Melanie Loves Tampa Bay

Reality Check ✅ What New Homeowners Should Know (& Meet My New Puppy) | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

September 10, 2019 21:00 - 8 minutes - 7.71 MB

Buying a home is a very exciting process, especially when it's your first house! But what happens when you move in and life isn't exactly what you imagined? Let's talk about some of the challenges that can overwhelm new home buyers right after closing that takes the fun away of owning your own place. Featuring my new puppy Tucker, a smooth coat Brussels Griffon - otherwise known as the 'Petit Brabancon.' Warning: Your new house might be really dirty. In Florida, sellers are not legally req...

How to Pronounce Tampa Bay Area Places | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

August 27, 2019 21:00 - 2 minutes - 2.54 MB

There are some names of cities and places around the Tampa Bay area that are just really difficult to pronounce. Some are really long and complicated. So here are a few of the trickiest and how to say the names just like a local. Lutz <loots> St. Pete - some folks use the wrong abbreviation for St. Petersburg and refer to it as "St. Petes" Ybor City <Ee-bore> Dunedin <done-EE-din> Thonotosassa <Tho-no-ta-SASS-a> Wimauma <WHY-mama> Kissimmee <Ka-SIM-mee> Masaryktown <muh-ZER-i...

Why Everybody Wants to Live in Downtown St. Petersburg

August 13, 2019 21:00 - 8 minutes - 8.06 MB

Downtown St. Pete is one of the most coveted areas to move to in the Tampa Bay area. So why does everyone want to move there and how much does it cost to live there? Honestly, it's just a really cool and beautiful place to live. Downtown St. Petersburg truly does have it all - the whole bay front is lined with gorgeous parks that host different festivals and events throughout the year. It's the perfect place for a long walk with your pet, a bike ride, or just to sit and enjoy the water v...

What Are CDD Fees? CDD vs HOA 🏡 Buying in Florida FAQ

July 30, 2019 21:00 - 4 minutes - 3.84 MB

If you're looking at Florida homes for the first time, you're probably wondering what the heck a CDD fee is. How is it different from an HOA? CDD stands for "Community Development District." It's main purpose is to plan, finance, construct, and operate community-wide infrastructure and amenities for residents to enjoy. http://www.ccfj.net/FS190CDD.html#190.012 The neighborhood developer takes out a bond to get access to the money to create all of this infrastructure - the bond is paid back...

Home Partners of America 🏡 Rent to Own Homes Program Explained

July 10, 2019 12:00 - 7 minutes - 7.2 MB

Finding a home that's a lease with an option to buy (rent to own) can be extremely difficult - close to impossible in popular areas. However, leasing while you get to know your new city, repair your credit or save up some money for a larger down payment may be your best option. Let's talk about a lease-purchase program called Home Partners of America. While I am not affiliated with this company in any way, I do feel the program offers a valuable option for those who qualify so I want to sh...

Moving to Florida? Guide for New Residents 🌴 DMV, Car Registration, Retiring, Pets, SunPass

June 26, 2019 22:00 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MB

Lots of you out there are planning to move to Florida or purchase a second home here. If you're looking to establish residency in the Sunshine State, here are some practical tips. (Yes, you do have to go to the DMV) *Disclosure: I am a Realtor, so I help people buy and sell houses. I am not an attorney or accountant. These matters can be complicated, so if you have any questions please consult a licensed professional.* ESTABLISHING FLORIDA RESIDENCY You are considered a Floridian when y...

Moving to a New City: Should You Rent Before Buying a House? | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

May 28, 2019 21:00 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MB

You've made the major decision to move to a new city that you don't know very much about. You are excited about your transition, but have to figure out the right place to live. Should you rent before you buy? There's no one answer to this common question, so I'm breaking down both sides to help you find your answer. WHAT'S YOUR TIME FRAME FOR MOVING? If you're being relocated for a job, your employer may need you to move within a few months - not a lot of time to get to know an area. Bein...

Moving? 🏠 How to Find + Research Safe Neighborhoods in Your New City | MELANIE ❤️ TAMPA BAY

May 14, 2019 21:00 - 5 minutes - 4.65 MB

The words "safe neighborhood" are included in just about every text or email I get from people looking to move. It's no surprise that you want to live in an area you consider safe, but everyone has a different definition of what feels safe to them. This is why I wanted to share some tools to help you navigate this issue. Real estate agents are not supposed to share their views on the safety of various neighborhoods, as it's against our code of ethics and violates the Fair Housing Act. Answe...

