Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Introducing Our Next New Partnership – Streamline Home Loans Tampa!
To continue to provide Tomlin St Cyr’s agents and their clients with the best possible service, we’ve partnered with Streamline Home Loans Tampa and their managing broker, Susan Griffin. This partnership expands Tomlin St Cyr’s Suite of Services that includes Pineapple Title, Pineapple Insurance, and now Streamline Home Loans for mortgages!
Data shows that, on average, borrowers save more than $9,000 when working with an independent mortgage broker. Banks generally have a limited product line, which does not deliver the best customer service for real estate partners or buyers.
On the other hand, brokers can pivot with the changing market to provide a higher level of customer service and product lines to the borrower. Brokers offer a wide array of products to increase the real estate agents’ sales volume, resulting in higher profits for all parties involved.
Get The Best Home Loans For Your Needs
Although it seems like all mortgage brokers are more or less the same, rest assured Tomlin St Cyr has the greatest options for financing your next home because Susan Griffin and the staff at Streamline Home Loans have decades of experience, the highest level of integrity, and top customer service.
Unfortunately, not all mortgage brokers are created equally. Due to the strength of Streamline’s national partnerships, they have access to unique products, better pricing, and exceptional tools for your clients, allowing us to streamline the process and deliver incomparable turnaround times and customer service to borrowers and real estate agents.
Streamline has zero underwriting fees, zero processing fees, and competitive interest rates! Our best-in-class technology permits clients to experience a high-tech process while maintaining a high-touch service. Streamline Home Loans operates lean, which allows us to continue to grow and maintain our high level of service to our real estate partners and borrowers.
Experience Matters
Susan Griffin began her career in the mortgage industry in 1992, working at a Credit Union in the Florida panhandle. After 15+ years as an originator in Central Florida working for banks and mortgage companies, she became the preferred lender for many builders in the area. Susan worked with veterans and first-time homebuyers to help those families achieve the goal of home ownership.
Later, she became the Regional Manager covering the states of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi for a large mortgage company. Branding her company for the next several years by recruiting top producers and opening branches throughout her region was deeply gratifying for her.
Susan is excited about the opportunity to work for a progressive mortgage company such as Streamline Home Loans. She looks forward to creating a cohesive team of loan officers, delivering the best customer service to all business partners and borrowers.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Susan Griffin directly by phone at 352-598-3340 or by email at susan.griffin@streamlinehl.com.
Agent Spotlight: Noah Rich
Noah Rich’s favorite aspect of real estate is helping families find a home that matches all of their wildest dreams! He is especially fond of helping military families. Noah’s compassion for what they go through comes from his service in the Navy for 21 years, knowing firsthand what a relief it is to have a great Realtor’s guidance in cross-country moves.
Noah and his wife Jessica recently adopted twin boys. They also love volunteering at Together We Rise. There they help donate backpacks filled with toiletries, blankets, and stuffed animals for foster homes. He and his family are always delighted to help ensure that foster children arrive at their new homes welcomed with a nice bag to put their belongings in.
As far as hobbies go, some people think he’s crazy, but twice a week at 5:30 am, he enjoys playing soccer at the YMCA. Getting a rapid start in the morning seems to keep him energized for the day ahead. His competition ranges from ages 16 to 60, and he plays with the same group of guys from the basketball court every week.
Noah is a Broker Associate, the leader of the Tampa Dream Team, and can be a great help with any real estate need.
All About Tampa Bay’s Mixed-Use Developments
Mixed-use developments have been popping up all over Tampa Bay. Wondering what, exactly, mixed-use developments are and where they are found? Look no further; we’ve got all the info you need!
A mixed-use development is an urban planning or a zoning type that combines multiple uses. From residential and commercial to cultural, institutional, or entertainment, this singular space is functionally integrated while providing pedestrian connections.
These developments can be new construction, a renovation of an existing structure, or a combination of both. And they can also be a single building or several blocks as well as privately developed, owned by a governmental agency, or a mix of both.
What do mixed-use spaces often include and why?
