Pioneer Homes News

Buying a New Pioneer Home vs. Buying a Resale

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:37:00 GMT

*New Pioneer Homes* *(Single-Family, Villa, or Townhome)* *Top Ten Advantages*	*Pre-Existing Homes* *(Short Sale or Foreclosure)* *Top Ten Disadvantages*
Move-in Ready or To-Be-Built Available	Time-consuming & closing undetermined
Our Worry-Free Home Warranty	Very Costly Unseen Repairs
New Community Amenities	Out-dated Neighborhood
Several Financing Incentives Available	Cash Usually Required Up Front
Customizable from the Inside Out	Stuck with Existing Floor plan
Our Low-Energy Features ensure Air Tight Ductwork & Water Tight Barriers	Be Aware of Environmental Hazards such as Mold, Chinese Drywall, etc.
*New Building Codes* = Solid Construction + Low Utility Costs	*Old Codes* = Expensive Remodeling + High Energy Usage
*New Technology* = Impact Glass, High Efficiency Insulation & Air Conditioning	Old Plumbing & Wiring, Single-Pane Windows, Poor Insulation, etc.
Maintenance-Free Living Available	Constant Upkeep Throughout Property
Huge Discounts on Homeowner’s Policy and No Flood Insurance Needed	High Insurance, High Utility Bills, Added CDD Fees, etc.

Pioneer’s Impact-Resistance Glass Offers Homeowner Several Benefits in Addition to Hurricane Protection

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:45:00 GMT

As Florida’s high-velocity wind zone continues to move further inland, Pioneer has been proactive by installing impact-resistant windows and doors in all of our new home construction. As opposed to the minimum building code alternative requiring the homeowner to store and install plywood, panels or shutters, Pioneer gives 24-hour hurricane protection without the hassle.

Impact-resistance glass is defined as two separate panels bonded with an extremely durable polymer core, which complies with the latest hurricane codes. All of our windows are put to the test by withstanding the impact of a wooden 2x4 at the rate of 50 feet per second without allowing penetration into the home. In addition to the piece of mind from wind and debris, impact glass has many other advantages to the homeowner:

Theft security from unwanted guests
UV protection for drapes & carpet
Sound barrier to outside noise
Lower insurance & energy costs
Opens up storage without the need of plywood or panels

With building codes constantly changing on our Gulf coast, Pioneer is dedicated to keep in front of our requirements and truly excited to offer a home with worry-free protection combined with energy-star efficiency.

Expectations Rising for Housing Market's Spring Season

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:23:00 GMT

Pioneer homes has proven to be part of the upward trend happening in the housing market. This year Pioneer Homes has built 7 new homes and spring has just begun!

"This spring will be the litmus test for housing demand," says Steven Ricchiuto, chief economist for Mizuho Securities USA. The spring season typically runs March through June but may have started early this year because of unseasonably warm weather.

While last year was dismal for existing home sales, this year is looking better. Existing home sales in February were up 9% from the same time a year ago, as was the Pending Home Sale Index, which reflects signed contracts leading to sales, says the National Association of Realtors.

Meanwhile, Realtors' confidence in the single-family home market is the highest in four years, according to a late February NAR survey of 4,300 agents. Coldwell Banker says its website's traffic was up 47% in February from last year.

This spring season "will be the best in four or five years," says economist Paul Dales of Capital Economics.

USA Today Money

Buying Cheaper Than Renting in Nearly 100 Major U.S. Markets

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:46:00 GMT

Buying is more affordable than renting in 98 out of the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas -- even in New York, Los Angeles and Boston, according to real estate company Trulia's rent vs. buy index.

The index is based on asking prices for rental units and homes for sale on the company's website between Dec. 1, 2011, and Feb. 29. But as they turn to renting, the influx of demand squeezes the nation's rental supply, pushing monthly rents higher.

