Pioneer Homes News

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

Florida’s Nature Coast is known for its crystal clear waters, barrier islands, and white sand beaches. That is why we build communities accessible to Florida’s most popular boating attractions.

Our Harbor Ridge and Highlands communities are along the west coast of Florida. Not only is the climate on the coast ideal but it makes boating activities much more convenient. Our locations are surrounded by marinas that offer both high and wet boat slips. Learn more about Florida’s boat clubs, boating news, and events by visiting www. floridabywater.com If you are not a boat owner there are many different options for boat rentals and charters for sport fishing. For questions regarding fishing opportunities ask local captain Stewart Ames about a true Florida fishing experience and visit www.Tampa-fishing-charter.com.

For those fishermen out there Pioneer Homes builds communities within minutes from the water. If you enjoy shallow inshore or salt water deep sea fishing the warm gulf water has many different fish to bring home for dinner such as grouper, snapper, cobia, king fish, snook, trout, and red fish. If you prefer fresh water the west coast of Florida has many lakes and rivers to fish in as well.

For Florida fishing reports visit www.fl-fishing-reports.net/ reports are posted only by professional local charter and party boat captains, tackle shops and marinas, fishing guides, and recognized fishing professionals! Let this be a part of your lifestyle by building a home and a dream on Florida’s central west coast with Pioneer Home Builders.

You finally found your dream home in Florida but unfortunately you still have a home to sell. Many people in the northern parts of the country are ready to escape the cold but selling your home during the winter months can be a challenge. Here are some things to remember in order to help get it sold over these tough winter months:

• Don’t forget the basics like curb appeal. Touch up the exterior appearance and keep the yard clean and free of clutter.
• In a tough market it’s important to price aggressively. Check recent sales prices in your neighborhood through websites like www.Zillow.com and www.Trulia.com.
• Think warm and cozy. If you have a fireplace have a fire going during an open house, open the blinds, and arrange furniture so the inside feels nice and open.
• Keep driveways and sidewalks neatly shoveled and free of snow and ice. This is important for safety and aesthetics.
• Fight the gloom and turn on the lights inside and out. Also keep the holiday decorations tasteful and simple. Don’t pull a Clark Griswold from “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation” and put 25,000 lights on the roof.

For more tips to help you sell your home during the holiday months go to www.msnbc.msn.com.

For those of you not familiar with Energy Star it is the government-backed program that helps us all save money, by using up to 30% less energy, and protect our environment with energy-efficient products and practices. Pioneer Homes takes all the necissary steps to ensure energy savings through proper sealing and insulation in our new homes. Your homes outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors are often the most cost effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Learn more by visiting www.energystar.gov/

Here’s what one of our Harbor Ridge homeowners has to say:
"Spending our summer months in Canada, it is comforting to know our utility bills for our home in Florida are at an all-time low. The Energy Star features built into our home have afforded us, in the warmest months of summer, an electric bill as low as $19.00 a month. We greatly appreciate the efficiency and quality of a Pioneer Home and are delighted to own one."
Larry & Irene Swinson

Welcome to our Pioneer Homes blog! In an effort to better share our news and insights, we have recently joined Facebook , Twitter and now have our own a bog! Feel free to comment, we look forward to your input!

Please also visit our Facebook page where you can stay updated on incentives, community news… and don’t forget to “like” us! We look forward to telling the Pioneer Homes story in these different channels and give you the opportunity to interact and learn more about our communities brand new single family or maintenance free homes, town homes, and the Florida lifestyle.

These days, when purchasing a home, the decision comes down to needs and value. Is it safe to assume a resale or foreclosed home is going to save you money? I think not and here’s why:

Resale

• If the wall color, cabinet design, countertop style, or floor plan is not desirable it can costs thousands to change.
• Risk of potential unknown damages and neglect from previous owner.
• Potential lien on the property.
• If re-sold home requires renovations it can be very costly.
• No warranty on roof leaks, pluming, & electrical wiring. All can be costly to repair.

New Home

• Customize and design the home to your own personal style before it is built.
• Comes with brand new appliances with warranties.
• Energy Star qualified windows and duct insulation making energy more efficient by 20%.
• New homes are move in ready.
• Are up to date on building codes and inspections.
• Pioneer Homes provides an extended, limitted warranty on roof leaks, pluming, electrical wiring, & more