR® Institute
LTG Leadership Training Graduate
PMN Performance Management Network
RECS Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist
RSPS Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist
SRES Seniors Real Estate Specialist
TRC Transnational Referral Certificate
Sharon is a graduate of Salve Regina College (now University) with a major in English, and has done
post-graduate work in German at the University of California (Berkeley), the University of Wisconsin, and
Middle Tennessee State University.
Tami:
CLHMS Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
CRS Certified Residential Specialist
Tami graduated from Eckerd College with a degree in Fine Arts.
Rob:
ABR Accredited Buyer Representative
CLHMS Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
CSP Certified New Home Sales Specialist
RECS Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist
Rob attended Rollins College and subsequently graduated from Middle Tennessee State with a degree in
Mass Communications, and while serving his career as an Air Force officer, earned his master's degree.
Amy:
successfully completed all of her course work for the GRI
Amy graduated from Eckerd College with a degree in International Business
Please let us help you with your real estate needs.
Sharon Simms has been our realtor for the past 6 years, and has represented us on three occasions; she helped us buy two houses and sell one. We have used her and her team exclusively because they respond to us in a personal way and treat us in a professional manner. We first met Sharon through a search on the internet when we were living in Chicago and looking for a house in Florida. We were impressed by her website and contacted her. She was immediately responsive to our questions. ..Ultimately, she saved us thousands of dollars, based on her thorough understanding of the procedures involved in buying a home...She assisted us at every turn, and was immediately responsive to our calls long after our initial transaction with her was completed..Sharon and her team helped us to sell the house...the booklet they put together to represent our first house was beautiful, with pictures that truly captured the house's strengths...The help provided by the Simms team, during each of the closings, was significant. Because they informed us thoroughly of what we should expect, we were never caught by surprise. All the paperwork was impeccably prepared and so were we. We would not think of buying or selling a home without the help of Sharon and her team. Her knowledge of real estate in our area, and of the procedures required, has continually been of tremendous help to us. We remain grateful for all that she and her team have done on our behalf.
Lori and Linda
Sharon was great and earned out trust quickly. In selling she sold it in 24 hours - she had website set up with tons of info - unbelievable! She put all docs on CD, followed up to check on things.
Dave
We selected the Simms team based on Sharon's reputation in the St. Petersburg community. After our first meeting with Sharon and her team, we knew we had made the right decision. I am pleased to say we consistently experienced a team of professionals, well versed in their jobs and always on top of each situation that presented. The Simms team made the sale of our home seem effortless. Each and every detail was addressed promptly and with confidence. We actually found selling our home could be a "fun" experience. If you are looking for a team of professionals to sell your home, handle all the various issues that arise and have fun while enduring such an ordeal, I would highly recommend the Sharon Simms team.
Terri and John
Sharon and Team are A+ number 1! Very professional, prompt. Great attention to detail. Stay diligent in their efforts to market and sell your property. Would use and/or refer them again. Marketing of property on many fronts, technology. Great flyer! Property analysis!
Jim
We have bought and sold 6 homes over the last 19 years, dealing with 11 different agents/real estate companies. Not one of the realtors we did business with could hold a candle to the service you gave us from the very beginning. The fabulous visual tour and brochures, constant contact and availability, the work behind the scenes you had to do regarding inspections, lenders, etc to get everything in order for the closing date...You certainly earned your commission.
Bob & Peg
When we moved due to a job transfer, the only call we even considered was to Sharon. Once again, we closed the house long distance without any problem whatsoever. Sharon is the BEST!
Rip and Suzie
The Simms Team were devoted and dedicated time to me until transaction completed. Gave grand tour of area (St. Petersburg/Gulfport) to ensure knowledge of big picture - understanding of how local neighborhoods fit into city and their unique character. Took time to understand my individual "style" and incorporated it into search, saving time and providing quality service...helped me celebrate and were willing to share social time with me...Team approach made them always available with support throughout.
Barbara
Sharon did everything we expected in a professional and friendly manner...honest & straight forward - very attentive - always responded quickly to phone calls.
Hunter and Julie
Thank you for the superb job you did selling our home. We were really dreading the sale "process" - that is, until you arrived. From the very beginning it was evident that you and your staff are as professional as they come. You told us exactly what to expect, exactly what you would do and you did just that. It is just unbelievable that our house sold in 6 days for more than we had ever hoped! We thank our lucky stars that we called "The Sharon Simms Team" first.
Bob and Sue
Sharon is conscientious, pleasant and a joy to work with. Sharon is the best. Period.
Darlene
Sharon is the single most professional agent it has ever been my pleasure to work with. She is efficient, informative, prompt and courteous, very thorough and knowledgeable. I firmly believe that without Sharon acting as intermediary, the closing would never have taken place. Sharon's capacity for calm, reasoned and decisive words and actions, combined with her genuine caring for the welfare of her clients is on an extraordinary and exemplary level. Sharon has my greatest and most heartfelt recommendation for both her professional abilities and personal ethics.
Bill
Thank you for your professionalism in working with us, and also for your personal warmth and friendship during the "ordeal". You're a gem!
Rebbie and Dan
The deal would not have gone through without the help of Sharon. She was of immeasurable assistance.
Joy
Just a note to tell you how much we appreciated all the excellent service you gave us when we recently sold our home. We already knew it would work out smoothly, since you had sold our previous home. From the moment we called you to list the property on Tierra Verde, you showed us such professionalism. All our messages were returned promptly, and you answered our many questions completely. You took care of it all, which was very helpful to us, living so many miles away. All in all Sharon, it was a pleasure working with you. We would recommend you highly to anyone.
Randy and Rebecca
Signe and I are pleased with the outcome and remain impressed with Sharon's professionalism from the pre-listing conversation through the closing. Her presentation package and advertising plan, combined with your success, convinced us from the start that we wanted to work with you. Sharon's counsel about pricing and when we had an offer was also appreciated. If we had it to do over again, we wouldn't hesitate to list with Sharon.
Tom
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