Tampa Bay Community July 15, 2022

Boys & Girls Club Names John Tomlin 2022 Tampa Bay MVP

Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services (TSC) is dedicated to giving back to the community. TSC CEO John Tomlin was selected by the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay senior leadership team and board members as the Most Valuable Board Member for 2022.

 

“It’s a culmination of John’s overall commitment to our youth, our mission, and sustainability of our organization,” said Terry Carter, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay. “His commitment to our youth and the mission is second to none, and we are grateful for his support.”

 

 

John & Holly Tomlin’s Commitment

Tomlin led the organization through the onset of the pandemic through early 2022. He had a significant focus around all things safety, programming quality, and serving more youth. The nonprofit recognized Tomlin for making available his resources and energy to support every aspect of the Club operations during the last 18 months.

 

“Providing children the best opportunity to realize their potential has been a passion for Holly and me as we look to make a difference in Tampa Bay,” said Tomlin. “The Boys and Girls Club does an excellent job in developing leadership skills, providing mentoring, and educational support that is not necessarily available elsewhere so they can develop into proud, productive participants in the community.

 

“Holly and I have appreciated working with this great organization and staff to help make this happen, and I look forward to continuing to support the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay,” Tomlin said.

 

Mission, Vision, & Commitment to Inclusion

Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay aims to enable all young people, particularly those who need it the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The nonprofit is committed to providing a world-class experience at its Club that’s reachable for each young person who enters its doors.

 

The Club aims to keep all members on track to graduate high school with plans for the future as well as demonstrate excellent character and citizenship while living a healthy lifestyle. All Boys & Girls Clubs across the country support youth and teens of every race, ethnicity, gender, religion, ability, gender expression, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

 

 

Programs Transforming Youth

Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay provides a nurturing, safe place for kids to realize their full potential. The nonprofit knows that increasing healthy habits in kids will help strengthen their ability to interact positively with others to form strong relationships.

 

The Club has multiple programs to help with academic success, career preparation, and community service to foster a new generation of leaders. Additionally, the nonprofit helps promote healthy eating and exercise, self-esteem, self-care, tools for coping with mental health, and intelligent life choices. The Triple Play program utilizes a holistic approach to improve Club members’ knowledge focusing on the mind, body, and soul.

 

Additionally, the Virtual Club is a new and innovative tool that serves youth in the community. This remote, virtual programming is facilitated with the help of corporate partners and volunteers. The approach provides a platform to serve youth when Club doors are closed as well as serves as a library and reference for families.

 

Get Involved With Boys & Girls Club

To support kids throughout the community, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay hosts several annual events that engage, inspire, and challenge friends in the community to get more involved with the Club. Most recently, the annual Great Futures Gala, which helps support and expand the outstanding work of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, was emceed by basketball legend Magic Johnson. The club also hosts an annual New York Yankees luncheon in the spring.

 

To get involved or to learn more, please visit bgctampa.org.

In the News June 27, 2022

Tomlin St Cyr Named a 2022 Fast 50 Company by the Tampa Bay Business Journal

Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services (TSC) is proud to be recognized this year as one of the 50 fastest-growing, privately held companies in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. With 108 agents between Tampa and Venice, Fla., the brokerage has grown by 285% in the last three years. “We are so proud of this honor because so many people have trusted our talented agents with one of the most important decisions in their lives,” said John Tomlin, CEO of TSC. “We take pride in having exceptionally well-trained agents supported by seasoned veteran brokers to make sure our clients get the support they deserve. Referrals from these past clients are the key to our growth.” “The best part about our growth is that it is not in the number of agents that have joined our team, but in the people we have served,” said broker owner, Ali St Cyr. “We drive successful closings for our clients and this is the measurement of our growth. We are very proud of that!” TSC opened the doors to its full-service brokerage in 2016 with the goal of standing apart from traditional real estate firms. The brokerage boasts an impressive four brokers on staff with decades of experience. Its real estate advisors are highly educated with advanced designations and ongoing training to best serve their clients. And the talented support staff helps make the process seamless.   This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is TSC-Group-photo-6.22.png

The brokerage has redefined exceptional real estate service through its relationships and leadership in the Tampa Bay community. With hyper-local knowledge of Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods, precision data analysis, and proprietary marketing practices, TSC brings proven results. The brokerage is continually among the area’s top 5% of producing brokerages. Plus, the ERA Real Estate affiliation helps the firm provide national and international reach for their agents and the clients they serve.