The nation's median rent stands at $712 per month -- well above the average monthly mortgage cost of $647, Paul Dales, senior economist at Capital Economics, recently found. He estimated decreased vacancies in the home-rental market will push average rental rates up as much as 5 percent by early 2013, compared to 2.4 percent in January.

By Justin T. Hilley

Things to do in Florida: Spring is in the Air

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:51:00 GMT

Florida is pretty amazing. People by the millions come to Florida on spring break from around the world for a slice of sunshine. There are lots of sights and activities that deserve your attention. If you have never been to Florida imagine all the places you haven't seen yet. Below are just a few places and events that make Florida the eclectic place it is. There is so much to do for visitors and residents!

Beach Party at Honeymoon Island

One of the world's most beautiful beaches is close to home, and part of the reason Caladesi Island has remained so lovely is that it is only accessible by water. Start your excursion by taking the causeway from Dunedin to Honeymoon Island State Park in north Pinellas County. You can skimboard, bird watch, fish, snorkel, picnic or just catch some rays. From Honeymoon, catch the ferry to Caladesi. Island!
Bring your pup, too, because there's a dog park on the south beach. Animals are also allowed on the marked trails and in the picnic area. For more information visit floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland.

Seats at the Spring Training Baseball Game

The warm spring weather is prime baseball training conditions. The Tampa Bay area is home of The Phillies and Blue Jays spring training grounds. They practice and play at their own local training stadiums! At Clearwater’s Bright House field The Phillies play teams like The Ray’s, Red Sox, Yankees, The Braves, and much more! The Phillies have been training in Clearwater, Florida since 1948. Carpenter Field, which was built in 1967, is used in Spring Training by the Phillies' major league and Minor League players, along with teams in the Florida State League, Gulf Coast Rookie League and the Florida Instructional League. For more ballpark information visit www. philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com.

Tubing Down Rainbow River

Float along glass-clear water on the Rainbow River, two hours north of Tampa, with your legs dangling over an inner tube and your rear end in the water. It's sweet relief in the sticky summer, for sure, and a taste of Florida country. Bring your own tube or rent one at K.P. Hole Park in Dunnellon in Marion County. For more information go to www.kphole.com.

For more things to do in this beautiful state visit www.tampabaytimes.com

How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:45:00 GMT

Builders often refer to the exterior of a home as the "envelope" or the "shell." Sealing the envelope or shell against air infiltration (air leaking into the house from outside) and air exfiltration (air leaking from inside the house to the outside) helps reduce your energy expenditure for space heating and cooling. Besides, no one likes to live in a drafty house.

In this article, we'll show you a variety of ways you can seal leaks and improve insulation to make your home cozier and more energy efficient. Once you've sealed and insulated the weak areas, the work doesn't stop there. We'll show you how routine cleaning and water conservation can increase energy efficiency and save you even more money on your energy bills.

Begin the improvement process with the following basic sealing guidelines to help you secure your home's exterior.

• Testing for Leaks
• Checking Exterior Sheathing
• Filling Holes Around Lines
• Caulking the Exterior
• Securing the Perimeter
• Baseboards and Floors
• Gaskets Can Block Drafts
• Attics and the Stack Effect
• Door Sweeps and Adjustable Thresholds
• The Garage and House Interface
• Sealing Leaks

For detailed, step by step instructions, and to veiw this full article visit www.howstuffworks.com.

A Steady and Consistent Improvement in the Housing Market

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:49:00 GMT

The numbers have proven a continuing increase in the building and sales of homes in the United States. Also, the supply of homes on the market has plunged to 2.3 million, the lowest level the US has seen in 6 years. Fewer homes on the market could help bolster prices over time, another reason for buyers who are in the market for a home to act now.

“The rise in existing home sales in recent months adds to the indication from housing starts, building permits, and homebuilder sentiment that the sector has improved modestly since the middle of 2011,” said John Ryding, an economist at RDQ economics.

