Stephanie LeFew

Downsizing in Style!!

Those looking for smaller homes with super terrific features is becoming a new trend, for newley weds, empty nesters, young professionals and retirees. Smaller, smarter homes with all the extras - wood floors with inlaid tile, beautiful kitchen backsplashes, built ins, energy efficient homes, custom tailored to the new owner in mind. This new trend may truly be what is causing the super McMansions to sit on the market for longer and longer times. Downsizing is the new word, done right.

Now a lot of home buyers are looking to trade the money spent on larger living spaces in the past with better details in smaller spaces. Kitchen spaces are the heart of these new Jewel-Box homes.

Data collected by the National Association of Home Builders in 2008 indicates the average size of a new home in the United States is leveling off at just under 2,500 square feet.

Please let me know if there is anyway that I can assist you in your home search in the Tampa Bay area.

I promise to treat you well, looking out for your best interest and negotiating the absolute best deal for you - a terrific home at a terrific reduced price.

Warmly,

Stephanie LeFew, Realtor and Broker Associate

Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay

You can Call me on my cell phone - 813-624-3332

www.TampaHomeBuy.com

Ingredients:

10 medium sized red potatoes

small bag of peeled baby carrots

1 head of green cabbage

2 pounds smoked turkey kilbasa

Optional - 1 medium onion

Prep Time - 10 mins

Cook time - 25 minutes

Prep:

Dice red potatoes

Dice Kilbasa

Shred cabbage

Bring 4 cups of water in large pot to a full boil & add carrots, boiling for 5 minutes. Add potatoes and then cabbage. Place Kilbasa on top. Season to taste - we use black pepper and Cavendar's Seasoning. Cover and cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. Delicious!! Enjoy.

Have a Tremendous Weekend!!

Stephanie LeFew

www.TampaHomeBuy.com

813-624-3332

Tampa Realtors for your Relocation to Tampa Bay

Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay

Significant interest in Purchasing Foreclosed Homes - Bargain opportunities are all around us in the Tampa Bay Real Estate Market.

According to a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive - In the current market, adults in the U.S. believe foreclosed properties offer an even greater bargain opportunity than before, the study found. Forty percent expect to pay at least 50 percent less for a foreclosed home, compared to only 31 percent of U.S. adults surveyed in November 2008. As interest in foreclosed properties increases, competition is heating up with traditional sellers as they try to compete with the prices of these Bank REOs. Competition between sellers has truly brought a clear advantage for potential home buyers, along with the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

There are a lot of renters that are now looking to participate in the American Dream for their personal lives -- such low prices, such low mortgage interest rates, tax credits -- what a time to be a home buyer, especially in the Tampa Bay area. Especially if buyers are willing to look in a broad area, maybe just outside of their favorite areas, they can really get more home for their money.

Most likely to buy foreclosures • Two-thirds of U.S. adults between the ages 18-44 (66 percent) would consider purchasing a foreclosed home, compared to a little more than one-third of those ages 55 and older (38 percent). Respondents aged 45-54 fell in between, with 53 percent indicating that they would be at least somewhat likely to consider a foreclosed property. • Current renters (68 percent) are more likely to consider purchasing a foreclosed home than current homeowners (49 percent). • U.S. adults with children under 18 living in their household also show an increased likelihood to consider foreclosure properties, with 66 percent indicating they would be at least somewhat likely to purchase one, compared to 49 percent of those without children under 18 in the household.

Stephanie LeFew, Tampa Broker Associate www.TampaHomeBuy.com Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay 813-624-3332 cell 813-991-1355 office Your Tampa Bargain Hunting Realtor, working to get you the absolute best home at the best price!! My Services are FREE to Buyers!! Buyer Incentives Available for YOU

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe (Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook)

These are DELICIOUS!! :) The Best recipe I have ever tasted

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup peanut butter (my favorite is crunchy)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown surgar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp sale

Oven at 375 degrees

--

1. Thoroughly cream butter, peanut butter, sugar, egg and vanilla.

2. Mix together dry ingredients; blend into creamed mixture.

3. Shape into 1-inch balls; roll in granulated sugar (very important step)

4. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet

5. Optional - press peanut halves on top of each cookie, OR criss cross with fork (I don't do)

6. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.

7. Cool slightly; remove from pan; makes 4 dozen

8. Poor yourself a delicious cold glass of milk and ENJOY :)

Warmly,

Stephanie LeFew

www.TampaHomeBuy.com

Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay

Your Tampa Bay Realtor - Your Tampa Home Buying Specialist

813-624-3332 cell

Homes that smell nice and have good curb appeal entice picky buyers to keep looking at your property and not just close the door before seeing the entire home.

Often a repugnant smell, whether a strong dog or cat smell, cigarette smell, or a "moisture" smell will quickllllly turn off buyers and send them running away.

Here are few other ideas to spruce your house up and encourage a thorough look and possibly an offer -

An new mail box, house numbers, door bell and possibly a door knocker -- some of the first things a vistor sees.

Green up your grass with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, Home Depot or Lowes Garden Department for an economical fix.

Mulch and edge your flowerbeds, again Home Depot or Lowes. You won't have to spend a fortune for a drastic improvement.

Update that bathroom faucet. Cracked and rusted sink in bathroom? A relatively inexpensive fix.

Paint in a neutral color -- fresh pain does wonders -- $60 or so per room if you do it yourself.

Kitchen outdated? You could make quite a difference in it's appearance just by replacing the handles in the kitchen.

Change your a/c filters and wipe the a/c returns clean, as well as the ceiling around them.

And above all, please, please price your house competitively. It's no fun chasing the real estate market down.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me about selling a home in the Tampa Bay Florida area.

Warmly,

Stephanie LeFew, Tampa Bay Realtor

www.TampaHomeBuy.com

813-624-3332 cell

Solaris Realty of Tampa Bay