TSC provides only the highest level of ethics and professionalism. Our Suite of Services and Preferred Vendor Directory will help you settle into your new home even after the successful transaction closes. And we proudly support and invest in our community through philanthropy and hands-on volunteering for dozens of local nonprofits. A family-owned and operated business, TSC cares for its employees and clients like family.

The Fast 50 is ranked on companies’ percentage of annual growth over a three-year period. To qualify, companies must be privately held and locally owned; been in operation since January 1, 2019, or prior; have annual revenue of at least $1 million in 2019 or $5 million in 2021; and be headquartered in Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, or Sarasota counties.

Final rankings for the Fast 50 companies will be revealed in an event on July 28.

New Developments May 2, 2022

Building Boom: Tampa Bay Developments

  It’s almost impossible to keep up with all of the new Tampa Bay developments and construction going on. Below, Tomlin St Cyr has highlighted a few projects we are excited to see in the coming months and years as Tampa Bay continues its building boom.  

Courtesy of WFTS

 

Tampa Riverwalk

In 2016, Tampa residents enjoyed the most recent expansion of the Riverwalk. It now connects the Straz Center for the Performing Arts to Waterworks Park in the Tampa Heights neighborhood. This extension brought the total length of the Riverwalk to 2.6 miles. According to Fodors.com, the Tampa Riverwalk ranks No. 7 among the Top 15 Riverwalks in the US. With its vibrant and inviting environment, we understand why! In 2022, the City of Tampa announced plans for an additional six miles on the west-side waterline. The four-year project will extend the Riverwalk from Platt Street near the Bayshore Publix in Hyde Park north to Rick’s on the River in West Tampa.

 

Courtesy of tampabay.com

 

Howard Frankland Bridge

Another of the Tampa Bay developments is the Howard Frankland Bridge, originally constructed in 1959. After a public outreach campaign, the Florida Department of Transportation began construction in 2020 on an expansion to the bridge to alleviate congestion and improve evacuation routes and emergency response. Also, the extension will allow for bicycle and pedestrian options along with the future potential addition of light rail or autonomous vehicles.

 

Courtesy of Strategic Property Partners

 

Water Street Tampa

Our skylines are changing for the better! In 2018, construction began on Water Street Tampa, near downtown Tampa, Harbour Island, and the Channel District. The first phase of the plan is on schedule for completion this year. It includes residential, office, retail, hotel, and plenty of space for the community to come out and enjoy the scenery. According to their website, this gem of Tampa has a “Vision for a more balanced Urban Experience.” Phase II is moving right along and developers plan for completion in 2027.

 

Courtesy of romeyard-tampa.com

 

Rome Yard

This project will transform the West Tampa area with a $500 million pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development area. Rome Yard will consist of 900+ affordable apartments and approximately 50 townhomes. The development will also have a workforce training center, a cultural center, an art pavilion, and public transportation. Plus, the Tampa Riverwalk will eventually go through the property. Construction on the 18-acre site is slated to begin in June and take 5-7 years to complete. The property is west of the Hillsborough River, east of Rome Avenue, south of Columbus Drive, and north of Spruce Street.

 

Courtesy of phillipsdevelopment.com

 

Ybor City

Gas Worx is a 50-acre mixed-use development on the western edge of Ybor City. The walkable neighborhood will add 5,000 apartments and office/retail space to Tampa’s urban core in addition to green space. Construction will begin in the next few months and take more than 10 years to complete. The first phase is slated for completion in 2024. Additionally, there is flexibility at this site for a potential Tampa Bay Rays field should they move from Tropicana Field.

