Welcome to the new St Pete Pier in Downtown St. Petersburg, bringing the best environment to our beautiful city!

We are so excited and grateful to visit the new St Petersburg Pier on Grand Opening Day. So much space, nature, dining, and art, including the breathtaking Bending Arc in which we were proud to donate to and see come to life. The city’s new addition truly makes St. Petersburg, and Tampa Bay the best place to call home!

Now, who’s ready to exPIERience it!?

 

The national online promotion highlights extraordinary real estate listings

TAMPA, Fla. (July 2, 2020) –Two Tampa Bay homes, one located in the Beach Park neighborhood of Tampa and one in the Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg, have been selected as finalists in the 2020 HGTV Ultimate House Hunt. The Ultimate House Hunt is a month-long online promotion held on HGTV.com annually, showcasing extraordinary homes for sale in eight categories: Amazing Kitchens, Beachfront Homes, Big City Digs, Countryside Retreats, Curb Appeal, Homes with a History, Outdoor Escapes, and Waterside Homes. The contest is one of the channel’s most popular contests, generating more than one million votes last year.

The Smith listing in Beach Park was selected by HGTV’s editors as a finalist in the Curb Appeal category. The home is is a Stucco, Italianate Home that features meticulously landscaped hedges and tall trees. Represented by the Pond/Gunning sales team at Smith who says the home is “a wonderful example of one of Beach Park’s original Mediterranean grandes dames built by a South Tampa prominent pioneer family in the 1920s”. 

The home’s beauty continues from curb to interior. French doors open from the family room onto the Italian inspired loggia overlooking a beautiful saltwater pool with tumbled marble decking, LED pool lighting, and 3 fountains- perfect for al fresco dining! The brick detail throughout the backyard compliment the Italianate architecture and creates a private entertainment area plus there is a custom grilling area and a luxurious pool bathroom and shower.

To cast a vote for this home, visit: https://www.hgtv.com/design/ultimate-house-hunt/2020/curb-appeal

Another home that was selected, located in the Old Northeast neighborhood and represented by the Smith & Associates Real Estate sales team Kantner/Waechter, is a finalist in the “Homes with a History” category. It is a cheery Craftsman and Carriage house with a shingle roof, three porches, and landscape lighting. The exterior moldings, columns, and porch railings stay true to the Craftsman style. Says listing agent Sharon Kantner, “This 1910 Craftsman home is a historic gem in Old Northeast and a quintessential example of doing a historic restoration the right way!”

From foundation to finish this gem exudes the highest quality in architectural design and craftsmanship while maintaining the period moldings, finishes, and heart pine wood floors throughout.  The property sits on a corner lot and boasts 3 porches, 4 gas fireplaces, heated and cooled swimming pool, legal detached income-producing one-bedroom Carriage House with full kitchen and bath, a two-car garage and a privately fenced motor court with electronic gate.

To cast a vote for this home, visit: https://www.hgtv.com/design/ultimate-house-hunt/2020/homes-with-a-history

During the contest period which runs from June 30 through August 4, consumers vote for their favorite homes among 89 finalists in the eight different categories. A winner will be chosen in each category based on the highest number of votes received, and an overall favorite will be awarded for the listing receiving the most votes. All nominees are represented by members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and Luxury Portfolio International®. 

 

Mediterranean-Style Home With Terra Cotta Roof is selected in a national contest on HGTV for its beautiful curb appeal.

Located at 4510 W Beachway Drive Tampa, FL 33609.

 

Craftsman style home in the Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg is getting national attention.

Located at 756 Bay Street NE St Petersburg, FL 33701.

 

 

 

 

Smith Pivots to Virtual Open House Event to Reach Thousands

For Immediate Release

 

Tampa, FL (June 23, 2020) – The pandemic has disrupted the very personal experience of buying and selling real estate and become the spark for real estate companies to pivot into virtual modes of operation. Ahead of the technological curve is Tampa Bay’s largest locally owned real estate brokerage firm, Smith & Associates Real Estate. The company quickly adapted and was already prepared to offer a highly-personalized approach through digital means. With online concierge services staffed by real estate professionals, increased virtual tour offerings, 360-degree views of listings, and an Offer Optimizer for online buying and selling, Smith’s navigational tools along with Virtual Open Houses have met the needs of buyers and sellers in Tampa Bay.

