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Be Ready to Buy in Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market

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Anyone thinking about buying a home these days knows it’s a very robust and competitive real estate market. In Tampa Bay, single-family home sales in particular are booming as people from all over the United States move to Pasco County to pursue their dream home in a less-crowded region that boasts great weather and healthier lifestyles.

Many new homebuyers are selecting ICI Homes as their builder because they are able to customize their home and have it ready in as little as eight months — the same length it takes most national production builders to complete a home.

Here are some tips from ICI Homes to help streamline home-buying goals, especially amid so much competition from other hopeful buyers.

Build rather than buy
This is the best way to get the new custom Florida home. If you’ve begun researching existing homes for sale, you probably know it’s a seller’s market, which means there are more buyers than there is home inventory.

Don’t get trapped in bidding wars! Instead, buy a homesite and build the customized floor plan that’s right for your household, and avoid the uncertainty and hassles that come with a seller’s market.

Of course, there will be a wait while your home is being built. But that gives you more time to sell your current home, de-clutter all that stuff you’ve been putting off, and prepare and plan for the move to your new home.

Building a new home gives you control — you can choose the community, homesite and floor plan best for you, rather than settling for someone else’s tastes. Plus, every prospective ICI Homes customer can take advantage of a complimentary customization consultation with a talented floor plan designer.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Before you do anything else, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Unless you’re a cash buyer, this is where you should always begin.

Being pre-approved determines what priced home you can afford, so you don’t waste time with homes that aren’t a match. When you find an inventory home or homesite that’s perfect, you’ll be all set with your pre-approval to make an offer, before a cash buyer swoops in with an instant sale.

Do your research
Once you’re pre-approved, decide which community is best for your family. In Pasco County, ICI Homes has homes in three master-planned communities: Asturia in Odessa, Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel, and Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City. There are inventory homes and beautiful lots available in all three communities.

Start your search on the ICI Homes website, which is stocked with 3D virtual tours, photo galleries, interactive floor plans and much more. Online sales staff can answer your questions, get you the information you need and connect you with an ICI Homes community sales associates.

Much like a mortgage pre-approval, know what floor plan you want, the community you prefer, your purchase budget, and key information about the surrounding area. And then, there will be have much less hemming, hawing and debating when it’s time to move forward with a contract.

Don’t be afraid to make quick decisions
In today’s market, the home or homesite you were touring today might not be there tomorrow. You may have to decide quickly to go into contract once you find the perfect inventory home or homesite. But, if you’re prepared, it makes the decision that much easier.

Homes are selling quickly, so you should be prepared to make a quick decision when you find a move-in ready home. Fortunately, ICI Homes has inventory homes available, and is building more homes daily. So even though it is a seller’s market, your odds of finding a new home you love are much higher than finding a resale you love! And, you get the peace of mind of having a quality-built, brand new home.

Model homes in Asturia and Persimmon Park are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. All COVID-19 safety restrictions are in place. The Asturia model is at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and the Persimmon Park model is at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

Call 813-252-1108, or go to ICIHomes.com, to schedule a VIP appointment for a new homesite in the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City. The sales center there at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., in Dade City, and its model home will open this summer.

Published April 28, 2021

Keep Your Family Cool and Safe With A New A/C and Generator

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Florida’s hot and humid summer will soon be here, along with the threat of power outages due to thunderstorms and hurricanes. It is smart to be prepared before the heat and storms, and May is a great time to look at updating or replacing you’re A/C system, and installing a generator.

The outdoor unit of the Daikin Fit is half the size of a traditional condenser, which allows for more space for outdoor living.

“The only thing worse than having you’re A/C go out on the hottest day of the year, is it going out during a hurricane, and not coming back on when your power is restored,” said Dana Spears, president and owner of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

Many families decide to upgrade their A/C system, either because their existing unit is unreliable and costs too much to maintain, or it is so inefficient that it uses an increasing amount of energy that results in hundreds of dollars in utility bills.

A new A/C system that Cornerstone Pros offers exclusively in this area is the Daikin Fit series, which features exceptionally cool comfort, a small footprint and high energy efficiency ratings.

