Home Inspections are VERY Important - Here's a Story Why

Home Inspections are Very important when buying a

home. Your home inspector will snoop around and look inside cabinets, under sinks and behind the commode which is something you don't normally do when you look at the home.  Your home inspector will give you an in depth report of what they find and when it comes to plumbing issues the report can save your thousands.

Here is a plumbing issue that we discovered in our home yesterday. If we had sold our home last week, no one may have seen this until it was too late.  Our home is made of block with stucco over it.  When i bought the home, i hated the tile floors (Ugly, Ugly Floors) so i had 3 different tile professionals come in and we bonded new tile right over the old.  Happy Camper for  years. Yesterday I noticed water in the track of the glass sliding door. We were perplexed, so we removed the track and there we saw it.  Water was leaking out of the floor between the two layers of tile worried it was a leaking pipe in our foundation we started to pop up the tile. Then we started checking all the plumbing and when we popped our heads under the kitchen sink we heard a Hissing sound.  We broke a hole through the block and sure enough we had a leaking elbow inside the block.  The leak ran down inside the block to the foundation and when it had no where else to go, the water ran between the two tile floors (eating the mastic) and found it's way out the back sliding glass door clear across the house.  We suspect the leak has been going on for a while and we had no idea until it found it's way out the sliding glass door. 

We were lucky to be able to fix the leak last night with about

$15 worth of parts from Home Depot. Now we are left pulling off baseboards and checking the drywall and studs for mold and then of course, we have to replace the tile floors throughout the entire main living area.  That little leaking elbow joint that cost $15 to repair has caused about $5,000 in collateral damage. 

Had a home inspector been inspecting our home for a

buyer, he would have heard the hissing of the leak as he checked under the kitchen sink and the home buyer would have the option to not buy the home or ask that it be repaired prior to closing.  If you or anyone you know is interested in Selling or Buying a home in New Port Richey or Trinity Florida, Contact me for a no obligation consultation to discuss your real estate goals.
written by Michael J Gallo, Realtor

New Port Richey Florida Waterfront Real Estate

New Port Richey Florida is a city located on the Gulf

Coast of Florida in Pasco County.  New Port Richey is known as "The Little City by The River" being that the Pithlachascotee River runs through downtown and connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Residents of New Port Richey enjoy waterfront living on the Pithlachascotee River, Gulfside communities with canals and homes located directly on the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether you are looking to own a Single Family Home, Townhome, Villa or Condominium, New Port Richey Florida has the home style to fit you and your family's needs.  New Port Richey offers a number of exceptional golf courses, county parks and nature preserves, bike trials and many more activities for you and your family to enjoy.  Waterside

dining is a community staple in New Port Richey. Whether you enjoy casual waterside dining with live music or a fun family dining location or amazing seafood in a more formal atmosphere on the water, New Port Richey is the place to be.

New Port Richey real estate varies in size and location from quaint homes located close to downtown to larger homes in private gated communities to sprawling homes on multiple acres of land.  I am your local real estate expert in New Port Richey Florida.  You need a real estate professional with the local knowledge and business experience I have.  Contact me to discuss your real estate needs and goals.  I am here to help you navigate our real estate market and help you reach your goals.

Magnolia Estates - Perrine Ranch Rd. Trinity Florida

The community of Magnolia Estates is a gated community of

fine homes located along Perrine Ranch Road in Trinity Florida.  This stellar community was built between 2003 and 2006 on what was once the Perrine Dairy Ranch owned by Lester Perrine and the namesake of Perrine Ranch Rd.  Magnolia Estates consists of 190 single family homes ranging in size and style from approximately 2200 square feet and up a minimum of 3 car garages.  The homes of Magnolia Estates are beautifully appointed homes with beautiful exteriors and landscaping.  

The streets of Magnolia Estates are private and maintained by the community.  The speed limit in Magnolia Estates is 20 miles per hour and the speed limit is enforced by the Pasco County Sheriffs department.  The community offers residents use of the boat dock that is along the Anclote River which feeds the community lakes.  There is an annual fee to obtain the key to the boat dock from the homeowners association.  What a great way to enjoy your weekend with a canoe or kayak along the Anclote River. You can search homes for sale in Magnolia Estates here. 

Your children will love living in Magnolia Estates because of

it's park like setting and community lakes.  The gated, private roads are every child's dream for playing or riding bikes without the worry of excessive traffic.  Magnolia Gardens schools are Seven Springs Elementary, Seven Springs Middle School and Mitchell High School ( Go Mustangs!)  I am your local real estate expert in Trinity and New Port Richey and my goal is to assist you and your family reach your real estate goals.

