I was recently contacted by a homeowner in a condo complex in Florida with a question that is probably all to common..."If I feel that the Monthly Maintenance Fee is too high (based on what it was when I moved in and the minimal Common Area assets we maintain) and if I only continue to pay the old MMF amount, what will happen?"Speaking generally, we must assume that these annual increases are calculated correctly and applied per the condo bylaws and rules. If not, that's a whole 'nother story!In my experience, a homeowner in a condo community is obligated to pay the full assessment as approved by the Board of Directors, even if they disagree. Should one only pay a partial amount (for example the old MMF amount), the difference will become a late payment and/or deficient amount. At that ... 10/06/2008

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is located at 249 Windward Passage just off Clearwater Causeway. Years ago I volunteered at the aquarium and even taught summer marine life classes back in the 1990's there. It was a lot of fun and brings back great memories! Working with the professional team that gives 110% to our marine life was a wonderful experience! The aquarium rescues dolphins and sea turtles that have been injured. The team rehabilitates them and has a large group of volunteers that assist in their efforts to save Florida's fantastic marine life. If you have not visited Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you really need to! It is a real educational experience for the entire family! For more information visit www.cmaquarium.org or call 727-742-2772. The center is a non-profit organization tha... 09/07/2008

StarLite Cruise Lines out of both St Petersburg and Clearwater Beach offer wonderful cruises around our magnificent coastline! I have personally been on their Clearwater Beach cruise and had a wonderful time! The food is wonderful, the view is breathtaking and you can't beat the prices! The admission is $22.90 per person for a wonderful afternoon or evening cruise. You can book both wedding and birthday celebrations on the boats and their rates really can't be beat! I used them the last time I got married (June 2000) and we were ALL pleased with the food, entertainment and wonderful phototaking opportunities of Clearwater Bay. It is also a great way to get to know a little bit more about the area if you are new here! Your guests from up north or overseas will also love taking a cruise a... 09/07/2008

Perhaps the best part of being a Pinellas Real Estate Consultant is the wonderful people we encounter.  Just a few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting Wayne Smaridge at one of our Dunedin home listings.  Much to my delight, Wayne also just happens to be the talent behind the three most amazing blogs that feature the joys of living in Pinellas County!    Wayne's Clearwater Beach photo, Sunset Painted Clouds, took my breath away.  Too see all of Wayne's artistry, and to get a true sense of what it feels like to call Clearwater Beach or Dunedin home, I'm pleading with you to check out his sites!  Visit Clearwater Beach Daily Photo, Clearwater Daily Photo and Dunedin Daily Photo. Prepare to be amazed, entertained and wanting to come back for more.    If visiting Wayne's sites has you r... 08/31/2008

 For the month of July, the following are the real estate statistics for July: Total Properties Listed (Including New) =  207 Number of Homes Under Contract (Pending) = 18 Properties Sold = 10 Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) =  10 Number Withdrawn = 9 If you would like more information about Tampa, just click on Tampa Bay Homes. Number are derived from the Midflorida Regional MLS and is not to be guaranteed reliable or accurate and is for informational purposes only.       The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Visit my profile to find my more about my services. Call 813-245-0316. To view homes for sale in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area, click on Tampa Homes  and then fill in the information on your dream home.   08/03/2008

Sandpearl Luxury Condo Hotel on Clearwater Beach Florida 33767 Clearwater Beach Real Estate is excited to have our first ever five star beachfront condo resort - The Sandpearl Resort is located at the corner of Mandalay Avenue and Baymont Street. For the first time in 25 years the Tampa Bay area has an new Resort Hotel on the beach and they've set out to deliver the ultimate resort destination. The Sandpearl Resort was built where the old Clearwater Beach Hotel stood since 1917. The good news is that the history of the Clearwater Beach Hotel didn't end when it closed down 2 years ago. The old hotel's bar was salvaged, restored and placed on in the Sandpearl's beachside tavern.   Our family was having dinner at one of our favorite Cleawater  beach restaurants, Bobby Heilman's Beachcomber... 07/25/2008

Sand Key's only pizza shop shut down a few months back to the dismay of many residents who liked to stop in for a slice and then walk it off on the beach. Well, a new owner has taken the space and opened a new pizza restaurant. And I do mean new - new owner, new kitchen, new staff, and new pizza. This is Chicago style. Some folks will grumble a bit, missing their NY style pie, but their are plenty of Illinois residents here that wil take their place in linel  I stopped in for a slice and met one of the new owners. They are from Illinois where they have operated pizza shops for many years. I have to say it was great, even though I'm partial to NY style (I can't help it, I grew up in NJ). Lots of cheese and cripsy crust, who can argue with that? They also serve salad and sandwiches. If yo... 07/22/2008

