Tampa, FL – Even though REALTORS® (myself included) continue the task of being upbeat about real estate and the markets, the news seems to be going from bad to worse, with no end in sight.  Now, adding to the mix, major bank failures have dampened any enthusiasm that might have been building.

Given all the current negative real estate news, many might be surprised to learn that some markets, even in Florida, have begun to turn around.  Ft. Myers is one example where declining prices have brought many buyers back to the market, and has recently seen real and substantial year-over-year sales growth.  I used the word 'real' because, lately, in Tampa, much 'misleading' information has been disseminated by an association which should know better, through willing media outlets content to take the word of a misguided organization, without actually checking the facts.  However, that's another story.

Like Ft. Myers, Tampa's market has suffered serious price declines - in some areas they may be just as dramatic.  Yet, Tampa has not seen the buying activity needed to exceed 2007's meager sales figures.  This is puzzling.  Tampa does have much to offer... Good restaurants, 3 professional sports teams on the rise (Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), lots of night life, some amazing sunsets, and lots of water for boating, sailing, swimming, and more.  It's a good lifestyle.

So, if you're looking for a buyer's market that is ready to explode, consider Tampa, Florida.  You can get a lot of house for a very low price (compared to 2 years ago) and live a comfortable lifestyle.  For more information, please visit www.PrettydogRealty.com.

Tampa, FL — If you've ever flown a small plane in Tampa, FL, you're probably familiar with Peter O'Knight airport.  It's a wonderful and small facility just minutes from downtown Tampa, Tampa General Hospital, and many cute shops and great restaurants.  And, talk about convenience, it is also walking distance to the Davis Islands Yacht Club.  Readers who don't fly might be interested to know that immediately next to Peter O'Knight, on property donated by the airport, is a small dog park with access to the Tampa Bay (yes, there actually is a bay called Tampa Bay).

Certainly, there are some who would rather the airport not be there and I appreciate their concerns.  But, having lived on Davis Islands for a long time, I have never been inconvenienced by its presence and think it is more of a positive for the community than a negative.  For those who do pilot planes, it is a terrific way to fly in and out of Tampa.

The airport is in the process of expanding its hangar facilities, which is good news for anyone who owns a plane and would like a great place to park it.  Even better, there is a wonderful luxury home for sale that is walking distance from the airport.  It's ideally located for those who like watching the occasional plane take off or land, and perfect for those who own a plane - all the benefits of a "Fly-In Community" with none of the hassles.  For more information on the airport and this beautiful luxury home, please CLICK HERE.

Tampa, FL - Although I've lived in Tampa for approximately 20 years of my life, until recently, I'd never been sailing in the Bay.  I'd been on a power boat before and traveled around St. Pete, under the Sunshine Skyway, and over to a small island, but had never launched from Tampa.  I now live on Davis Islands with my wife and stepson and our home is literally within walking distance to the Davis Islands Yacht Club (DIYC). 

My father-in-law has enjoyed sailing for many years, focusing primarily on racing.  Each year, he participates in a race from the St. Pete Yacht Club, to Mexico - the Regata del Sol al Sol - which he and his crew won in 2007.  This year, prior to the race, he decided to spend about a week at the Davis Islands Yacht Club to relax and prepare his boat for the upcoming contest.

When it was time to move the boat (and himself) to St. Pete, he invited my stepson (his grandson) and me to ride along.  Boy... What a pleasure it was to make the 2 minute drive to the Davis Islands Yacht Club, meet him at his boat, and be pushed away from the dock some 5 minutes later.  No hassels.  No wasted time parking.  Just the quick and quiet serenity of the water lapping against the sides of the boat.  If you're a boater, Davis Islands truly is a great location To learn more, please feel free to send me an email.

During his stay at the DIYC, my father-in-law mentioned the wonderful learn-to-sail program the club offers to children and teens.  I don't know anything about the cost, but the program sounded impressive, offering children an amazing opportunity to learn and enjoy sailing.  If you live in the South Tampa Area, I encourage you to look into this program.  It is available to all children - membership in the yacht club is NOT required - and is a great opportunity to expose your kids to one of life's real pleasures.

As always, we encourage your participation. Please feel free to add your thoughts.