 

This past weekend, the organization held its second Company-wide Virtual Open House Event featuring twenty one Tampa Bay properties. How it worked… The Smith real estate agents signed up for an 8-minute time slot per property. On Sunday, all the agents joined the Zoom conference. During their 8 minute window, they were spotlighted on Zoom and took over the screen. Each agent gave a walkthrough of their property to showcase the home’s finest features and help the live audience feel the experience of being in the home. Simultaneously, Smith streamed the Zoom conference on Facebook LIVE to increase viewership. Social ads, digital ads, and an email blast to website subscribers all linked back to the SmithVirtualOH.com, which included event information. The link has all the properties, agent names, and Facebook links for future viewing.

 

“We recognized early on that merging technology with the wisdom of our expert agents was going to be invaluable to offering our clients the safety and customer service they deserve while buying or selling real estate. The work we did to host a company-wide Virtual Open House event has become a model for how real estate companies around the country can pivot into a comprehensive experience for buying a home with safety prioritized,” says Bob Glaser, Smith & Associates Real Estate President and CEO.

 

Trendsetters and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World are two of Smith’s global affiliations that are looking at implementing this Virtual Open House approach with other agencies needing to shift their Open House events to digital hosting. All 350 of the Smith employees were supplied with social media graphics, webpage link, and the email campaign.

 

Almost 5,000 people viewed the Virtual Open House page with more than 200 individual clicks on listings during the event. The video continues to get reach and views on the Smith Facebook page.

 

By quickly adapting to a virtual mode of operation, the navigational tools and Virtual Open House events allow potential Tampa Bay homeowners to step into lush interiors, view amenities and enhances their knowledge of the home’s neighborhood all while taking precautions in our post-pandemic environment.

 

 

 

 

 

1570 Alexander Road, Belleair, FL 33756

 

For sale, the Victorian mansion named Shady Oaks is one of the oldest yet best-preserved examples of Victorian architecture in Florida and is still standing in pristine condition as it has for over a century. The historical marvel is steeped in history dating back to one of its owners, Morton Plant, son of the renowned Henry B. Plant, railroad magnate, and developer of the Belleview Biltmore Hotel. Perhaps the most enduring part of Plant’s legacy can be found in Clearwater, Florida. Plant is responsible for the creation of the Morton Plant Hospital, designated as one of Reuters’ Top 100 Hospitals in the United States.  

Located at 1570 Alexander Road, Belleair, FL 33756, the 4 bedroom home is listed at $649,900. Its current owner was careful to preserve its elegant historical features while modernizing the home to meet today’s needs. Situated on a double lot, Shady Oaks has gorgeous moldings, millwork, stained glass windows, and other unique features that true Victorian homes posses. 

“Shady Oaks is one of the original homes on Bellair Beach and has been preserved and modernized with the utmost attention to detail and care. With over 3,776 square feet of space and a large lot, this Belleair home is a rare gem that holds a story of Florida’s history and growth,” says the listing agent for the home, Tricia Smedley, Smith & Associates Real Estate.

With its close proximity to Clearwater’s white-sand beaches and within steps of the well known Belleair Country Club, this home’s prime location and history make it an impressive new listing. 

For more information on this home, please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor Living Spaces

For homeowners in high-rise condo towers, private terraces and open-air balconies have always been coveted spaces to escape the frenetic pace of life and bask in the fresh air. They are an extension of the home’s interior, expanding the living space and infusing a home with a connection to the outdoors. Following the global pandemic, open-air terraces are emerging as one of the most meaningful rooms in a home as people re-evaluate how to find joy while spending more time at home. 

 

The developers of Tampa Bay luxury condo towers are ahead of this trend and have been designing with a keen understanding of a home’s therapeutic value and the importance of activating outdoor private space. These new construction condos offer more expansive terraces and balcony depths that are rarely found in the older condominium homes. Some even have multiple outdoor decks to enjoy morning coffee, al fresco dining, or daybed relaxation.

 

Coming to Bayshore Boulevard, Altura Bayshore prioritizes the view and residents’ desire to connect with the outdoors. Homes are designed with two or three large, open-air terraces (per plan), each with a glass railing to maximize the scenic views of Hillsborough Bay and the city. A typical home has a bedroom balcony and a large terrace that can be accessed from the Owner’s Suite and the Great Room while Residence 1 on the Fourth Floor of the luxury high-rise brings an additional 2,059 square feet of exterior living space to the home. This additional outdoor space can offer the freedom to sit around the firepit with your close friends, to chill in your spa, cook al fresco in your outdoor kitchen, or plant a garden of herb, vegetables, and potted citrus trees. 