Contact me to schedule your in home consultation to discuss your real estate needs and have all of your real estate questions answered.  

written by Michael J Gallo

Things to Do in New Port Richey Florida - Penguin Prtezels

Whether you live in New Port Richey or Trinity Florida or if

you are just visiting, one thing to do is visit Penguin Pretzel Factory on Old County Rd 54 in New Port Richey.  You have never had pretzels like these and you may never find them anywhere else.  Penguin Pretzels is a family owned and operated business that sells amazing handmade pretzels that range from traditional salted twists to delicious stuffed pretzels with a gourmet flair.

Saturday April 26th is National Pretzel Day and in celebration of this day, Penguin Pretzels is giving everyone who visits the shoppe a free pretzel.  If you have not tried Penguin Pretzels yet, Saturday would be a great day to enjoy your first Penguin Pretzel.  Penguin Pretzel Factory also offers a full mustard bar with mustards from all over the world for you to enjoy on your pretzel. 

Penguin Pretzel Factory's stuffed pretzels are a must try. You

SERIOUSLY GOOD FOOD!

can enjoy a pretzel stuffed with bbq pulled pork or many other varieties. You will have to pop by Penguin Pretzel Factory on CR54 in New Port Richey to see all of the stuffed pretzels they have to offer.  This place is Amazing. Go Today.

I am your local real estate expert in New Port Richey and Trinity Florida and I know Pretzels. Contact Me to discuss your real estate goals and how I can help you and your family

written by Michael J. Gallo

Recycling in Pasco County Florida

Recycling your family's used plastic containers, aluminum

cans, newspapers and so on is very important to our environment. Reducing your carbon footprint is important for our childrens future and our childrens, childrens future.  A large part of being "Green" and recycling is to reuse and re purpose the items we buy instead of throwing them out where they end up in a landfill. 

Pasco County Florida has 6 Recycling Centers available
New Port Richey Area Recycling                                                                     

(Accross from the Public Works Complex)
6420 Pine Hill Rd, New Port Richey

Port Richey Area Recycling 
(rear of the Tampa Bay Times Building)
11321 US 19, Bayonet Point

West Pasco Recycling Center
14230 Hays Rd., Spring Hill

East Pasco Recycling Center                                                                             

9626 Handcart Rd., Dade City

Holiday Area Recycling
Anclote Gulf Park
2305 Bailles Bluff Rd., Holiday

Land O' Lakes Area Recycling
Senior Services Center
6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O' Lakes
You can call any of these 6 Pasco County recycling locations for their hours of operation and guidelines for dropping off your recyclable materials. One Awesome way to recycle products is to get your kids involved and together you can create crafts with your kids from recycled materials. 

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written by Michael J. Gallo

FIVE TIPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME IN TRINITY FLORIDA

Selling your home in Trinity Florida requires the assistance

of a highly trained and experienced real estate professional like myself.  You have made the decision to sell your largest asset and you want to do what is best for your family.

Here are Five Tips to Selling Your Home in Trinity:
1 - Interview 3 real estate professionals for the job of selling your home in Trinity Florida.  Your goal is to find an agent who you feel comfortable with and who has the experience and knowledge you need.

2 - Maintenance and Curb Appeal is Important. Have your home pressure washed to clean your tile roof and pool deck. Be sure to have your flower beds free of weeds and at your agents advice, you may want to add some color to your landscaping. Your potential buyer will start to evaluate your home from the street so having great curb appeal is important.

3 - De-Clutter your home and put away many of your

personal items. Home buyers want to see clear counter tops and table tops. The less items on your kitchen counter, the larger your kitchen will feel to your potential buyers

4 - Prepare your home for showings as if you have a guest coming to visit. Play soft music on your stereo system, turn on all the lights and lower your air conditioner so your home is cool and comfortable. You want your potential buyers to feel "at home" when they tour your home.

5 - Marketing Materials in your home is important and makes a great impression on your potential buyers. I provide you with a professional folder to display in your home. Inside the folder I will provide you with a full color flyer of your home and it's features which is attached to your "Sellers Disclosure" for your potential buyers to take with them. Your Sellers Disclosure is your way of communicating with the buyers anything you know about your home like the age of the roof, age of A/C etc... This will show your potential buyers that you are confident in the quality and condition of your home and may help the buyers make their decision to write an offer on your home over your competition. 

If you are ready to sell your home in Trinity or New Port Richey Florida, Contact Me to schedule your confidential real estate consultation.

written by Michael J. Gallo

Florida Luxury Realty Education - Social Media 101

Florida Luxury Realty Education Presents

Social Media Marketing 101

Class and Mastermind Session

Thursday April 17, 2014

9:30a.m.

2144 Seven Springs Blvd.

Trinity, FL. 34655

Instructed by Michael J. Gallo

Learn how to effectively use social media websites to increase your business visibility

Understand Broker Compliance and Liability

Discussion will Include what to share and what to avoid sharing

Open to all Real Estate Professionals

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The Estates of Beacon Woods Homes & Golf Course

The Estates of Beacon Woods is a beautiful golfing

community of homes located in Hudson, Florida.  If you are looking for a golfing community of fine homes in the Hudson Florida area, The Estates is one community you should take a look at.  The Estates of Beacon Woods is conveniently located to shopping and dining as well as local beaches and county parks.