Typically, these developments include retail/restaurant space on the first floor, several floors of office/commercial space with a parking garage option, and residential apartments/condos on higher levels. Grocery stores, gyms, etc., are often included in the development so residents can work, live, and play in the same area.
Most recently, the addition of green recreation space has been included as a major part of the design of mixed-use developments. You usually find these projects in more urban areas, and they have increased in popularity as a response to the increased population in Florida.
They are also prevalent due to the number of corporations brought here by the local Economic Development Committees (EDC). The latter are looking for affordable and desirable housing for workers close to job locations, allowing them to avoid traffic on major highways that connect the city to outlying suburbs.
How do these mixed-use spaces affect the overall community?
Mixed-use developments help to fuel the local economy by providing housing for the workforce. With so many in a smaller area, it drives traffic to stores within walking distance of the development – from boutiques to coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.
Grand Central at Kennedy in the Channel District is an excellent example of those mentioned above, with its gym, pharmacy, grocery store, ice cream shop, restaurants, and redesigned outdoor bar area that can be found packed on a weekend night or for Lightning game viewing. And they exist on the first floor of a two-building complex, with the mid-levels for parking and the top floors for condos, along with a pool, spa, and recreation spaces.
Tampa’s Top Mixed-Use Projects
Spaces like the much anticipated Water Street development bring to life a previously dull and non-existent city life after work hours. Here are some of the area’s hottest developments:
Water Street
Breaking ground in 2018, downtown’s Water Street Tampa is on schedule to complete Phase I this year. The wellness-focused waterfront development includes Tampa’s first five-star hotel plus residential, retail, and office space, along with ample community areas. Phase II is slated for completion in 2027.
Westshore Marina District
The 52-acre, $600 million master-planned Westshore Marina District is located at the southwest corner of Westshore and Gandy boulevards near the bridge. Plans include 1,750 luxury residential across three high-rise towers with a waterfront apartment complex, shops, offices, restaurants, nearly two miles of waterfront parks and walking trails, and access to 150 deep-water boat slips.
Midtown Tampa
With 1.8 million square feet, the $500 million Midtown Tampa project connects the Westshore and Downtown districts along I-275 with a centralized neighborhood. The development boasts over 30 spaces dedicated to retail, restaurants, and spots like gyms and a hair salon. Midtown Tampa also houses a 150,000-square-foot office high-rise and a 390-unit luxury apartment complex.
Rome Yard
This $300 million pedestrian-friendly joint venture with Tampa Housing Authority along the Hillsborough River will consist of 900+ affordable apartments and approximately 50 townhomes. Rome Yard will also have a cultural center, art pavilion, workforce training center, and public transportation. Plus, the Tampa Riverwalk will eventually go through the property. Construction will take 5-7 years to complete.
Tampa isn’t the only place where these projects have become popular. All up and down Central Ave in St. Petersburg has seen these types of developments pop up under names like the Art District, the Edge District, and Grand Central District.
Luxury Home Design Trends of 2022
With supply chain issues plaguing the past two years, 2022 saw a revival of sophisticated luxury home décor. From major renovations to small home updates, home designers and consumers have been able to finish home improvement projects. Here are some of the top trends in luxury home design trends of 2022:
1. Wallpaper
Yes, it’s back! Textured patterns add effortless elegance to an entire room or even small spaces like on the risers of a staircase. Now, it’s easier than ever to install with many options of peel-and-stick wallpaper. From traditional floral patterns and trompe l’oeil to contemporary botanical and animal motifs to geometric architectural designs – the sky’s the limit.
2. Dark Marble
A twist on the white Calcutta marble of the past decade is the bold and moody colored marble. This new trend is a fresh take, especially when paired with light marble, and can be used as a backsplash or even as a bathroom floor. Look for blacks, greens, blues, purples, and pinks. Picking a dark marble slab is an excellent jumping-off point to build your design.
3. Sconces
You can inlay sconces into your bathroom mirror, flank a beautiful work of art, or use them on either side of your bed above your nightstands. Lighting is a major element in setting the mood in your home. It’s also a great way to layer lighting in your home. Adding several light sources – from a chandelier to a floor lamp to track lighting to scones – is a great way to showcase elements in your home.