“The Daikin Fit has many advantages that families value,” said Spears. “Here are the top three that our customers rave about.”

  1. Half The Size — The outdoor unit is half the size of a traditional condenser, which makes it perfect for pool and patio areas. It is also great for homes with narrow lot lines.
  2. Exceptionally Quiet — It’s so quiet that it can be installed outside a bedroom window and not be heard inside, which means you don’t hear a compressor kicking on and off during the night.
  3. Energy Efficient — It has an energy efficiency rating of 16 SEER that lowers your power bill, because it takes less energy to cool your home.

The Daikin Fit series also has Wi-Fi connectivity and thermostat controls that are accessible from a phone, pad and laptop. Plus, Cornerstone offers great financing terms and rebates, and works with local utility companies to qualify customers for additional rebates. Finally, the Daikin Fit has one of the best warranties in the industry, with a 12-year parts and labor warranty included in the price of the unit.

Home Generators
Many families purchase a home generator to keep their family comfortable and safe when the power goes out.

“Families of all sizes and incomes are installing home generators, especially if a family member has medical issues that require treatments needing power,” said Miguel Silva, plumbing manager for Cornerstone Pros.

Cornerstone installs Generac generators, the country’s largest and most advanced manufacturer of backup generators that run on natural gas or liquid propane, and automatically activate when there is a power outage.

Generac generators automatically activate when there is a power outage.

“Choosing the right size generator for your home is just as important as the quality of the generator. Our technicians do a full load calculation on every home we quote, and specify a generator that best meets a family’s needs and budget,” said Silva.

Cornerstone Pros offers permanent and portable generators, and has low-interest financing available to make monthly payments affordable.

“We want to encourage everyone who wants to protect their family’s health, comfort and safety to give us call,” said Silva. “We do everything possible to make a generator fit their budget.”

Today’s generators are compact, quiet and able to power some or all of a home’s electrical appliances. A generator prevents almost all of the problems associated with power loss, including spoiled food, extreme temperatures, sickening mold, and no running water if a home is on a well.

The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed backup generators because they are a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator. Plus, a portable generator can be dangerous if not properly installed.

“A new transfer switch is usually needed for a portable generator, so a home’s electrical panel is not blown up when the utility turns the power back on,” said Silva.

“Generators provide protection 24/7, whether you’re home or away, and turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage,” said Silva.

Cornerstone Pros offers 24-hour heating and cooling assistance. Its phones are answered 24/7, and technicians are available weekends and holidays. Call 813-990-0561 anytime, day or night.

Published April 28, 2021

Jazz Under the Starz New Arts Series at Avalon Park

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Supporting the arts and providing a venue for local artists have always been core goals of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, a master-planned community located east of I-75 on State Road 54. The latest addition to this vision is Jazz Under the Starz, which recently hosted its first concert at Avalon Park’s community center.

Arlene Brooks, a resident of San Antonio, is the founder of Jazz Under the Starz.

“There is something about music that soothes the soul and brings people together,” says Arlene Brooks, organizer of Jazz Under the Starz and owner of Coffee Speaks N Tea Talks in New Tampa. “Music doesn’t have a color to it — it brings people together and makes your soul feel good. Music is my inspiration, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than watching people come together to share in this joy.”

Brooks began inviting professional jazz musicians to perform at her coffee shop after it opened in November 2019. Just a few months later, COVID closed the business, and when it reopened last summer, Brooks moved the musicians to the parking lot outside her Pebble Creek location and renamed it Jazz Under the Starz.

“Because of social distancing, we could not bring back live music inside the coffee shop, so we moved it outside. People liked this so much that our weekend shows were attracting 300 to 400 people, and the crowd became too large to continue in our parking lot,” explains Brooks.

Leroy Brim played jazz guitar at the April Jazz Under the Starz.

It was this challenge that brought Brooks and Stephanie Lerret of Avalon Park together. Both are members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber President Hope Kennedy brought them together to see if they could help each other out.

