Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Real Estate Services to Home Buyers in New Port Richey Florida - The Gulfside Team


Making the wrong choice in a real estate professional when buying your home in New Port Richey or Port Richey Florida can cost you time, money and the home you want.  You want to work with a highly experienced and knowledgeable Realtor who can assist you to navigate your entire real estate transaction. There is far more involved than opening the door to the home and writing your contract.  We take our job as your real estate professional seriously and we consult you on your options and what is in your best interest. 

I have lived and working in the New Port Richey and Port Richey area for over 20 years. I know the neighborhoods and I know market values.  You can rely on my buyer specialist Rick Trowbridge to have the same knowledge as myself and with me, behind him, you can purchase your home knowing that Rick is standing behind you and ready to assist you in all facets of your home purchase.

Your time is valuable and as your real estate professionals we understand and respect your time.  In order to make the most of your time and not waste your valuable and non-replenishable resource, we have a structured process to assisting our home buying customers. 

What you can expect when working with The Gulfside Team?
A face to face consultation either in our office or at your home. We will discuss your needs and goals and create a plan to achieve your goal.  Those customers who are relocating from another state or area of Florida we offer a facetime or phone consultation.

We know you want to look at homes online for yourself. You would be wise to use Realtor.com to do this. Realtor.com is the most accurate and up to date real estate information you can get. That's why it has the word "Realtor" in the name.  We will also create a customer portal in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) this portal will email you daily lists of homes that meet your search criteria. You will want this list to be as accurate as possible so your time is not wasted looking at the wrong homes and this is why your consultation is so important to us.  The 30 minutes you spend with us in our office will save you hours of time looking at homes that you don't want to purchase. 

You may be using a bank or mortgage lender to secure financing of your home. We will be in communication with your lender every step of the way to insure your entire "Buyer Team" is working together to assist you in reaching your goals.  Often times you will be using the Title company of the sellers choice when buying your home.  We open a line of communication with them as well.  We want you to have the best experience possible when using our real estate services and communication is the key to any successful business relationship. 

Rick Trowbridge of The Gulfside Team is our dedicated home buyer specialist. Rick's only focus is on assisting our customers who are buying a home.  Rick is with you from your consultation all the way through to your closing and beyond.  Rick is a combat veteran of the US Army and has dedicated his real estate career to assisting people just like you with their home purchase. Rick was hand picked by me as part of my team because of his care, skill and diligence in his transactions. 

Mike Gallo created The Gulfside Team.  I was at a point in my career where I was unable to help all of the people who contacted me and I want everyone to have a great experience in their real estate transaction that I searched for another stellar Realtor to join me in helping more people in the New Port Richey and Port Richey area of Florida.  We have since grown and now we cover Odessa, Trinity, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson and Land O'Lakes Florida.  Having a team on your side when buying or selling your home puts you at an advantage in the real estate market.

Our real estate consultation is at no cost or obligation to you.  We value the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your real estate goals.  We do not believe in high pressure sales gimmicks. We will advise you and explain your options but we will never push you or manipulate you in order to "make a sale".  You are not a "Deal" to us. You are our customer and our friend and we value your time and our relationship. 


Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Port Richey Home for Sale - Jasmine Lakes Community


7832 Lilac Dr. Port Richey, Florida is a 2 Bedroom 2 Bath home in the Jasmine Lakes Community. this home has an updated kitchen, tile floors in the main living areas, laminate flooring in the bedrooms and an oversized garage.  You will notice from the moment you pull up to the home that is has been maintained and cared for over the years.  The master en suite has a new vanity and sink and a walk in shower. The guest bath has a tub/shower combination and the home has a lot of natural light.  

You can add your own colors and personality to the white pallet of the homes interior.  The back yard is large enough for a pool and the rear screened patio can accommodate a full sized seating group for entertaining.  Jasmine Lakes in Port Richey Florida is a great neighborhood located near local beaches, shopping and dining. 


Jasmine Lakes Port Richey Florida Market Report March 2016


Market Report for Jasmine Lakes in Port Richey Florida
March 2016

6 Homes were Active for sale in March.  2 homes were 2 bedroom 2 bath listed at $84,900 & $89,900.  3 were 3 bedroom homes listed at $69,500 - $79,500. 1 was a 4 bedroom home listed at $96,500

1 home was Active with Contract. This home was a 2 bedroom home of 1,046 square feet listed at $50,000.  This home has not been updated on the interior.

3 homes were Pending sale.  All 3 homes were 2 bedroom and ranged in price from $31,000 - $96,000. 