These trends are obviously upward. Single-family home sales rose 3.8 percent in January, also a positive sign. And the number of first-time buyers, who are critical to a housing recovery, increased slightly to make up 33 percent of all sales (New York Times).
Home sales have risen close to 13% over the last six months. The turn around of the housing market is not going to happen over night but statistics have proven a continuous and consistent improvement in the sales and building of new homes in the US.

This Weeks Featured Three Bedroom Florida Home

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Pioneer Homes has reduced the price on this weeks featured home to only $119,900. This is a newly built, never before lived in, three bedroom, two bath home.

The St Croix Community Included Luxury Features:
• Maintenance free living! Your HOA fee covers lawn maintenance, irrigation, community pool, and more.
• A gated community, with walking trails, lush landscaping & an entry fountain.
• Security systems, appliance package & upgraded lighting packages.
• Garden tub in the master bathroom, ceramic tile flooring in all wet areas.

To view the floor plan and additional features go to Quick Move In Homes

Home Builders See Turnaround in '13

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:09:00 GMT

The U.S. housing market will begin to mount a turnaround this year, building toward a solid recovery in 2013, according to a forecast issued Wednesday by the chief economist of a homebuilding industry trade group.

The outlook by National Association of Home Builders chief economist David Crowe calls for U.S. sales of new homes and single-family home construction to improve this year compared to 2011, when they hit record lows. "I'm looking at 2012 as sort of a ramping event to get a much more solid recovery in 2013," Crowe said in a telephone interview.

The economist, who presented his forecast at the trade association's annual conference in Orlando, sees sales of new, single-family homes climbing 19 percent this year to 360,000, up from 303,000 last year.

Next year, he expects those sales to rise by a whopping 40 percent to 505,000 www.TampaBayTimes.com.

This Weeks Featured Home: The Two Bedroom Willow

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:07:00 GMT

Pioneer Homes has built a showcase home for those looking to move right away. Did you just sell your home and only have 30 days to move? Is your lease up soon and are you done throwing your money away on rent? This week’s featured town home is perfect for you!

This two story Willow Home is located at one of Palm Harbor’s premier communities. Harbor Ridge is close to boat ramps, restaurants, golf courses, and shopping. The brand new kitchen comes with 42 inch wood cabinets, granite countertops, a clean steel and black appliances package, and ceramic tile floors throughout. This home is also in a great location facing the communities pond. All of our town homes come with a garage, security alarm system, energy star certification, plus a builder warranty that you would not get with a re-sold home.

Purchase this home and you will no longer have to worry about cutting the grass or cleaning the pool. Plus, our HOA fees include basic cable, water, and sewer. This featured home can simply be described as convenient, fresh, and affordable. The price of this home is $189,605. For a limited time we will offer 8,000 dollars off the already low price making the Willow showcase only $181,605. For more information on this quick move in home go to http://www.pioneerhomesfla.com/communities/harbor-ridge-townhomes.

The Florida Economy Takes a Positive Turn

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:21:00 GMT

There are many signs based off the growth of the housing market that Florida’s economy is improving.

The inventory of homes for sale has fallen to levels not seen for years. This means the lower the supply of homes the stronger the market. Realtors are noticing more people wanting to put their homes on the market and not because they have to but because they want to. These homeowners are not in distress which means their home are not neglected and will sell faster. "It's opening a whole new category of buyers," Chadwick said. "These people have been on the sidelines for four years waiting to sell. This is exciting." To read more on this upward trend visit www.Tampa Bay.com.

In addition to lower inventory and qualified buyers, interest rates are at an all time low. When it’s time to sell it’s time to buy! All signs point to a positive year for Florida’s economy. "It's a clear indication that we have felt the bottom of the market," said Kevin Chadwick, a 30-year Realtor and owner of six Keller Williams offices with more than 400 agents in Tampa Bay. "The market is in the process of turning. We're right at the change point," he said. "There's a lot of positive signs that we're pushing further away from the bottom." Tampa Bay Times.

There’s only one place to go from here and that’s up! The worst may be over for Tampa Bay's housing market.