“When Stephanie suggested we move Jazz Under the Starz to Avalon Park, it was the perfect solution for today and the future,” explains Brooks. “I learned that Avalon Park is building an amphitheater in its new downtown, and Stephanie wanted us to locate there when it opens. And until then, she invited us to play at Avalon Park’s community center.”

It was a beautiful evening on April 24, when the first Jazz Under the Starz was held at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, with John Patti on steel drums, and Leroy Brim and T. Foxx on guitar. Folks brought chairs to relax in under the stars, mingled with neighbors and enjoyed the soothing music.

“The event was great and the atmosphere was awesome. Jazz Under the Starz is spreading like wildfire!” said Brooks.

In addition to musicians, Jazz Under the Starz invites other artists to exhibit and perform, including Shawn Rainey of Wesley Chapel, an abstract painter who painted a canvas during the April 24 event at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jazz Under the Starz will be brought to Avalon Park every third Saturday of the month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Music will feature smooth jazz, including musicians on guitar, sax, clarinet, keyboard, violin and steel drum. Brooks also invites other artists to exhibit and perform alongside the musicians. This includes painters (Shawn Rainey of Wesley Chapel painted during the April event) and dancers, including the Tampa Bay Ballet.

The cover fee to attend Jazz under the Starz is just $10, and children 12 and under are free. The next Jazz Under the Starz is Saturday, May 15.

“We are so excited to bring Jazz Under the Starz to our community,” says Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We love offering things to do for our families, and especially have a passion for sharing the arts. Jazz under the Starz is exactly the type of organization we want to support, and fits perfectly with our goal of enhancing and bringing more attention to arts and culture.”

This fall, Avalon Park is breaking ground on its new downtown, which includes an amphitheater for performing arts, and the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in conjunction with the Pasco Fine Arts Council. The community began its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council in 2019, offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

The first phase will include five buildings and 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

At build out, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. This 1,650-acre master-planned community will be home to 10,000 residents.

For more information about Avalon Park and its events, call 813-783-1515, or email . Information is also available at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, and its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Jazz Under the Starz
Sat., May 15
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Community Center – Avalon Park Wesley Chapel
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
$10 cover charge; children 12 and under free
Reservations at JazzUndertheStarz.com

Published April 28, 2021

Strong Women and Their Accomplishments Are Worth Celebrating

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March is National Women’s History Month. As a female-owned business, this celebration hits home for customers and employees of Cornerstone Pros in Land O’ Lakes.

From the minute Cornerstone was launched 15 years ago, Cornerstone’s owner, Dana Spears, did whatever it took to bring dependable HVAC service to the Tampa Bay area.

But, it wasn’t always an easy task. As a mom who also juggled a part-time job, she had to overcome obstacles and break through barriers to build her company from the ground up to become the successful business she has today.

Dana’s story represents what National Women’s History Month is truly all about. Of course, being a female-owned business isn’t the only thing special about Cornerstone. The company sets the bar high when it comes to home care and comfort, and always gives customers the specialized service they need.

Here’s more about what makes Cornerstone Pros different than others.

Home Service Experts
In need of an HVAC tech, electrician or plumber? Cornerstone offers the full spectrum of home services to turn your home into a true safe haven. Why does this matter to you? Because hiring a home service provider that has multiple services leads to three major benefits.

  1. Convenience: Hiring Cornerstone Pros eliminates the stress and hassle of dealing with multiple companies to address your home service needs. Rather than having to juggle scheduling appointments with different contractors, you’ll enjoy the convenience of working with one company.
  2. A friendly face: Serving the Tampa Bay community for over a decade, you may have either hired us before or know someone who has. This means, rather than hiring a stranger, you’re hiring a familiar face and a company with a proven reputation for dependability.
  3. Quality service and fair prices: Cornerstone also makes service affordable and easier on your budget. Affordability never comes at the expense of quality. From exclusive coupons and discounts, to flexible financing options, it delivers dependable, high-quality craftsmanship that is affordable and easy to pay for, over time.

Licensed, Certified and Affordable
The only way to protect your budget and secure your family’s safety is by hiring a professional company that is certified to handle your HVAC, plumbing and electrical problems. Cornerstone does the screening and training for you, ensuring that every technician who enters your home is licensed and certified in HVAC, plumbing or electrical before they are added to the team. With Cornerstone, you can take comfort in knowing you’ve hired the most qualified person for the job.