4. Herringbone Floors
This traditional pattern has made a comeback and can be seen in wide plank wood and tile flooring, inlaid brick on the front porch or a fireplace, and even on backsplashes and bathroom wall tiles. White oak looks particularly beautiful in the pattern. We also see chevron-patterned floors as well. In addition to hardwood, herringbone also looks gorgeous in tile, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and bamboo.
5. Fluted Walls & More
These curved walls add a unique element to a home that is reminiscent of the 1970s yet modern and bold. Other fluted trends we’re loving are in millwork, bathroom storage and vanities and mantels, as well as furniture. The scalloped ridges add a texture that is a modern take on a classic design staple.
6. Floating Vanities
Not only does this create a modern, clean look, but it also makes it easy to clean your floors with nothing obstructing underneath the vanity! They add a sleek, modern design element no matter the finish you choose. Floating vanities also make your space appear larger and lighter.
7. Hanging Chairs
These fun chairs will remind you of your childhood and certainly spark conversation. This statement piece of furniture will undoubtedly bring the wow factor and make a big impact. From bedrooms and living rooms to porches, these boho pieces add the cool factor perfect for lounging. Just make sure they are properly anchored!
If you are looking for a new luxury home, our agents are highly skilled and trained in finding what you’re looking for. Whether it’s new construction or an off-market property, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more!
Insurance Lessons Learned From Hurricane Ian
Insurance policies are often required. Some may even call them a necessary evil. Regardless, Hurricane Ian has brought some crucial lessons regarding property insurance to the forefront.
The Amount of Coverage Your Policy Provides is Essential
Coverage A on your insurance policy is the coverage you have for your dwelling (your home). This would include the walls, the roof, flooring, etc. The critical part to note is that this is the amount of coverage to rebuild your home in the event of a total loss; it must be in today’s dollars. Given the amount of inflation we have experienced and continue to experience, this may be something you should review to ensure you have the level of coverage you need in the event of a total loss.
Coverage C on your insurance policy is your coverage for your personal property, furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances, etc. Again, this is a personal decision you can discuss with your insurance agent to determine the level of protection that works for you and your family.
Reimbursement For Property Damage
Replacement cost and actual cash value refer to how your homeowner’s insurance policy reimburses you for property damage after a covered loss. While both types of coverage help with the costs of rebuilding your home or replacing damaged items after a covered loss, actual cash value policies are based on the item’s depreciated value, while replacement cost coverage does not account for depreciation. Policies that provide replacement costs are more expensive in terms of your cost, as they provide you and your family with more protection.
Flood Losses
Losses from floods, including rising water and storm surge, are not a covered peril (cause of loss) under your homeowner’s policy. It was highlighted after Hurricane Ian that only 18% of the households in Florida had a flood policy, despite Florida’s unique geographic exposure.
Floods are costly, with FEMA estimating that one inch of water in the average home can cause more than $25,000 in damage to the average one-story property. Floods are not covered under your homeowners, condo, or renters policy. Simply put, you need a separate policy either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood provider.
The maximum coverage available through NFIP is $250,000 for dwelling and $100,000 for personal contents. Even if you cannot afford the maximum coverage, consider having some coverage to rebuild and help your family recover from the loss.
There is additional flood coverage available through private flood providers. If you are interested in purchasing additional coverage, over and above what is offered by NFIP, we can assist with obtaining this additional coverage.
Pineapple Insurance is Here to Guide You
Look at your insurance differently – shift the conversation to be less about costs and more about protection. If you would like to enhance your coverage, but cannot make all the changes at once, one of our agents can work with you to build a multi-year plan to help you address your insurance coverage. Please call us at 813-438-7240 or visit us at Pineappleinsure with questions or to help you develop your plan.
FOX 13: How Some Tampa Bay Home-Sellers Are Standing Out
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s Largest Home Show continued through Labor Day after a weekend that brought dozens of vendors to the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The event gave potential Tampa Bay home-sellers a chance to figure out how to make their properties stand out in a competitive real estate market.