Buying a Beach Vacation Rental Property: 5 Things You Need to Know from a Realtor

April 30, 2019 21:00 - 7 minutes - 6.48 MB

Have you been dreaming about a beachfront vacation home? One that you get to enjoy, but also pays for itself with rental income? Are you ready to take the plunge, but not sure where to start here in the Tampa Bay area? I'm here to share some tips on buying a property at the beach. #1 LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION It's the first rule in real estate for a reason, and very much applies to vacation rentals. There are two things to consider when evaluating locations. What type of location do y...

Worst Things About Living in Florida 🌴 Bugs, Severe Weather, Crazy News

April 16, 2019 22:00 - 9 minutes - 14 MB

Previously, I've highlighted mostly the good things about living in Florida and the Tampa Bay area. It's in my nature to do so, because I love these areas but no state or city is perfect so... Let's talk about the worst aspects about living in Florida. Why would I try to talk you out of moving to Florida? Because you need to relocate here with realistic expectations and with eyes wide open. My goal is that the people who choose to move here LOVE IT. BUGS & CREEPY CRAWLIES POLITICS BAD ...

Psychology Behind Home Pricing 🏠 $399,900 or $400,000? | Realtor Talk

April 02, 2019 22:00 - 3 minutes - 3.04 MB

When it comes to items in the grocery store, pricing something at 99 cents is better than $1, but is the same thing true for pricing your house? Recently, I read an interesting article on the Florida Realtor's website about the psychology of home pricing based on information presented by Robert McTague. https://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=378172 https://www.inman.com/2015/04/17/the-psychology-of-pricing-a-real-estate-property/ This is a topic that's always fas...

Living in Tampa / St. Petersburg 🌴 Things To Do, Job Opportunities, Where to Live

March 26, 2019 23:00 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MB

Moving to Tampa / St. Petersburg? Sharing lots of helpful information from things to do, where to live, cost of living, job opportunities, and more. WHERE TO LIVE Primary counties are Hillsborough (Tampa) and Pinellas (St. Petersburg / beaches). If you're considering a move here and prefer urban areas - you can choose between downtown Tampa and downtown St. Petersburg. Housing ranges from luxury high rise condos to historic bungalows. Other communities throughout the area include Tarpon S...

Realtor Secrets 🏠 What Buyers REALLY Think of Your House

March 19, 2019 22:00 - 7 minutes - 6.87 MB

During my real estate career I've shown thousands of houses, and there's one thing that's true for almost all buyers: they make observations on your home as soon as they walk in and some of them are not so nice. Buyers need to connect with your home in a personal way in order to want to purchase it. They use all five of their senses and will often verbalize what they're thinking. Here are some of the most common (brutally honest) observations that I hear. SMELLS Whether it's food, cigaret...

Mortgage Tips for First Time Home Buyers: Why Credit Score Matters

February 26, 2019 23:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MB

Getting mortgage tips for first time home buyers and talking credit with Patrick Storch of The Mortgage Firm Tampa. So you've just graduated from college, got a great job, and live in a city you want to stay in... What are your first steps to buying a home in terms of getting a mortgage? According to Patrick, recent college grads may be able to step into home ownership sooner than they think and qualify for a mortgage. In some instances, education can substitute for being on the job for a...

Living in Florida: What's it REALLY Like? (Cost of Living, Weather, Traffic, Alligators, Perks)

February 05, 2019 23:00 - 9 minutes - 8.65 MB

What is it really like to live in the state of Florida? This episode is focused on the perks and reality of the Sunshine State. If you don't live here or have never visited, it's easy to create your own version of Florida and I get all sorts of questions. WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH ALLIGATORS? Alligators are a big part of our world here in Florida, and they've been here for a lot longer than us people have. For the most part, they stay away from humans. Alligators migrate, so a pond or lake wit...