 

Rendering of Saltaire St. Petersburg

 

Saltaire St. Petersburg also stands out for winning-outdoor design with dramatic walls of glass and over-sized terraces showcasing sweeping city and bay views. The Royal South Penthouse has three open-air terraces and offers an additional 1,728 square feet of exterior space to enjoy. Bay breezes and cotton-candy sunsets are part of the nightly wind-down.

 

Rendering of Hyde Park House Terrace

 

The balconies at Hyde Park House far exceed the standard depth of balconies in the past. Take in the Bay views, watching dolphins and birds hunt in the shallow Bay waters and observe from afar the activity along the Bayshore Boulevard trail. The expansive decks match the contemporary artistic flair of the residences’ interior aesthetic.

 

West Hollywood EDITION

 

The outdoor space is transformed to a private oasis at the Residences at the Tampa EDITION. Each home has a completely wrap-around terrace covering the entire exterior of the residence. Relax after work on your day bed and watch the sunset as the downtown city lights start to shine. 

 

Amenity Deck and Balconies at The Sanctuary at Bayshore

 

Humans are hard-wired for nature and need breaks from our screen saturated lifestyles. The Sanctuary at Bayshore Boulevard provides 48’ of continuous, unobstructed views of Bayshore Boulevard and the bay. A 225 square foot terrace is accessible from the great room and another 170 square foot terrace spills off of the Owner’s Suite, both with a frameless glass design.

 

Clear views of nature and access to the outdoors play a role in mental health and quality of life. By expanding the exterior, these Tampa Bay luxury high-rises offer what many towers in Northern cities are missing- the freedom to safely enjoy the fresh air and outdoor access without anxiety.

For additional information on outdoor living spaces and Tampa Bay’s New Construction Condo Towers visit: smithandassociates.com/developer-services

 

 

 

After spending months sequestered in our homes, it may be apparent that your home’s interior is due for an update. One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to refresh the feel of your space is through paint. A kitchen can be instantaneously brighter, a bedroom cozier, and a living space more modern with the right shade of paint. We went to area paint expert, Walker Tanner, owner of Tanner Paint Company, to find out what is the hottest palette of colors for homes in Tampa Bay.

 

 

Get re-inspired to love the home you live in or get it move-in ready for someone else to enjoy by putting a weekend of sweat equity into your paint colors project!

Tanner Paint is located at 4917 N Armenia Ave. Walker Tanner is the President and 4th generation owner of Tanner Paint, Florida’s oldest paint store.

 

 

Looking for additional home improvement projects? Check out these helpful topics:

The 7 Most Profitable Home Improvements You Can Make

How To Install A Home Tennis Court

How To Automate Your Home Inside And Out

Adding A Lighting Control System To Your House

 

 

 

Stay tuned for more details on our next Smith Virtual Open House Event and visit SmithVirtualOH.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A tennis court can be a great addition to any home, especially million-dollar homes in Florida. If you like being active and healthy, a home tennis court can also enhance your property’s value for resale. In Florida, swimming pools in backyards are common, but there are fewer homes with tennis courts, so they’re a luxurious feature.

This article will look at some of the things you need to consider when planning to install a tennis court on your property.

 

 

Tennis Court Basics

First, when planning to build a tennis court on your property, you need to take care of some basics. This includes setting your budget, determining where to build, and researching the laws in your area.

When creating your budget, don’t forget these items: in addition to construction costs, you need to plan for windscreens and backboards, a freestanding rebounder, the tennis net system, possibly a storage shed, seating, and the costs of upkeep. 

Your actual budget will depend on several factors, including the type of work that needs to be done to prepare the court surface. Some excavation will be required to prevent the court from shifting and cracking because of natural movements of the soil layers underneath it. Other variables include the type of surface you select, the quality of the lighting, and extra features mentioned previously.

 

Research Your Local Ordinances and HOA Rules

Your community may have municipal ordinances or your homeowners association (HOA) may have CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) that restrict or prohibit the construction of a tennis court on your property. There also may be a restriction as to the type of court surface. In addition, your HOA may dictate fencing (maximum height) and lighting (hours of use). A big issue for many Florida property owners is the set-back, or how close to the property line the tennis court may be located. Some communities have a set-back of 20 feet.