The History Behind a the Tampa Bay Gasparilla Festival

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:13:00 GMT

Every January the beautiful city of Tampa Bay celebrates its history of the US Navy taking down the pirate ships run by Gasper or “Gasparilla” and putting an end to years of torment by Gasper and his buccaneers. For centuries ships fell prey while pirates ravaged the seas of Tampa Bay. These days Gasparilla is known as an event not to be missed. The waters are filled with a parade of boats, streets crowded with celebration, and everyone dressed up as pirates!

The name and foundation of Tampa's traditional Gasparilla Carnival come from legendary pirate Jose Gaspar, "last of the Buccaneers," who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the late 18th and early 19th century. Gaspar, given to calling himself "Gasparilla," served as a lieutenant in the Royal Spanish Navy for five years until 1783 when, upon seizing command of a Spanish sloop-of-war, he with his fellow mutineers set sail for the Florida straits. And so the young Spanish aristocrat-turned-pirate began an adventurous life as an outlaw of the sea. On one of Gasper’s and his men’s last thrills they would end their careers in grand style – Gaspar and company could not resist setting out to pillage the seemingly unassuming merchantman. Closing in on their prey, the pirates realized, to their chagrin, they had chosen a United States Navy warship in disguise for their final folly, and final it was. That put an end to the pirate invasions of Tampa Bay.

For more on the event visit http://www.gasparillapiratefest.com/history.shtml.

Mortgage Interest Rates Reach an All Time Low

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Now is the time to buy! The 30 year fixed mortgage rate, according to Zillow Mortgage Marketplace, is currently only 3.71% and the rate for a 15-year fixed home loan is currently 3.03 %. These are the lowest rates we have seen since April of 2008.
To read more go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45946291.

"So far 2012 has brought us lower mortgage rates than most ever thought were possible, and we're likely going to remain close to these record low levels for the near-term," said Erin Lantz, director of Zillow Mortgage Marketplace. "Look for rates to stay in this historically low range and possibly drop further if new concerns emerge around the European debt crisis"(Jill Simmons).

Take advantage of these record low mortgage rates! Pioneer Homes offers a variety of single family, patio, and town homes to choose from. Build the home of your dreams and lock in these super low rates today.

Tarpon Springs Greek Epiphany Tradition

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:57:00 GMT

For more than a century the city of Tarpon Springs, FL has held an annual celebration set out by the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Dozens of teenage boys seek out God’s blessing by diving into the Springs Bayou chasing after a wooden crossed tossed in by a priest. The lucky one who captures the cross gains instant celebrity status and is carried through the streets of Tarpon Springs on the shoulders of his peers.

"The Tarpon Springs ‘Cross Dive’ is the centerpiece of what locals call the largest Epiphany event in the Western Hemisphere, celebrating the day Orthodox Christians believe Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan" (www.msnbc.msn.com).

This community tradition is not only a religious ceremony but a major tourist attraction. People from all over come to experience the Greek culture. Tarpon Springs has a large assortment of antique shops, galleries, restaurants and clubs as well. To learn more about beautiful Tarpon Springs, FL visit www.tarponspringschamber.com.

Tampa Bay Schools Offer Award Winning Education

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:28:00 GMT

The bay area school system has the best schools Florida can offer. We are proud to announce that fifty-three Pasco County schools were to be recognized by the Florida Department of Education as 2010 & 2011 Five Star Schools. If you are thinking of purchasing a Pioneer Home in Hudson, Florida you can learn more about the schools by visiting the Pasco County school website www.pasco.k12.fl.us/

If you feel a Harbor Ridge Townhome, located in Palm Harbor Florida, best suits your lifestyle you can find information and read about how The University of Florida Lastinger Center in partnership with The Pinellas County School district was awarded the 2011 Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award by the Association of Teacher Educators. Awards, recognition, and general information on Pinellas County schools can be found by visiting www.pcsb.org/schools/