2019 Home Prices: Are We in a Balanced Housing Market?

January 29, 2019 23:00 - 5 minutes - 4.74 MB

What if the housing market isn't a seller's market or a buyer's market? Does that mean we're headed into a balanced housing market? Lately I've been asked about another possible housing bubble. We have enjoyed a very healthy and fast-paced market for several years now in Florida. Prices are much higher than they were when this positive trend started, and that worries people because they naturally wonder how high prices can go before they start to fall. Well, the short answer to that ques...

What is the Gasparilla Pirate Festival + Parade ??? 🏴‍☠️ Tampa Traditions

January 17, 2019 23:00 - 4 minutes - 4.31 MB

For anyone who doesn't live in Tampa, Gasparilla can be a real head scratcher - what is it? Mid-January, us Tampa Bay residents are getting our beads ready. So what is Gasparilla? Gasparilla Pirate Festival was inspired by the legend of Jose Gaspar, who supposedly was a Spanish Naval officer-turned-pirate back in the late 18th century and early 19th century who plundered the waters of the West Coast of Florida. Now, there is no actual evidence that this really happened, but nobody cares a...

Tampa Bay Woman of the Year - Helping Local Families

January 15, 2019 19:02 - 5 minutes - 7.51 MB

Hello friends, Very excited to announce that I’m running as a candidate for the Westchase Charitable Foundation Tampa Bay Woman of the Year! The Westchase Charitable Foundation is a non-profit, public charity started in 2004. It relies on fundraising to support families who have either children or parents battling a serious illness or assisting people in the community and beyond who are faced with a family tragedy. Since its inception, the Westchase Charitable Foundation has provided ove...

Mortgage Interest Rates Explained: A Brief History 🏠 Should You Buy a Home?

December 18, 2018 22:00 - 7 minutes - 6.63 MB

Let's dive into home mortgage interest rates, as I've been getting a lot of questions about this topic. We hear on the news all about rising rates and wonder how that will affect the housing market. Well, I wish I could whip out a crystal ball and tell you exactly what will happen with rates and the market, but that's just not possible. Let's break down data showing you mortgage interest rates from a historical perspective, then show you what your money can buy. This chart is from Freddie ...

Building New Construction Homes 🏠 How to Get Financing / Loans

November 06, 2018 22:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB

Many of you may be looking to build that dream home, but you're gonna need to pay for it! Special guest in this edition of Melanie Loves Tampa Bay: Shawn Eckley / Vice President at BB&T and expert in construction loans is here to answer your questions about getting financing for new construction homes. Construction-to-permanent loans combine your lot and construction financing in a single loan. When your home is complete, the lender modifies your construction to a permanent mortgage. There i...

Realtor's Advice on Buying New Construction Homes 🏠

October 30, 2018 22:00 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MB

Have you fallen in love with one of those perfect model homes in a new construction neighborhood? I love them, too. In this edition of Melanie Loves Tampa Bay, I'm sharing tips on how to be a smart buyer for new houses. Buying a resale house versus new construction are very different processes. #1 - WORK WITH A REALTOR #2 - UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT COSTS OF NEW CONSTRUCTION #3 - NEGOTIATING WITH BUILDERS #4 - CLOSING COSTS #5 - CONSTRUCTION TIME EXPECTATIONS I hope this information help...

Tampa House Tour! Realtor's Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Home

October 24, 2018 00:00 - 4 minutes - 4.55 MB

Welcome to my house! We're taking a tour to show you a few rooms I've re-purposed in order to maximize space and stay organized to get the most out of my square footage. If you want to see how a Tampa Bay area real estate agent lives and sets up a home - here's your chance. Workout Room - This was intended to be an office or an additional bedroom. Instead, I had the same hardwood floors run into the room and moved my home gym equipment in. It's great for me, because it has a glass paneled do...

Best Tampa Restaurants You Need to Try 🍽️ Top Eats from Fine Dining to Casual

October 16, 2018 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.6 MB

The food scene here in Tampa is growing and changing - it can be hard to keep up with all of the new places to eat. From the most well-known to hidden gems, I'm sharing recommendations for some of my favorite restaurants from casual to fine dining. BERN'S STEAK HOUSE bernssteakhouse.com/ ULELE www.ulele.com/ ARMATURE WORKS armatureworks.com/ COLUMBIA RESTAURANT www.columbiarestaurant.com/ ON SWANN www.onswann.com/ CIRO'S SPEAKEASY AND SUPPER CLUB www.cirostampa.com/ CW'S GIN JOIN...

