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Spring Hill, FL Real Estate News

By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Local Authors Showcase taking place in Spring Hill, Florida What:  2nd Annual Local Authors Showcase  When:  Thursday, January 22, 2015 --- 1:00 to 5:00 pm Where:  The Lake House, 1202 Kenlake Drvie, Spring Hill, Florida Info:  Stephanie Race, 352-540 -6591   Meet local authors in person and discuss their works during this event.  There is a lot of talent in our community and this will give you a chance to meet the people behind the words close up and in person. Participating authors will talk about their publishing experience, read from their books, and answer questions.  Books will be available for purchase as well so this may be your opportunity to get your favorite book signed by the author!   .
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
How Home Buyers Paid in 2014 in Hernando County, Florida   When it comes to financing, cash was again king in residential real estate transactions in Hernando county in 2014.      Cash was the payment method of choice with  over 53% of all transactions of residential homes in Hernando County, Florida.  Despite low interest rates, conventional financing followed a distant second with less than half of that, or 23.3% of all sales.   The rest of the transactions was divided up among FHA, VA, and USDA financing options.   Although all area of Hernando County qualified for USDA financing, it ended up with the second to last financing method last year followed only by other methods that includes seller and private financing and a handful of assumptions.     Are you looking to buy or sell a ho...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Once a Week Go Greek at Mr. Souvlaki in Tarpon Springs, Florida We love Greek food so once we find a good restaurant it's hard for us to change but every once in a while we have to try something new.  This was the case just before New Year's when we stopped in at Mr. Souvlaki in Tarpon Springs, Florida.  The restaurant was crowded and we noticed quite a few locals which is always a good sign.  My husband ordered the Calamari and I had the signature dish Souvlaki.  Both dishes were delicious.   We went back today for the second time and changed it up a bit.  This Sunday, we arrived early on purpose before the church crowd and enjoyed another great lunch. This time, I tried the Moussaka - one of my favorites and what I would consider real Greek comfort food.      Again, we were impressed ...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Great Turnout at Car Show Honoring Fallen Officer in Tarpon Springs, Florida A couple of weeks ago just a few days before Christmas, the town of Tarpon Springs, Florida, just about 30 miles south from Spring Hill, experienced a tragedy that shook the Tarpon Springs as well as the surrounding communities.  A police officer on duty was shot while responding to a domestic situation.  The suspect fled but was later caught and is facing murder charges.   Officer Kondek left behind a family with six children.  Since then, several fundraiser benefitting his family have taken place.  Today, we attended a car show taking place in front of the Tarpon Springs Police Department in honor of Officer Kondek and for the benefit of his family.       The car show was organized by the Hellions Car Club fr...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Introducing the New Officers 2015 for Women's Council of REALTORS® Nature Coast    Today the annual installation ceremony for the 2015 Officers for the Women's Council of REALTORS® (WCR) Nature Coast Business Resource Group took place at beautiful Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville, Florida.    Florida WCR District Vice President Wanda Linscott conducted the swearing in ceremony of the incoming officers:  Silvia Dukes, President; Sarah Duncan; Secretary; and Micki Hanna, Treasurer (from left to right).      Following the swearing in, the past presidents in attendance conducted the passing of the gavel to the new president.       The WCR Nature Coast Business Resource Group holds monthly meetings and events with programs that are interesting, educational and relevant to our bu...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Home Sales December 2014   2014 homes sales in the Timber Pines golf course community in Spring Hill, Florida, finished out strong with another increase in sales compared to the previous month.   Compared to the number of homes for sale in Timber Pines a year ago, an equal number of properties are on the market.  However, average list price has increased by 24% and average median list price has increased by 21%.       Homes and Villas for Sale in Timber Pines Listing inventory in Timber Pines decreased by two units since last month. Especially the available number of maintenance free villas is extremely low indicating large demand for this type of property.   Homes under Contract in Timber Pines  Demand for homes in Timber Pines is up as evidenced by the 21 pr...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Now is the Time to File for Florida Homestead Exemption for 2015 Florida Home owners  who purchased their Florida home in 2014 and are using it as their primary residence, should not take the time to file for Florida Homestead Exemption!  In Hernando County, Florida,  the Homestead Exemption provides for a reduction in the taxable value of the home by $50,000.  Most importantly, it also places a cap on the annual increase in assessed valuation thus protecting home owners from sudden spikes in assessments and consequently property taxes. To read more about how the Florida Homestead exemption works, please click on the link "What is Florida Homestead Exemption"  in a prior post I wrote. If you have purchased a home in 2014 and it is your primary residence in which you have lived in as of ...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
  Happy New Year 2015!   Another New Year lies ahead and - like the blank pages of a journal - waiting to be filled with joyful moments, treasured memories, and unforgettable experiences.  It's up to us to fill the pages and make every day count!  May 2015 turn out to be the best chapter in your life and may it bring you good fortune, health, success, and happiness!   Happy New Year!    