 

Courtesy of Weiss Manfredi

 

Downtown Tampa

The Tampa Museum of Art will begin construction this year on its more than $65 million expansion. A four-story amphitheater with glass walls will extend over the Tampa Riverwalk. The museum will see a size increase from 69,000 to 120,000 square feet. Also, it will triple its event space. Working with the New York-based Weiss Manfredi design firm, the museum will expand exhibition space for collections lasting at least one year.

BuyersReal Estate NewsSellers April 25, 2022

Top 10 Features of Luxury Homes

Luxury homes aren’t just ordinary homes with fancy decorations and expensive throw pillows. From the ground up, there’s a unique difference that makes a luxury home stand out, and it’s a difference that people are willing to pay a premium to own. So, what makes these homes so sought after?  

Quality Construction

High-end homes begin in the building stage. A quality foundation and reliable builder can be the difference between a home that remains unproblematic for five years or 15 years. Trust in the builder also gives homeowners peace of mind knowing that corners weren’t cut in the construction process and that they are protected when it comes to leaks, cracks, and even keeping unwanted critters from finding their way into the home. Plus, the architecture will include thoughtful designs for ease of functionality and luxe living.  

Minimalism

Simple and clutter-free spaces look cleaner and more upscale than their overly busy counterparts. Color schemes tend to consist of only a few shades and stay consistent throughout common areas. This helps create cohesiveness and a natural flow throughout the rooms of the home. With high-end, top-quality fundamentals, you’ll be able to keep things simple.  

Artwork

Keeping a clean color palette allows room to decorate with pieces of artwork. Abstract brushwork on canvases hanging on the walls is an elegant touch often seen in luxury homes. It’s a sign that the homeowner knows what they’re doing or has hired someone who does. Adding personality to a home with art is the cherry on top.  

Designer Furniture

Some home decor designers have very recognizable products with specific characteristics. For example, Ethan Allan’s hallmark hand-woven rugs can be spotted as soon as a guest enters the home, and quality furniture does not go unnoticed. It is the difference between a piece that just looks good versus one that is practical, comfortable, and looks good all at the same time.  

Vintage

Newer designs are great but finding a piece from a different time adds dimension and gives a room a whole new feel. It’s almost as if the piece has a story to tell, and when people see it, they can’t help but come up with a whole history of how it ended up in that particular space.  

Attention to Lighting

Bright and open spaces go a long way in making a home feel luxurious. Natural lighting is often utilized, whether that be through a skylight, glass doors, or a stunning picture window. However, when natural light is not possible, there is also no shortage of artificial lighting. Many homeowners opt for lighting with dimmer switches, which allows them to set the mood and adjust the amount of light. If lighting is installed strategically, it can help to draw guests’ eyes to certain pieces of artwork or furniture that homeowners want to have on display.  

Greenery

Plants create a calm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who enters the home. Having live plants in the home can also help it to feel fresh and fluid, making the room feel alive. Plus, they add beautiful and interesting texture to a home. As a bonus, house plants often act as air purifiers and naturally clean the home’s air.  

Finishes and Details

Luxury homeowners and their designers take time to carefully pick out small details like drawer pulls, doorknobs, switch plates, and crown molding. Add in high-end appliances to complete the luxe look. By choosing items like this with care, the home appears complete and the designs intentional.  

Drapery

Window treatments are another indicator of a higher-end home. Custom window treatments can run anywhere between $500-$3,000 per window, depending on the fabric, designer, and window length, making them rare in everyday households. Drapery is the perfect element to frame the stunning views in luxury homes.

Outdoor Kitchen and Pool

In Florida, outdoor entertaining areas are a must if hosting is a routine activity. Having a space where guests can enjoy a dip in the pool as well as a great meal is the best of both worlds. It also means enjoying the outdoors, even on the days when the sun is beating down. Contact one of our local luxury experts to learn more about finding your perfect home!
In the News April 15, 2022

FOX 13: Special Session on Florida Property Insurance

Lawmakers have until a Monday deadline to indicate whether they believe a special session is necessary to address skyrocketing Florida property insurance rates.

Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee sent a letter to lawmakers Thursday asking if they would support a special session regarding property insurance. Sixty percent of the entire Florida legislature would need to say ‘yes’ for it to happen.

Insurers in the Tampa Bay area said homeowners are seeing their rates increase significantly.

“I’ve seen increases in excess of 100%,” said Ed Fandel, President of Pineapple Insurance in Tampa [part of the Tomlin St Cyr suite of services.] “If I had to look at an average, I’d probably say you’re in the 20 to 30%, is kind of standard. And I think that is a combination of what we what you would describe as a base rate change as well as kind of some of the inflationary changes that they want to make.”

Fandel said insurers are also choosing to not renew certain clients, often due to the age of the home or the roof on the structure; some companies are refusing to cover roofs that are older than 10 years.

“That, to me, is probably the area that’s probably causing the biggest change from a marketplace perspective, and that is what’s leading consumers to shop,” said Fandel, adding he recommends homeowners shop for policies that better fit their budgets. “I think that there are things that people can do. You can look at the deductible on your policy. You could potentially look at maybe taking an actual cash value option with respect to your roof that could generate some savings. But I’d say the number one thing is talk to your insurance agent or reach out and get a quote potentially to see if there’s an opportunity to generate some savings.”

READ MORE on FOX 13

New Developments April 14, 2022

Here’s Why You Need Flood Insurance Now

Can you believe we are just weeks away from the official start of the 2022 hurricane season?! Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30, with the peak levels of storm activity occurring during August – October. Each year Colorado State University issues its annual hurricane season predictions; for 2022, they are anticipating a slightly above average year with:

  • 13-16 named storms
  • 6-8 hurricanes – of which 2-3 are anticipated to be significant

While one storm is one too many, with 13 – 16 storms anticipated, now is the time to prepare and ensure that you and your family have a plan. Part of that plan is making sure you have appropriate insurance, specifically homeowners and flood insurance, to ensure that you protect one of your largest assets – your home.

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While most people have homeowners’ insurance, many do not have flood insurance. Some of the reasons we have heard as to why people do not have flood insurance are:

  • “I already have a homeowners insurance policy.”
    • While that may be true, most homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood losses. Only flood insurances cover the cost of rebuilding after a flood.
  • “We live in a low-risk flood zone, and therefore we do not need flood insurance.”
    • 30% of all flood claims are filed in low to moderate risk areas
  • “It is too expensive, and I cannot afford it.”
    • Do you know that just 1 inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage to a home? A flood policy may be more affordable than you think.
  • “I don’t need flood insurance; I live in a brand-new home.”
    • New construction can increase flood risk, especially if it changes natural water run-off paths.
  • “I don’t need to buy flood insurance now; I will wait until there is a hurricane coming and call my agent then.”
    • If you are not purchasing a new home – there is a 30-day waiting period before your policy becomes effective. If you wait to secure coverage, it may be too late.

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Contact Pineapple Insurance with any questions or for a free no-obligation quote. We have options with the NFIP as well as private flood markets for your consideration. Act now while there is still time. Contact us or your agent today.

Life in Tampa BayReal Estate News January 4, 2022

Tampa Bay Named Hottest Market in 2022

The Tampa Bay real estate market is ablaze. Named by Zillow as the top housing market in the country for 2022, home values are expected to rise nearly 25% this year.

“What makes Tampa so hot is the quality of life vs. other places,” said John Tomlin, CEO of Tomlin St Cyr. “In addition to the traditional sources of migration from the Northeast and Midwest, Tampa is now seeing migration from out West and from South Florida.”