Sandpearl Condos - Smart Residences - Layouts and Fantastic Views Clearwater Beach Florida - We are currently working with several buyers who are interested in purchasing one of the 26 Sandpearl condos for sale, as an investment property or a vacation home in the newest luxury condominiums on Clearwater Beach.  Right now these 26 Sandpearl condos for sale listed in the Tampa Bay MLS start at $709,000 to over $2.2 million. Even though these are some of the most expensive condos on Clearwater Beach they continue to be in demand and have sold well even in this buyers market of 2008 with 11 condos having sold from $730,000 to $4,600,000. Our favorite Sandpearl condo for sale right now is on the 14th floor with a fabulous southern view that overlooks pool and pier for under $2,000,000. If yo... 07/09/2008

Clearwater Beach Florida -  Finding Waterfront Bargains-  Condos on Island Estates Clearwater Beach Florida - We get lots of request for waterfront condos Today I was out on Island Estates at the Dolphin Cove condo complex again. (The picture you see here is just one of the amazing views from the 10th Floor looking out onto Clearwater Beach.) We are currently the buyers agent (representing the buyer 100%) for several people looking for the best waterfront condos for sale. They've called us to be their advocate and real estate agent because they recognize the Clearwater Beach Real Estate values and bargains that can be found right now cant be expected to last forever.   These savvy Clearwater Beach buyers also know that they arent creating any more waterfront so these Island Estates and ... 07/09/2008

Clearwater Beach Condos - Understanding Rental Minimums and Bed Tax  Clearwater Beach Florida - Buyers often want to purchase Clearwater Beach Real Estate  especially after a great vacation stay. One of the first questions Clearwater condo buyers have is: "What are my options to rent out my Clearwater Beach Condo when I'm not using it?"  What many people don't realize is the City of Clearwater's code's default is a minimum of 30 day rentals which means if no other rules apply Clearwater Beach Condos or other property must be rented for at least 30 days or longer. Now while 30 days is the default for minimum rental each condominium associations set their own rules (This is why you have to read that big stack of condo docs and know what you're agreeing to). Everything from allowing 7 day ... 07/03/2008

Clearwater Beach, FL Real Estate Update (5/10/2008-6/9/2008) Total Properties Listed (Including New) =   165 New Properties Listed =  39 Properties Sold =   2 Properties Expired from the market (EXPIRED) =  8 Properties under contract (PENDING) = 18 If you would like more information about  Clearwater Beach, FL , just contact us at www.tampahomeguides.com. Source of numbers is Midflorida Regional MLS.         The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker working in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area helping buyers and sellers buy and sell homes.  Contact Pam at 813-245-0316 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco County area. Information is provided in this blog with the... 06/12/2008

Clearwater, Fl. May 28,2008.Finally, a Clearwater Beach eatery that satifies both vacationers and locals alike. During our latest trip to Beach and the Sandpearl Resort we discovered a new beachside cafe that is getting great word of mouth from locals and vacationers. The Clear Sky Beach Side Cafe is a charming friendly place to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner as you enjoy the cool beach breezes coming off the gulf and live steel drum music at night. My kids and I loved going there for breakfast and highly recommend the pancakes. I would also recommend the Two Egg Breasfast for a very reasonable $4.50. Having tried nearly 10 different items on this menu, I think you would be hard pressed to find something on this menu that isn't simply delicious. The pizzas are fanastic and I recommen... 05/28/2008

Live here and you will think you are on vacation forever!!! Clearwater Point is a sun lovers paradise. Units have magnificent views of water.  Unique private white sandy beach on Clearwater Bay, tennis courts, BBQ area, manicured landscaped grounds, private security, walk to shops and great restaurants! The PERFECT beach getaway!!!  Enjy 3 heated pools & a Bar-B-Que area with 5 gas fired grills. Amenities include 3 pools, spa, BBQ area with gas grills, and secured entry. Enjoy the private beach just for Clearwater Point residents or choose from your choice of public beaches which include Belleair, Sand Key and Clearwater Beach. Walking distance to shops, entertainment and restaurants.     The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe... 05/27/2008