Noah Rich, a REALTOR® with Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services, said the Tampa Bay housing market is seeing a big increase in inventory over the past couple of months. But the levels aren’t quite like they were pre-COVID.
“Interest rates are definitely a big factor,” said Rich. “We’re just over 6% for conventional home loans. Also, I think just all the news stories about recessions coming, and it’s kind of scaring some of the buyers and slowing the housing market down.”
Home prices are also declining nationally, fueled largely by rising interest rates, according to Realtor.com.
“Over this next year, I think we’re going to see a 4-5% increase in home prices, where the previous two years we’ve seen 20% year over year,” Rich said. “I don’t think we’re seeing them go down. I think we’re just seeing them level off.”
Rich added that because homes are staying on the market longer, potential first-time home buyers have better opportunities to make offers on homes.
Tampa Bay’s Exploding Tourism Brings Luxury Hotels
The presence of high-end luxury hotels typically attracts more tourism and allows the city to play host to national events such as the USA Gymnastics Championship in August 2022, several NCAA Final Four tournaments over the last couple of years, the 2021 Super Bowl, and the now ReliaQuest Bowl (formally the Outback Bowl).
Tourism Supports Tampa Bay
Tourism is continually a major economic driver in Tampa Bay. With 24.5 million visitors a year, tourism creates $2.5 billion in wages, 55,000 jobs, and $416 million in state and local taxes. In addition to supporting families, this also supports schools, roads and transit, public safety, parks, and air travel. And there’s $0 of state income tax, thanks to tourism.
High-End Hotels, Top Eateries
Additionally, luxury hotels come with elevated dining experiences that add to the culinary environment and the culture around these establishments. Some of the recent hotel openings with hot=spot restaurants include:
- JW Marriott – Tampa Water Street
The downtown hot spot incorporates several dining options, culminating in the SiX restaurant and Driftlight Lounge.
- The Current – An Autograph Collection Hotel from Marriott
This Rocky Point hotel includes a Buddy Brew, small curation of the Oxford Exchange, the Julian Restaurant, and the Rox Rooftop bar.
- Hotel Haya – Ybor City
In the heart of historical Tampa, Hotel Haya boasts two top-notch restaurants. Flor Fina and Quiquiriqui Cafe are both nods to the neighborhood’s Latin roots.
With a rooftop pool, this hotel combo is pet-friendly and made for extended stays. The Corazon Bar and restaurant focuses on local ingredients and seasonal items.
Additionally, Channelside’s The Tampa EDITION is opening this fall. It will be Tampa’s first 5-star hotel!
10 Steps to Designing & Building Your Custom Dream Home
Custom homes are a big investment – financially, emotionally, and timewise. From getting started to avoiding pitfalls, Tomlin St Cyr is familiar with the designing and building process. Our goal is to help you through the entire process to ensure your goals are met. Our tips below will help you to be prepared for designing and building a custom home in Tampa Bay.
1. Consult With a Home Builder
Get an idea of what the cost is to build a custom in Tampa Bay as well as the size lot you need to build your desired square feet. We suggest finding at least three different builders so you can compare costs, timeframe, etc.
2. Find a Lot
This can be done through a builder that acquires lots or through a private sale. Make sure to do a boundary survey and topography survey. Soil testing may also be a good idea to ensure you do not have any major settling. You should also familiarize yourself with local building codes.
3. Hire an Architect
Many home builders have an architect in-house or have a hired contractor. We highly recommend you hire your own architect, which allows you to own your plans. This way you can shop the plan with multiple builders.
4. Interview Builders
This is one of the most important pieces! Choose someone you trust that has experience and allows you to walk through their work often. Also, make sure to talk to their previous customers and ask around to make sure there is total transparency.
5. Get Pricing
This part is tricky. These days, because of the pricing of supplies and labor, many builders use a lot more allowances rather than fixed pricing for a lot of the build process. Make sure these allowances are sufficient for what you want as many builders lowball this estimate to make their overall price look competitive. A professional interior designer should know if these allowances are sufficient.