Tampa Bay’s Transformation

The dynamic improvements continuing in Tampa and St. Petersburg, two major cities within 25 miles of each other, make Tampa Bay one of the most desirable regions in the country. The beautiful weather and beaches, no shortage of year-round activities, and active job market are among the many reasons we’re seeing a growing population and high demand for housing inventory. Zillow forecasts that the national housing market will cool a bit this year, but nabbing a home in Tampa Bay may be tough.

“Challenges with building homes, like labor and material shortages, have slowed new home construction,” Tomlin said. “But that will pick up and hopefully start creating a healthier balance of supply vs. demand.” For buyers, it’s more important than ever to have a very knowledgeable Realtor who’s plugged in to upcoming listings and top-of-the-line resources like lenders, inspectors, and appraisers.

Comparing the Numbers

Tampa Bay boasts an attractive tax environment. While inflation may be higher in the area at this time, home prices have been below the national average, which hit $362,800 in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here’s how the home price averages stack up:

·       Tampa – $355,000

·       Charlotte – $375,000

·       Atlanta – $399,000

·       Nashville – $405,000

·       Miami – $453,000

·       Portland – $558,000

·       Austin – $613,000

·       San Diego – $879,000

Homes in some northern cities are less expensive, however, they are less desirable and experiencing a migration out of the area. For example, Philadelphia’s home price average is $260,000 with a 3.7% decrease in population vs. Tampa’s 15-20% increase.

Top 10 Real Estate Markets for 2022

The coolest markets in the U.S., according to Zillow, are New York, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Chicago, and San Jose. Here are the cities they say are the hottest this year:

1. Tampa

2. Jacksonville

3. Raleigh

4. San Antonio

5. Charlotte

6. Nashville

7. Atlanta

8. Phoenix

9. Orlando

10. Austin

If you’re exploring your options in the Tampa Bay real estate market, Tomlin St Cyr can help you make the best decision for you with data-driven information. Contact us today to learn more about our full-service real estate firm.

In the News December 9, 2021

FOX 13: In-State Movers Keep Tampa Bay Housing Market hot

It may technically be winter, but Tampa Bay’s housing market is still as hot as ever, according to a recent national study by the Urban Land Institute, a group that tracks real estate trends.

The Urban Land Institute teamed up with PricewaterhouseCoopers to release its Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2022 report and Tampa Bay ranks as of the five hottest real estate markets in 2022.

“It has been a real explosion of people moving to the area,” said Mary Ann Porter, managing broker at Tomlin St. Cyr Real Estate Services in Tampa. “We have had record sales, so there’s definitely people selling and definitely lots of people buying.”

READ MORE at FOX 13

In the News November 3, 2021

TBBW: Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services Expands into Venice

Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services, one of the top producing brokerages in Hillsborough County, acquired Gulf Shores Realty, based in Venice, FL. The partnership results in a combined 89 agents responsible for $376 million in sales and 783 transactions annually.

The brokerage, founded in 2016, produced $107 million in sales volume in 2020. Together, the firms will be positioned in the top 1 percent of brokerages in West Central Florida, the statement said.

“We are excited that Gulf Shores Realty is joining Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services, ERA Powered,” said Ali St Cyr, in the statement. “Our team was fortunate to find another brokerage that shares our agent-centric culture, values, and stellar reputation. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of the brokerage and its agents as they serve the Sarasota County community.”

READ MORE at TAMPA BAY BUSINESS & WEALTH

In the NewsTampa Bay Community October 11, 2021

TBBW: Tomlin Family Application Lab at Corbett Prep

Tomlin St Cyr Real Estate Services was at Corbett Prep School, in Tampa, to cut the ribbon on its Tomlin Family Application Lab.

Corbett Prep’s App Lab moved into its new 4,000-square-foot home overlooking Lake Lipsey for the 2021-22 school year, launching a learning experience that will benefit all students in PreK3 through 8th grade. Its interdisciplinary curriculum is built into every student’s schedule and allows them to delve into design-thinking structures as they learn to think critically and creatively.

The Tomlin family, whose three children graduated from Independent Day School/Corbett Prep in the 2000s, cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility on Aug. 5, 2021.