The waterfront Residences at Windward Passage offer a world of luxury in prestigious Island Estates. Many of the units have a protected deep water boat slip, as well as transient slips for day guests. Some of the units also have sparkling views of the Intracoastal waterway and Gulf waters.  Resort style amenities include gated entry, waterfront promenade, heated pool overlooking wide-open water and an exquisite clubroom.   Boat slips for sale when available.  All of this is within walking distance of the pristine, white sands of Clearwater Beach and the shopping and dining of exclusive Island Estates.  Clearwater's newest and most luxurious condominium welcomes you home!         The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a brok... 05/12/2008

Ultimar is a waterfront complex with resort style ammenities for the enjoyment of the Florida lifestyle. Many of the units have breathtaking views of the Gulf and Intracoastal. Many luxuries and amenities available at Ultimar  including 24 hour security, heated pools, tennis court, basketball court, putting green, state of the art fitness center, billiards room, steam/sauna rooms and interior designed clubhouse.  Enjoy the pristine white sands and aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico.   One pet with the maximum weight of 20 lbs. at maturity is permitted. This is wonderful Florida living.         The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker working in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area helping buyers and sellers buy an... 05/12/2008

The Sandpearl Residences is right in the heart of world renowned north Clearwater Beach. Part of the brand new Sandpearl Resort is Sandpearl Residences Tower, which offers you resort style living that pampers your every need. Located directly on the beach and adjacent to the Sandpearl Resort. You will enjoy beach condo living with resort amenities. Beautiful views can be found in all the condos including the intercoastal, the gulf and the Sandpearl Resort. Residents can relax on their balcolnies and watch the the boats go cruising by. Amenities include: a lovely gathering room, catering kitchen, billiard area, fitness center, heated pool and spa set in a lush tropical setting overlooking the wide expanse of sugar soft white sand and the Gulf of Mexico. The Sandpearl Resort gives residen... 05/12/2008

Enjoy a leisurely lifestyle on Clearwater Beach just steps away from sparkling white sands and Gulf blue waters at the Sandpearl Resort.  Walk into the Grand Salon with art from Christopher Still, marble floors, shear elegance.The Resort has all the amenities one would expect of a 5-Diamond property such as  meeting rooms, spa with the capabilities of doing full body treatments, a fitness center inside and outside, security, assigned parking,a salt water pool and jacuzzi overlooking the Gulf and its beaches. There is also dining facilities at the Sandpearl: Tate's Grille overlooking pool and beach and fine dining at Caretta's with a raw bar and wine room. They even do room service. Sandpearl Resort is one of the Gulf Coast's newest beachfront resort as it was built in 2007.  Enjoy your ... 05/12/2008

Grande on Sand Key has  gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico, Sand Key Park, Clearwater Pass, the manicured grounds of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort and fantastic views of the Intracoastal Waterway!! Grande is one of the very best condo complexes in the  Clearwater Beach area.  The beach here is expansive and natural (not renourished). There are two pools, spas, tennis courts,  BBQ grills, beachside boardwalk, fitness center, lending library, conference rooms and club rooms.  It also has a gazebo on the Gulf side. The lobby and club room are have recently been renovated.  Underbuilding parking and 24-hour security add to the desirability of this wonderful condo complex!      The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker wo... 05/12/2008

Regatta Beach Club has studio, one and two bedroom units in a remarkable gated waterfront complex that is directly on the beach.  Regata Beach has a large outside pool, 24 hour security, large workout room, and many extras make this a vacation feel for life.  Residents can walk to Calaadesi Is and every day. Regatta Beach Condo has a beautiful beach and resort facilities. It is nestled away from the crowded public beaches. Come and check out this beautiful waterfront complex!     The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker working in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area helping buyers and sellers buy and sell homes.  Contact Pam at 813-245-0316 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Hillsborough, Pine... 05/12/2008

The Moorings of Sand Key is a luxury, waterfront gated complex of single family homes. It is a boater's paradise with no bridge restrictions and direct access to the gulf through the intracostal waterway. Beach access is just across the street from the complex. The homes vary in size, style, age and price. Come see these gorgeous homes in this prestigious single family home community that is just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico beaches!       The contents of this posting are the property of Pam Mabe and  Solaris Realty of TampaBay. Pam Mabe is a broker working in the Pinellas and Hillsborough area helping buyers and sellers buy and sell homes.  Contact Pam at 813-245-0316 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco County area. Informat... 05/12/2008