And, when it comes to pricing, Cornerstone does things a little differently. Rather than charging by the hour, it charges by the job. This means your initial quote is your final cost—no exceptions. This firm-pricing plan allows its technicians to ignore the clock and focus on delivering the quality work you deserve.

Cornerstone even offers a maintenance plan starting at $9.95 that covers routine maintenance for your AC, plumbing and electrical items, as well as discounts on repairs and service visits.

Above all else, the best part about Cornerstone is that its team cares about your home comfort, budget and safety. Whether you’re in need of emergency plumbing or A/C repair, or you’re considering a tankless hot water heater, call 813-949-4445.

Published March 31, 2021

Absolutely Avalon Celebrates Spring with FREE Family Fun Activities

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Of the many things that sets Avalon Park Wesley Chapel apart from other planned developments is its long history of organizing special events for area residents to enjoy.

In just a few weeks, the community is hosting Absolutely Avalon on Saturday, April 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This fun, safe event has family friendly activities, including local musicians, a rock climbing wall, stilt walkers, inflatable obstacle course and bumper boats, and a laser light show beginning at dusk. Parking is on River Glen Boulevard within the Avalon Park community. No preregistration is needed.

For art lovers, the Pasco Fine Arts Council continues its art exhibit featuring watercolor artist Peter Watrous through April 23, inside the Welcome Center at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. A reception was held last week to meet the artist and showcase his works. Several of Watrous’ works that are still on display can be viewed at PascoArts.org/peter-watrous-gallery, along with the prices.

The Watrous exhibit is one of many shows hosted by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, in conjunction with the Pasco Fine Arts Council.  This arts partnership began in 2019, with Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County. The Avalon Park Group also is planning to build a permanent Arts Center in its new downtown.

Why Families Choose Avalon Park
In addition to its many community events and art shows, families choose to live in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel because it offers so much more than just another subdivision with homes and amenities.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several models from Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plans available from DR Horton. Single-family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

New K-6 Charter School
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But, this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors this fall to more than 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer. The school will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret.

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Absolutely Avalon
Sat., April 17
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
5060 River Glen Blvd.
Wesley Chapel FL 33545

Peter Watrous Exhibition
Through April 23
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F
Free admission
East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery
Avalon Park Welcome Center
33613 State Road 54

For more information about Avalon Park and its events, call 813-783-1515, or email . Information is also available at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, and its Facebook page at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Published March 31, 2021

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

Currently, three resale homes are available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $32,000 to $52,000. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is less than $650, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707or .

Published March 31, 2021

There’s No Planned Community Like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

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When families are looking for a new place to call home, they have several master-planned communities to choose from in Pasco County. But, there’s none quite like Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“We are not just developers— we are building a brand new town,” said Stephanie Lerret, senior vice president of marketing for the Avalon Park Group. “We’re so much more than just another planned community – we’re bringing together everything a family needs to enjoy life today and in the future.”

Artist rendering of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has been welcoming families since 2012, when this community on State Road 54, about three miles east of Interstate 75, began building its first homes. Today, 1,000 homes have been completed or are underway, and residents enjoy unique amenities, neighborhood schools, and a convenient location with easy access to Tampa, Lakeland and Orlando.

Homebuyers can choose from several models from Avex Homes, and will soon have more floor plan available from DR Horton. Single family and townhomes are currently for sale, and apartments and senior housing are planned for future phases. Homes range in price from the mid $200s to over $400s.

“Our builders offer homes for everyone, from teachers to physicians to empty-nesters wanting the convenience of the no-fuss, townhome lifestyle,” said Lerret.

New K-6 Charter School
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But, this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors this fall to over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer. The school will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years.

All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. Technology is an essential component of the new school, and laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

New River Library Reopening Soon
Pasco County Libraries will soon reopen its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when it reopens, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Pasco Fine Arts Council Partnership
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has a unique partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council, including hosting the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in the community’s Welcome Center. This arts partnership began in 2019, with Avalon Park Wesley Chapel offering its Welcome Center as a new gallery for residents on the east side of Pasco County. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

Before COVID restrictions, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. These shows and workshops will resume in March with an exhibit by Peter Watrous. A reception is planned for March 26.