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
2014 Hernando County Real Estate Market in Review   2014 receives mixed reviews for home sales in Hernando County, Florida.  While homes sales from 2012 to 2013 increased by 20%, this is not the case for the year ending.  As of this date and with few business days remaining this year, the number of total home sales in Hernando County is slightly lagging behind those of 2013.      Thus far, median and average sales prices have increased.   Overall, the average sales price increased by 7% and the median sales price increased by 6.8% compared to 2013.   The list to sales price ratio remained the same at 95% of list price at time of contract, meaning that some homes may have undergone price reductions before the final list price was reached and emphasizing the point that buyers will not loo...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
The Upside Down Christmas Tree Yes, you are reading this correctly.  The upside down Christmas Tree.  It exists.  I recently encountered such a tree  at an horse carriage exhibit and was amazed.  Of course, I had to take a picture since I had never seen such a thing.   I had no idea why this tree would be upside down so I did a little research.  Turns out, this is not a new idea!  The all knowing internet revealed this: "The converted people began to revere the Fir tree as God's Tree, as they had previously revered the Oak. By the 12th century it was being hung, upside-down, from ceilings at Christmastime in Central Europe, as a symbol of Christianity." Clearly, this tree does not hang from the ceiling so someone must have devised some clever stand that balances the whole thing perfectl...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Holiday Traditions from Around the World! Presents, carolling, holiday decorations, special cookies and foods... some  holiday traditions are almost universal.  But then there are some that are specific to a country, regions, or even just your family!  I was reading about holiday traditions from around the world and thought I would share just a few.   From our Neighhbor to the North:  In Canada,"Belsnickeling" is a tradition on the south shore of Nova Scotia.  People dress up in funny Santa costumes and go from house to house until the home owners guess who you are.  The Belsnicklers often sang and brought musical instruments and were given Christmas cake or cookies. From our Neighbor to the South:  From December 16th to Christmas Eve in Mexico,  children often perform the 'Posada' proc...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Hernando County Realtors Donate to Toys for Tots Hernando County Realtors showed their community spirit once again during this year's toy drive for the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.   Collection boxes were placed at several of the larger real estate offices across the County as well as at the Hernando County Association of Realtors building.  Public Relations Committee member Ed Hirst and Committee Chairperson Silvia Dukes gathered up the toys for pickup by the Toys for Tots coordinator.   Hernando County Realtors were generous, the photo shows just a portion of the toys collected.  With the help of the Toys for Tots program and Hernando County Realtors, Santa's sleigh got a bit heavier this year to bring toys to all the children!            Hernando County Realtors Don...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
  Merry Christmas from Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Florida    Today I was showing several homes in the Timber Pines good course community in Spring Hill, Florida.  My buyers commented on all the holiday decorations throughout the community and felt it really demonstrated the community spirit of the residents living there.  Maybe that was one of the reasons, they decided to make a offer in one of the homes they viewed today! Merry Christmas from beautiful Timber Pines where residents enjoy active adult living, numerous recreational and social facilities, and lots of community clubs, organizations, and activities!       If you are looking for a home in a 55+ golf course community, please contact Realtor Silvia Dukes at 352-584-7441 for more information about available homes for sale in Tim...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Timber Pines, Spring Hill, Home Sales October and November 2014   Inventory of homes for sale in the Timber Pines 55+ community in Spring Hill, Florida, increased in the past two months.  Although October sales dipped, sales rose back to September levels in November.   Overall, there are fewer homes available in the lower prices ranges in Timber Pines.  This is reflected in median home prices for currently listed homes and sold homes that are both on the increase.  Average list prices also continue to increase.   With lower inventory of homes for sale and rising prices, Timber Pines remains in  a sellers market.      Homes and Villas for Sale in Timber Pines   Compared to December 2013, inventory of homes for sale in Timber Pines is still down.  Average list prices have increased by 23%...