6. Hire an Interior Designer
Go through the options and ensure the materials included and the allowances will result in the type and quality of home you desire. Trust us, they are worth the investment to help with design choices that, if not done properly, could be costly to fix. They also have relationships with vendors to get discounts on product.
7. Get a Construction Loan or Determine the Draw Schedule With the Builder
Most construction loans will require 20% down, then you pay interest only on the money the builder has used for the build until the last draw. At that point, the loan is converted to a conventional loan. Make sure to ask us for a great referral to a lender that locks your rate in at the BEGINNING of the process. This can be a huge cost savings in this market!
8. Be Patient!
These days it’s a long process. We suggest staying in a place without a deadline to move out. This will make things less stressful. Also, in negotiations with the builder, it’s key to have a penalty if the build process takes longer than what you believe to be a reasonable amount of time. A Realtor experienced in new construction can help you through these important details.
9. Visit the Property Often
Check that everything you agreed to is in the home. Measure openings, light switches, level of the walls, etc. It’s easier to check mistakes earlier rather than later. We also suggest hiring a home inspector toward the end of construction.
10. Get Your Home Maintenance Vendors Lined Up!
From pool maintenance to landscaping and pest control to water treatment servicer, don’t delay in researching vendors and sending them up. You need to care for your big investment!
It’s a lot to think about and not an easy endeavor, but in the end, you will have created your own masterpiece. Contact us to learn more about starting your journey of designing and building a home in Tampa Bay!
Uncertain Times in the Florida Homeowner Insurance Market
We have all seen the headlines regarding the homeowners’ insurance market in the state of Florida, but they are sobering when you take a step back and think about what is happening:
Florida has lost five insurance companies to liquidation – the most recent being Weston Insurance Company, whose policies will cancel effective September 7, 2022.
Two of the larger, local publicly-traded personal-lines-focused insurance companies – United Insurance Holdings Corp and Heritage Property and Casualty Corp – announced financial losses for the quarter that both exceeded first quarter results.
Citizens, the involuntary market in the state, is quickly approaching its high point in terms of policies in force. This amounted to 1,250,000 homes insured, a level that it has not seen since 2005.
Companies are raising rates and non-renewing customers due to increased costs of litigation, fraud, and inflationary pressures for building materials and labor.
At the end of the day, it is us, the consumer, that pays the ultimate price either by:
- Paying the increased cost to ensure that our home and family are protected
- Making choices as to the level of coverage, if any, you can afford for their family
Pineapple Insurance is an independent insurance agency, which means that we can shop your insurance with multiple carriers. We can also be a resource to answer questions regarding your existing policy or changes you are contemplating. If we can be of assistance, whether it is a quote or a question, please do not hesitate to reach out, call us at (813)-438-7240, or you can visit us at PineappleInsure.com.
FOX 13: City of Tampa Cracks Down on Illegal Construction
TAMPA, Fla. – The City of Tampa announced a new team Friday that will be focused on cracking down on illegal construction.
The city’s Construction Services Division’s Construction Activity Compliance Team officially launched this week after it was approved in November. The team will focus on illegal construction, particularly involving contractors who regularly break the law. The most common issues involve contractors doing work without permits.
Tampa Realtors, including Ali St Cyr with Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services, said it’s important for potential buyers to know whether construction on a home was done properly and with the correct permits.
“If someone’s purchasing a home and the current owner has done work on the home that was unpermitted, that required a permit, that could certainly cause an issue,” St Cyr said. And that’s why it’s so important to have your own independent inspection done.”
St Cyr said these regulations are in place for a reason.
“The reason those rules are in place are to keep everyone safe, including the homeowner,” she said. “Although some find that it is a bit of a pain to have to go through that process, the reason behind that process is very important.” “If you just choose to do the right thing from the get-go, there’s no decision to be made. If a permit needs to be pulled for work, you pull the permit for the work so that you transfer a home knowing full well that you did everything that you were supposed to make a safe environment for the new owner.”
