"Rents on the rise"

Interesting article detailing what we've all been talking about for some time. All those conversions are taking a toll on the availability and affordability of rental properties.

Armory Finalists

After months/years of speculation about the future of the Armory, we're a step closer to determining what will be developed at this historic site....

http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/r-article-a-46567-m-61-sc-101-development_team_for_armory_includes_debartolo_tampa_digital-i

Hedging your home purchase

In an effort to nudge potential buyers from commiting to purchase a new home, homebuilders Lennar and US Home are offering "Guaranteed Pricing" Basically, if you buy a new home today and the price drops they'll honor the lower price...if the price goes up your price stays the same.

The Lennar rep puts it this way "If you bought a house today for $260,000, and in August we dropped the price on that house to $240,000, you'd get the $240,000," he said.

Please note there have been some concern as to Lennars building practices: http://www.defectivehomes.info/

Clarion sees resistance

Many Beach Park neighbors are lobbying the city to reconsider allowing a condo to be built because of traffic concerns. Once approved the hotel would be demolished to make way for 250 unit 10 story tower. The original plan was to build 168 condo units plus 160 hotel rooms. The site of this condo is just down the street from the Watermark business complex that was recently purchased by a developer and rumor has it will be transformed into waterfront condos. Tampa City Coucil will vote on the rezoning Thur June 8th - standing room only!

Riverwalk builds momentum

Fundraising for the river to a step back last week after $3mil proposed state funds were vetoed but Friends for the Riverwalk have stepped up their game and are set to unveil a "major donor program". They have collected 1.5mil since March towards the 2.4 mile walkway.