Selling or buying a home in The Estate of Beacon Woods is easy when you hire an experienced and knowledgeable Realtor® like myself.  You want a real estate professional who not only knows the community, but knows how to effectively negotiate on your behalf.  The Estate of Beacon Woods is a highly desirable community in the Hudson area with a stellar golf course and well maintained homes this community is one of my top picks for home buyers in Hudson Florida.

The Estates in Beacon Woods offers varied home styles and

sizes.  You can find Homes For Sale in The Estates of Beacon Woods here.  Just minutes from Hudson Beach and Marina makes this beautiful community a perfect choice for people who want to live the Florida Lifestyle.  Whether you are a golfing enthusiast or not, you will love the community of The Estates and all that the community and location offer.

If you or anyone you know is interested in Selling or Buying a home in The Estate or any community in Hudson Florida, contact me today. 

How do you know if your Realtor® is right for you?

Hiring a Realtor® to sell your home can seem like a daunting task.  With the information available to all of us on the Internet, you can easily find a list of Realtors® in your area by visiting Realtor.com. Here you can search licensed agents in your area, view their profiles, communities they serve and contact information.  I would recommend you hire a Realtor® for all of your real estate needs and the easiest way to be sure that your real estate agent is a Realtor®, is to find them on Realtor.com.  

A few ways you can check if your Realtor® is right for you:

- Did they answer their phone or call you back in a timely fashion?
- Did they listen to your needs and ask questions to find out your goals and requirements?
- Were they interested in your home and ask questions about any upgrades, repairs or improvements you have made?
- Did they have accurate information in their market analysis? 

Having accurate information in your market analysis is very important.  If your agent has included homes in their report that you know are outside of your community, they may not be the right person for the job.  When you interview agents to sell your home ask if they brought examples of their marketing of other homes so you can see their work.  The number one thing to keep in mind when interviewing Realtors for the job of selling your home is their marketing and negotiation skills. If they cannot provide marketing examples or if they do not market themselves well, maybe you want to consider someone else.  I suggest you interview 3 local real estate professionals for the job and choose the one you feel will do the best job for you.

If you or someone you know is interested in Selling or Buying a home in Trinity Florida or New Port Richey Florida, you can contact me here.

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SummerTree Community in New Port Richey, Florida

The community of SummerTree is a highly desirable gated

neighborhood in New Port Richey Florida.  Residences in SummerTree vary from villas, single family homes and condominiums.  Entering the gates at SummerTree you are welcomed by beautiful landscaping of rolling green grass and manicured hedges.  The drive into SummerTree along Paradise Point Way meanders through the community of well maintained homes and grounds.  

The SummerTree Golf Club is a well maintained 9 hole golf course that is open to the public.  Residences located along the golf course have beautiful views of tree lined rolling greens and blue Florida skies.  Home owners in SummerTree are provided many amenities by the community which include tennis courts, a heated pool and spa, billiard room, fitness gym with men's and ladies locker rooms with beautifully tiled enclosed showers and personal lockers.

Living in SummerTree, you are truly living the Florida

lifestyle in a beautiful setting of professionally maintained grounds and clubhouse.  You may contact me here to discuss your real estate needs and have all of your questions about SummerTree answered.  

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Cross Creek in SummerTree New Port Richey Florida, 34654

Cross Creek in SummerTree is a gated, golfing community located in New Port Richey Florida at the intersection of Paradise Pointe Way and state road 52.  Cross Creek is a subdivision of single family homes inside the SummerTree subdivision which offers larger quality residences of 3+ bedroom homes of newer construction.  New home sites are still available in SummerTree for you to build your dream retirement home.

The SummerTree community offers residents a public 

golf course of stellar greens and friendly service,  heated pool and spa, community clubhouse, billiard room, fitness gym, tennis courts and more.  Your lawn maintenance, private roads, trash removal, and partial irrigation is maintained by the SummerTree community and is included in your moderate maintenance fees.  I have assisted home sellers and home buyers in the SummerTree community for years to reach their real estate goals.

Selling your home in SummerTree requires hiring a Realtor who understands the community and has the experience and local neighborhood knowledge to effectively represent you in selling your home.  You can depend on my diligence and marketing experience to get your home sold in your time frame and for the most money possible. The Gulf Home Sales team as created by me, provides you with the highest level of service as well as high quality marketing and advertising of your home.  

You may contact me here to schedule your confidential, no

obligation real estate consultation to discuss your needs and have all of your questions answered.  The Gulf Home Sales team is here to provide you with the highest level of real estate services possible.

SummerTree and Cross Creek at SummerTree is reserved for those age 55 years and older.