Downtown Avalon Park
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will offer places to shop and work in its downtown hub that will be connected to its residential neighborhoods by tree-lined streets, walkways and bike paths.

“We are building a traditional downtown, with stores located inside of our community on the boulevard road leading to our residences, parks and schools,” said Lerret. “We are creating a town that spreads out from the town center connecting to individual neighborhoods — very much like the footprints of small towns found across America.”

The first phase of downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 130,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial space and apartments built above the storefronts.

“We’re building beautiful, multi-story buildings with commercial space designed for businesses our residents want close to home — restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and entertainment, hair and nail salons, as well as activities like dance, gymnastic and karate studios,” said Lerret.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, at the same time that the expansion of State Road 54 is completed. Eventually, Avalon Park’s downtown will have more than 560,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office space. At build out, this 1,650-acre master-planned community will have about 4,400 single and multi-family homes, and be home to 10,000 residents.

Published February 24, 2021

Tampa Cash Buyers: The Hassle-Free Way To Sell Your Home

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Tampa Cash Buyers specializes in being a master of flexibility. The real estate firm provides an option for sellers who want to avoid repairs, closing costs and other fees associated with a traditional property transaction.

Tampa Cash Buyers purchases homes in “As Is” condition. “You don’t have to worry about making repairs, passing inspections or appraisals,” explains Jeff Nemeth, owner of Tampa Cash Buyers.

“We also provide a great deal of flexibility throughout the process that most traditional transactions cannot provide. We will close whenever the seller is ready to close; we work on the seller’s schedule. The seller also avoids the concern of having to show their home over and over to get it sold,” says Nemeth.

Tampa Cash Buyers also does not require that the homeowner leave an empty house. “If the seller has items they just don’t want anymore, no problem, we will remove those items from the house for them,” says Nemeth.

All offers are made after a walk-through of the home and doing their own market analysis. “It doesn’t make sense to receive an offer from someone who has never seen your property,” says Nemeth.

“And, if you do get an online offer, please read their fine print for repair allowances, closing costs, sales commissions, and service fees, which can vary between 8% to 13%.”

Tampa Cash Buyers never charges sales commissions, service or repair fees and pays all the sellers closing costs. They can provide ‘certainty’ to their transactions and have helped over 500 Florida homeowners sell their home quickly at a fair price, and are eager to help you, too.

Call 813-548-5299, or visit TampaCashBuyers.com.

Homes Exclusive Builder in Latest Phase of Asturia

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If you’re dreaming of building a new home along Pasco County’s in-demand State Road 54 corridor, look no further than the latest phase of Asturia in Odessa.

ICI Homes — one of Florida’s best-known and prestigious builders — is now taking VIP appointments on 22 over-sized homesites in this exclusive community located just minutes from the Suncoast Parkway.

“We are so excited to have these new homesites in Asturia, where we have been building beautiful homes for area families since 2017,” said Greg Jones, Tampa division manager for ICI Homes. “These new homesites are some of the prettiest in all of Asturia, with many backing up to conservation, and all offering privacy and quick access to State Road 54.”

This is the latest phase of construction in Asturia, and ICI Homes is proud to be chosen as the community’s exclusive builder in Phase 4.

“The interest we’ve received on this phase is incredible, and we already have VIP appointments for interested buyers set up through the first week in March,” said Jones.

Asturia is situated on 500 pristine acres in central Pasco on the north side of State Road 54. Setting it apart from other master-planned communities is Asturia’s manageable size of just 550 homes. It is a friendly, walkable development that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with its many trails, walkways, parks and recreational amenities.

“Asturia has a stellar reputation as a fabulous place to live in a great location, and there is a huge demand for these new homesites, all of which are 65-feet wide,” said Jones. “We encourage people to call today to set their VIP appointment and secure the homesite of their dreams before they are sold out.”