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Seven Hills, Spring Hill, FL Pool Home Just Sold! by Spring Hill Realtor Silvia Dukes PA, Tropic Shores Realty This spacious Spring Hill pool home in the desirable Spring Hill neighborhood of Seven Hills has now sold just in time for the holidays!    Property Details: Ventura Drive, Spring Hill, Florida Bedrooms:  3    Baths:  2       Garage:  Double Living Area under Heat/Air: 1989 SF Total Area under Roof:  2765 SF Built:  1989       Lot Size:  0.22 acres Sold Price:  $150,000   To find out more information about Spring Hill Pool homes for sale  call Realtor Silvia Dukes at 352-584-7441352-584-7441 today!   The seller of this home was relocating and contacted me to list his home for sale in October.  We received an acceptable after only 26 days on the market and successfully closed on...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
And the Realtor of the Year 2014 Award goes to...   Silvia Dukes of Tropic Shores Realty!   Last night was the annual holiday party, installation of officers, and awards celebration for Hernando County, Forida Realtors.  I am humbled, honored, and proud to have received the Realtor of the Year 2014 award of the Hernando County Assocation of Realtors this year. The award was established to honor the Realtor member who has contributed the most to the profession and to fellow Realtors.  Selection is based on ethics, character and personality and general activity at the Local, State, and National levels.    Realtor of the Year Silvia Dukes, pictured with Tami Cook, recipient of another award   Although I have been getting more and more involved over the last few years with my Realtor commun...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Holiday Events in Spring Hill, Florida: Angels on High This popular annual outdoor holiday event is once again taking place at the Lake House at Kenlake Park in Spring Hill, Florida. Mark  your calendar for December 12 and 13, 2014 for an evening of enchantment while strolling on a lighted trail through the park and admiring the many different interpretations of angels that were created by participating clubs, schools, and other community organizations.  The event will take place both days from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm and admission is free.  There will be vendors with food and drink and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to talk to the children and have their picture taken, and there will be live entertainment on the pavillion stage. The Lake House is located at 1202 Kenlake Avenu...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Hurricane Season 2014 has Ended! Hurricane season has now ended for 2014 and once again, Florida did not get hit by any hurricanes this season.  This actually makes nine years in a row that Florida did not get affected by a hurricane. There were only eight named storms this hurricane season, hurricane Arthur became a weak category 2 and made landfall in North Carolina early in the summer but wasn't strong enough to cause major damage. This quiet hurricane activity in 2014 was not only good news for home owners and visitors to the area but also to home insurers who didn't need to pay any seasonal claims. What's in store for 2015? We can't know for  sure but one thing is for sure, come June 1, Floridians will once again prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.   Meanwhile, we will use ...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
  Nature Coast Festival Singers Invitation to Annual Christmas Concert The Nature Coast Festival Singer invite the public to ring in the spirit of Christmas with  two Christmas Concerts in the coming weeks.  Traditional Christmas music with brass accompaniment and an audience Christmas Carol Sing-along is on the program.    Additionally, there will be a Christmas Basket giveaway with many prizes.   The first concert will take place on Monday, December 1, 2014, 7:00 PM at Brooksville Wesleyan Church, 22319 Cortez Blvd, Brookville   The second event will be on Sunday, December 7, 2014, 3:00 PM at Grace Presbyterian Church, 8373 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill   Both events are free; however, donations are welcome to support the Ayer Scholarship Fund to promote musical education for the you...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Happy Thanksgiving from Timber Pines!   Timber Pines residents are ready to gobble it all up this Thanksgiving holiday!  Once again they have demonstrated their community spirit and have decorated their community for the upcoming holiday! It sure looks nice!   Timber Pines is a 55+ community in Spring Hill Florida that offers country club living for active adults.  The community offers a multitude of activities and amenities including several immaculately maintained private golf courses.   Whether you are looking for a permanent residence, winter home, or second home, please contact me at 352-584-7441 for more information about living in Timber Pines in Spring Hill, Florida and ask for a free list of homes for sale in Timber Pines!
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