Don’t start construction until you have the answers to all of these questions. Consult with a knowledgeable property law attorney to verify what’s required to build. You’ll also most likely need to obtain permits from the city.

 

Plotting the Court’s Location

Assuming you’ve received the proper approvals from the community and HOA, you’ll need to determine precisely where your property boundaries are, so that you can comply with any set-back restrictions. You may need to hire a surveyor for this. One best practice is to try to have your court oriented to run north and south—that way neither player will have the sun in their eyes. You’ll also need to allow for some space around your court. The average annual rainfall in Florida is 54 inches across the state, with more precipitation in the summer. Consider drainage, so that you won’t have to walk across a marsh to access the court or wait for the surface to dry to play a match.

 

Selecting the Court Surface Material

The surface of your court is an important decision. A significant factor in your choice may maintenance, as this cost, along with installation, can vary substantially. Provided there are no restrictions on the type of surface you can install in your neighborhood, know that grass courts are usually the most expensive, followed by clay courts, then cushioned surfaces. In fact, a grass court can cost ten times more than a clay court to install, with a cushioned surface running much less. And the maintenance for a grass or clay court might cost several thousand dollars year. 

 

Choosing Fencing and Lighting

You don’t want to spend the majority of your court time chasing down balls, so you’ll need a fence. This should be one of the last steps because your construction crew will need access with their equipment. A standard chain-link fence is preferred for enclosing a tennis court because they make the installation of windscreens much easier. (Windscreens can provide shade and privacy—and they keep balls from getting stuck in the fence.) The installation of backboards let you practice by yourself by providing a hard surface that returns balls. With the proper approvals, tennis court lighting should be installed at even intervals on both sides of the court area.

 

Takeaway

Installing a tennis court can be a great feature for your property. With some preparation and planning, you’ll be able to enjoy family matches and entertain guests, while improving your home’s value. 

Consult with knowledgeable professionals, such as an attorney, surveyor, architect, and tennis court contractor to make certain that your court is installed correctly.

 

 

 

 

Buyers begin closing transactions and moving in. Only two unsold residences remain.

 

 

TAMPA, Fla. (May 27, 2020) – With brisk work over the last year, construction is complete on the 24-story Virage luxury condominium tower and initial buyers are starting to take possession of and move into their residences. Developers and partners of the project are celebrating the milestone as 69 of 71 total residences were pre-sold, representing more than $120 million in real estate overlooking Bayshore.  Closings began May 15 and will continue over the next few months.

“We are so proud of the construction team for staying the course in this challenging environment.  They have delivered an extraordinary tower on Bayshore Boulevard,” Jay Tallman, Principal of Ascentia Development Group, which built Virage in partnership with Batson-Cook Development Company, (BCDC). “Watching the first few residents move in is an especially gratifying moment for us. We knew we were fortunate to have a wonderful site with such potential, and we are so happy our residents can begin moving in and making it their home.”

 

 

Virage has set a new level of luxury living along Bayshore, with prices ranging from $1 million to $5 million and most residences ranging in size from 2,400 square feet to 3,400 square feet. Every residence has a private elevator entrance, 10-foot ceilings, and access to resort-style amenities such as an infinity-edge pool overlooking Bayshore, a state-of-the-art wellness center, pet grooming facilities, and 24-hour staffed reception. 

Among the extraordinary features, the top two floors each have a single penthouse residence, with 6,700 square feet of space and 360-degree views of Hillsborough Bay, South Tampa, and Downtown Tampa.

 

 

Development of Virage began in Spring of 2016 and kicked off with robust demand, as no new tower had been built along Bayshore in more than 10 years. More than half of the building was reserved before formal sales began. The tower broke ground in November 2017 and ‘topped out’ in May last year.

“Bayshore Boulevard has long been a premiere address of Tampa Bay, and we are deeply honored to have helped add this beautiful building to Tampa’s skyline,” said Litt Glover, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCDC. 

 

 

Smith & Associates Real Estate has been the exclusive listing broker. Virage was designed by local architect Curts Gaines Hall Jones, a firm well known for its inspiring residences, all of which in Virage are oriented to maximize views of Downtown Tampa and the bay. United Landmark Associates of Tampa led traditional and digital marketing and advertising for Virage.