The first homes in Phase 4 are expected to be completed by the end of 2021, with prices beginning in the low $400s. After these 22 homes are completed, ICI Homes will closeout in Asturia, which began development in 2016.

Many of ICI Homes will back up to incredible wilderness views of wetlands, cypress trees and rolling ranchland. Wildlife is everywhere, and residents will enjoy connecting community trails perfect for bird-watching, and to see deer, gopher tortoises, racoons and other native animals.

ICI Homes has chosen its most popular one- and two- story floor plans for Asturia, all with family friendly layouts, where cooking, dining, relaxing and entertaining happen cohesively. Homes feature an abundance of windows that bring the outside in.

Floor plans include the Costa Mesa, which also is its model home, currently open now for folks who want to stop by to get more information about Phase 4 from Rich Driver, ICI Home’s dedicated and longtime sales representative in Asturia.

The Costa Mesa is a one-story home that showcases 2,565 square feet of living area, with four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. It is designed for all kinds of families — young professionals just starting out, those with young and school-aged children, and empty-nesters.

“The Costa Mesa’s open floor plan is perfect for entertaining,” said Driver. “Its gathering room, gourmet kitchen and dining room are one expansive space highlighted by lots of windows that capture tons of natural light.”

The model is located at 2112 Secret Cove in Odessa, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m., on Sunday. All COVID-19 safety restrictions are in place, including masks and social distancing. To schedule your VIP appointment, call 813-252-1108, or go to ICIHomes.com.

Lake Jovita and Persimmon Park
ICI Homes also is accepting VIP appointments for new homesites in Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club in Dade City, and continues to build homes in Persimmon Park in Wesley Chapel in the Wiregrass Ranch community. Both communities are tremendously successful, and are attracting families of all kinds because of their unique ICI design features and community amenities.

A new Lake Jovita Sales Center has recently opened at 12330 Lake Jovita Blvd., Dade City, FL 33526. The model center at Persimmon Park is located at 3793 Lajuana Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

Since ICI Homes was established in 1980, the company has built over 4,000 single-family homes in Florida, including the Tampa Bay area, and has earned several prestigious awards for design and innovation.

Published February 24, 2021

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

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Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood in Hudson, which boasts affordable homes, first-class amenities and a five-minute drive to the beach.

Club Wildwood is the largest retirement community in north Pasco County, with close to 500 homes. Living in a large community means there is always someone to share things with, including swimming in the resort-style heated pool, taking your pup to the friendly dog park, enjoying crafts and potluck dinners at the clubhouse, and even fishing in a well-stocked lake. Residents are friendly, and welcome newcomers to the community’s many clubs and activities.

Currently, three resale homes are available in Club Wildwood, very affordably priced from $20,000 to $32,000. Most resale homes in the community have been updated with the latest designs and flooring, and are a tremendous value for a single-family home in terms of cost, amenities and location.

For folks moving from Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel, living at Club Wildwood costs less than renting an apartment. The community’s monthly lot rental fee is under $650, and includes trash, landscaping and full use of all recreation facilities.

Club Wildwood’s location on U.S. 19 gives residents quick access to major roadways, shopping and dining, and area attractions. In addition to its Olympic-size heated pool, amenities include a picnic area, shuffleboard courts, a bocce ball court and horseshoe pits. A spacious clubhouse has recently been remodeled, and boasts a fully equipped kitchen and large meeting room, small library, pool tables, fitness room and card tables.

Regular activities include bingo, karaoke, potluck dinners, coffee hours, dart tournaments, happy hours, pancake breakfasts, line dancing and bridge games. During the social distancing requirements of COVID-19, some of these activities have been suspended, but all will be back when it is safe to gather together again.

Outside of the park, many Club Wildwood residents participate in special interest clubs, including bowling and golf leagues, the Red Hat Society, and volunteering at nearby Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

The 290-bed hospital, which is less than 10 minutes from Club Wildwood, is the only Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center in Pasco County, and its renowned Heart Institute provides comprehensive cardiac care and an open-heart surgery program.

Make Club Wildwood your next home by contacting Community Manager Sean Terris for a private tour at 866-799-6707 or .

Published February 24, 2021