5 homes Sold. 4 were 2 bedroom and 1 was a 3 bedroom.  3 of the homes sold between $80,000 and $89,000. 1 home sold for $38,000 and it was a Foreclosure. The last home sold for $56,000 and was not updated.

I have lived, worked and played in Port Richey Florida for over 20 years.  I know the city, I know the neighborhoods and I am here to help you with the sale or purchase of your home in Port Richey Florida.  Contact the Gulfside Team of Florida Luxury Realty to see how we are different from other real estate agents in the area. 


Sunday, April 24, 2016

Port Richey Florida Real Estate - Embassy Hills


The Gulfside Team is your #1 choice for real estate professionals in Port Richey Florida and the Embassy Hills neighborhood.  I've been a long time resident of Port Richey Florida and a home owner in Embassy Hills.  You want an experienced agent when selling or buying your home in Embassy Hills, someone who knows the community and all the benefits to buying a home in Port Richey Florida.  Local real estate agents like myself, really do make a difference when you are selling your home.  

I take the advertising and marketing of your home seriously. I provide you with print advertising in the Florida Fabulous Real Estate magazine, blog advertising online, 2 virtual tours, open houses (at your permission) as well as Multiple Listing Service advertising that is syndicated to every real estate agents website, realtor.com, truly, zillow, homes.com and more.  My team also partners with local mortgage professionals who can qualify your potential buyers and may have a home buyer looking in our local market that they can refer your home to.  

The Gulfside Team of Florida Luxury Realty is a local team of real estate professionals with a local and highly reputable real estate brokerage with locations in Port Richey and New Port Richey as well as Spring Hill, Wesley Chapel, Palm Harbor and Clearwater.  When you or someone you know is ready to sell or buy a home in Embassy Hills or anywhere in Port Richey, please ask them to contact me.  

New Port Richey Florida Real Estate


New Port Richey Florida is a great place to live the Florida lifestyle.  Located on the Pithlachascotee River along the Gulf of Mexico coast, New Port Richey is a great place to live.  Sims park in New Port Richey is a large community park on the river in downtown New Port Richey where local families gather for fun and play.  Sims park is also the location of many community events like the Chaso Fiesta and the Seafood Festival.  The city of Port Richey is located just north of New Port Richey and both cities have a number of waterfront communities along the Gulf of Mexico and the Pithlachascotee River.  We are your waterfront home experts in the area and would be happy to discuss your real estate questions about New Port Richey.

Waterfront homes in New Port Richey, Port Richey and Hudson Florida are among the most affordable homes in the state and with a strong sense of community, our city is a great place to call home.  You may be interested in retiring to Florida and if that is an option you are considering there are a number of beautiful retirement communities in New Port Richey.  Summertree is a gated, golfing community in New Port Richey that offers a variety of home styles from condominiums, villas, smaller homes and larger homes so you can find a home that fits your needs.  You may be interested in a waterfront home and you can surely find a home in our area that is perfect for you and your family. Waterfront communities like Gulf Harbors, Harbor Isles, Millers Bayou, Westport as well as Leisure Beach and Hudson Beach in Hudson Florida.  

Contact me anytime to discuss your real estate needs or your plans to relocate to New Port Richey Florida.  I'm here for you.


Friday, April 22, 2016

Florida Real Estate Services for US Veterans and Active Duty Personnel

Thank You for Your Service
Thank You for Keeping Us Safe!

Our Team is here to assist our veterans with relocating, buying a home or selling a home in the western Pasco and Hernando County Florida area.  I am the son of a Marine and and Rick Trowbridge of my team is a combat veteran who served our country in Afghanistan and is dedicating a large portion of his business to help his fellow service members.  

We have a strong respect to al of our active duty service members and veterans and we are here to help you with your real estate goals.  We understand that our veterans have different needs when buying a home and we are ready to assist you. 

Contact us at anytime to discuss your real estate needs and we will answer any questions you may have.  We work with multiple lenders who are proficient in VA Home Loans.  Using your veteran benefits may be a little confusing and that is why we only recommend experienced and knowledgeable mortgage professionals. 