“The timing of this residential project couldn’t have been better,” says Bob Glaser, President and CEO, Smith & Associates Real Estate.  “People were eager for homes of this caliber in South Tampa and the trophy location on Bayshore Boulevard has made the Virage one of the most exciting places to own a home. As we’ve all learned, being able to enjoy a beautiful walk and the amenities where you live is priceless.”

 

About Ascentia Development Group

Based in Sarasota, Ascentia Development Group (ADG) has created some of Florida’s most stunning luxury developments, brought to fruition by vision, integrity, and passion. In addition to Virage, ADG’s projects include “Beau Ciel” in Sarasota, “Orchid Beach Club” on Lido Key, and “En Provence” and “Aria” on Longboat Key.

 

About Batson-Cook Development Company 

Founded in 1963, Batson-Cook Development Company (BCDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kajima USA. It is a fully integrated real estate organization providing development and capital solutions, primarily through partnerships on commercial real estate projects in the Southeastern United States. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, BCDC offers a wide variety of real estate services ranging from development and construction to equity and credit enhancements to brokerage and property management.

 

 

 

 

We all know that making improvements to your home can increase its value and add to its price at resale. However, knowing which types of improvements get the best return is important. This article will discuss the seven home improvements that will get you the most bang for your buck.

 

1. The Kitchen Remodel. When selling your home, the kitchen is a critical room. This is the best place to put your home improvement budget. An outdated kitchen with 15-year-old appliances could be a non-starter for many prospective buyers. HGTV says that you can anticipate recouping anywhere from 60% to 120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel. But the remodel should be within limits because you don’t want your kitchen to be head and shoulders above the rest of the house or the neighborhood. Your renovation projects should enhance your home—not price it out of the local market. A kitchen remodel should consider replacing old appliances with new, more energy-efficient models, refacing or replacing cabinets, installing new countertops, updating the hardware, installing a new sink and faucet, as well as updating the flooring and repainting.

 

2. The Bathroom Situation. Second only to the kitchen is the bathroom situation. And it’s a situation if your three- or four-bedroom home has only one loo. You can recoup the majority of your investment by adding a second bathroom. HGTV estimates that you can recoup 80%-130% of whatever you spend adding a bathroom… and if you have the space, a full or three-quarter bath is preferable. If you’re updating an existing bath, focus on a new sink, toilet, and fixtures. You should also consider updating the lighting and tile. One more improvement you can make to your bathrooms is reconfiguring your standard bathroom into an accessible one with wider doorways for wheelchairs, adding a walk-in shower, lowering light switches, and installing support bars.

 

3. Garage Door Replacement. A spanking new garage door can really make a statement and increase your home’s curb appeal. Research shows that recoupment is near 100% nationwide, and Remodeling Magazine says that a garage door replacement in the Tampa area is 95.1%,—making it a great project.

 

4. Siding and Window Replacements. Siding and windows that are old or damaged can have a dramatic negative impact on your home’s curb appeal and a potential buyer’s first impression. And as far as new windows, buyers are looking for homes with high energy efficiency ratings. Plus, because of our weather, windows in Florida must be impact-resistant.

 

5. Deck Addition. HGTV says that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck. That’s good news because this is another home improvement that can be enjoyed year-round in Florida. Locally, you’ll recoup about 78% of your investment in a wood deck.

 

6. Repurposing a Room. Another valuable home improvement is to “reinvent” an existing space in your home. This might look like making a bedroom out of unused attic space or adding a small apartment in or over your garage—which may appeal to a larger family looking at buying your home.

 

7. Adding Energy-Efficient Insulation. In Florida, we know that climate control is a must. You can cut those costs by installing energy-efficient insulation that keeps you from heating or cooling the outdoors. Fiberglass, cellulose, and rigid foam board are frequently used, with blown cellulose and loose-fill fiberglass being the preferred methods in Florida.

 

Takeaway
Sprucing up your home for resale—or to enjoy before you put your home on the market—is a great idea. Use these tips and consider the areas of your home that a home improvement project will bring you the greatest return on your investment (ROI).

And just in case you’re wondering, renovating your backyard patio is seen as one of the least valuable home improvement projects, with a return of just over 50%.

Consult with a knowledgeable realtor in your community to learn what improvements will be of the greatest value and the highest return for your home. A realtor will analyze your market and see what has the greatest potential to make your property stand out.

Contact a Smith & Associates Real Estate Realtor, here.