Smart Home Technology Products 📱 Easy to Use

October 09, 2018 22:00 - 5 minutes - 4.97 MB

Sharing some of my favorite new smart home technology products that are also easy to use! I have a love / hate relationship with smart home technology. Although I love the convenience and functions of some of the products, I also get very frustrated when they don't work or they're hard to understand. I was more recently introduced to a few products that I hadn't used before and installed a few more. It is important to note that I do not use a central home system like Amazon Alexa or Google Ho...

Real Estate Agent: Honest Advice, Lessons + My Worst Year

October 02, 2018 21:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

Experienced Tampa Bay Realtor Melanie Atkinson with Smith & Associates shares her story of how she became a real estate agent, highs and lows in the real estate industry, advice for surviving downturns in the market, and her worst year in the business - making $11,000 in 2011 during America's recession. Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampabay.com Email: matkinson@sm...

5 Home Selling 🏡 Pitfalls You Need to Avoid

September 25, 2018 21:00 - 8 minutes - 7.81 MB

Selling your home? While you've probably seen information out there on this topic, we're diving a little deeper in this episode. Here are my 5 home selling pitfalls you need to be aware of and avoid: #1 - PACKING #2 - FINANCING #3 - TITLE #4 - INSPECTION #5 - THE APPRAISAL Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampabay.com Email: [email protected] Call/tex...

Swimming Pools 💦Maintenance, Costs + Buying a House w/Pool

September 18, 2018 21:00 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MB

Thinking about buying a house with a pool? There's a lot you need to know about owning and maintenance when it comes to swimming pools. Fellow Smith & Associates real estate agent Travis Long is here to help, as he's also a licensed pool service contractor. Top 3 things to consider: 1) LIFESTYLE 2) POOL INSPECTION 3) MAINTENANCE Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampaba...

Buying a House: Practical Home Features to Consider

September 11, 2018 20:00 - 5 minutes - 4.73 MB

Buying a house? There are lots of practical, utilitarian features in a home that can be overlooked and underappreciated. - Gutters - Pre-wires & Pre-plumbs - Utility Tubs - Outdoor Water Lines - Permanent Garage Shelving - Storm Shutters I encourage all of my buyers to pay attention to the big and little upgrades in a home. Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampabay.c...

5 Reasons Why Dating is Just Like Buying a House 🏠

September 04, 2018 20:00 - 7 minutes - 6.9 MB

A comparison I've used often over the years with buyers is comparing dating to home buying. Here are my 5 reasons why: 1) TECHNOLOGY 2) FLAWS 3) THE RIGHT FIT 4) APPROVAL 5) THE PRETTY FACE I wish you the very best both in home and love searching! Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampabay.com Email: [email protected] Call/text me if you are looking ...

All About Tampa's Westchase Area Neighborhoods | EPISODE 3

August 28, 2018 18:00 - 10 minutes - 9.79 MB

In a previous episode, I talked about the Westchase community, but what about the surrounding area? Let's get into those neighborhoods right now! If you're considering moving to this part of Tampa, it's important to understand all of your options. Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampabay.com Email: [email protected] Call/text me if you are looking to ...

All About Tampa's Westchase Neighborhoods | EPISODE 2

August 19, 2018 18:00 - 8 minutes - 7.66 MB

What has made Westchase one of the most popular Tampa Bay area neighborhoods for more than 20 years? That's an easy question. In this episode - we will touch on the specific neighborhoods, school zones, community amenities, where to eat, and places to go! WORLD OF WESTCHASE MAGAZINE: http://www.westchasewow.com/ Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. melanielovestampabay.com Email: mat...

Welcome to Melanie Loves Tampa Bay! | EPISODE 1

August 14, 2018 00:26 - 3 minutes - 3.06 MB

Welcome to the launch of Melanie Loves Tampa Bay! Subscribe if you want to learn about real estate, home ownership, and life in the Tampa Bay area. Melanie is a Tampa Bay area Realtor with Smith & Associates. She loves Tampa Bay area area, houses, and helping clients buy and sell real estate. http://melanielovestampabay.com Email: [email protected] Call/text me if you are looking to buy / sell a home in the Tampa Bay area! 813.368.6084 DISCLAIMER: All content provided on mel...