There is no cost or obligation for a consultation with us. 
(727) 271-2667 - Mike Gallo
(607) 346-2808 Rick Trowbridge - Military Veteran

Thank You for your Service


New Port Richey Homes for Sale



It is no secret that owning a home builds your financial wealth when purchased at the right time.  Our New Port Richey real estate market is Hot right now with affordable homes and Florida is seeing a 7% increase in value annually over years past.  This means that over the next 5 years your home could increase in value substantially which will yield you higher net proceeds when you sell.  Keep in mind I don’t have a crystal ball and this rate of increase may change but it is safe to say that if you buy a home in Florida in the next few years, you will not lose money on your investment.  Let me give you a little snap shot of Port Richey Florida over the last 2 years.  The average 2 bedroom 2 bath home in Port Richey was selling for $50,000-$60,000 during the first quarter of 2016 we are seeing these same homes selling for $75,000-$85,000 and higher depending on additional size and features.  Receiving a $10,000 increase in your homes value per year is very good for those who bought during that time. Now is a great time to contact me to receive a list of New Port Richey homes for sale and see just how affordable the New Port Richey Lifestyle can be.
Homes in other areas like New Port Richey and Trinity Florida where larger homes are prevalent, you will see the same rate of increase over these years which correspond with the 7% increase in value.  A 3 bedroom pool home in certain areas of Trinity Florida which sold in 2013 for $120,000 would likely sell today for $150,000 or more depending on the homes features and upgrades.  You can safely invest in Florida real estate and be confident that you will not lose money on your future re-sale like some people did during the housing “Bubble” of the early 2000’s.
My team and I are here to answer any questions you have about real estate or planning a relocation to Florida.  Let my experience and knowledge work for you.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Should I Hire a Real Estate Team or Individual Agent?


Choosing the right real estate professional is important and whether you hire a Team or an Individual agent you will want to interview a few Realtors and compare their services to be sure you work with the professional who is the best fit for you and will give you the results you want.  You should pay attention to what your potential agents tell you and stay clear of the "yes" agent.  These agents are the ones who are completely agreeable with you and basically tell you what you want to hear in order to get the job. Experienced professionals will advise you and tell you the facts even if they are not exactly what you want to hear.

The Differences Between Teams and Individuals
Usually a real estate team is formed by an agent who can no longer provide excellent service to all of the people that are contacting them.  This was true for me.  In order to help more people with their real estate needs, one will need to create a team of agents to help their clients.  This tells us that these teams are headed up by a Realtor that has a healthy business that is growing. 

Availability to you is very important when working with a real estate agent.  Showings, Offers and New Listings can happen any day and you will need a real estate professional who can assist you when you need it.  Working with an individual agent you may find that when your dream home is new to the market they may have other appointments and can't get you in to see it. This may cause you to lose the house or have to compete with another buyer to get the home.  The same can said for listings. You want your home shown as often as possible and if your agent is not available you may lose opportunities. 

Hiring a real estate team means that you are hiring more than one agent to assist you. Most teams have a listing specialist who handles the listing paperwork, marketing and schedules showings and open houses.  Then they will have buyer specialists. The buyer specialists will show your home and probably host the open houses and they assist the teams clients who are looking to buy a home.  Not all teams are created the same and you should inquire about how the team is structured and who will be doing which job during the transaction.


I have found with my own team that our clients are happy knowing that they have two agents working for them. We can accomplish more work in less time than an individual agent can. We are a close team. We collaborate daily on what our clients need and we update each other on all of our clients. I am the listing specialist on my team and Rick Trowbridge is the buyer specialist however, since we work so well together we each do what needs to be done to give our clients the best service possible. We do not take vacations at the same time so you always have an available agent.  Unless Rick has a previous appointment he attends my listing appointments so he can preview your home and provide input "through the buyers eyes".

Some people may prefer to only work with one agent. I understand that you may feel that you will only deal with one person and you think you will get more personalized service. I can see where you may think that and I am not about to speak badly about individual agents. I truly believe that we all hire the professionals that we "click" with. There was a time when I was green and inexperienced and people still hired me. Maybe it was my charming personality or maybe they liked my tie or maybe it was the fact that I was knowledgable or maybe they just liked me more than the other agents they met with and gave me the job.  Whatever the reason that draws you to a real estate agent or a real estate team be sure to ask about their experience and hire the person you feel will do the best job.  



Monday, April 18, 2016

Champions Club in Trinity Florida Market Report for March 2016


The Champions Club is a highly desired community of luxury homes in Trinity Florida. Homesites vary from conservation lots to pond views to golf course views of the Fox Hollow Golf Course.  Champions Club at Trinity is a community of exquisite homes that even the most discerning home buyer will find attractive.


Champions Club Real Estate Market Report for March 2016

13 Homes were Active on the market in March. These homes ranged in size from 3 Bedroom 3 Bath pool homes with 2,710 living square feet listed at $449,000
to
6 Bedroom 5 Full Bath 3 half Bath Pol home with golf course frontage and 8,659 square feet listed at $2,950,000.00 

7 of the homes active for sale in March were golf course home sites.  The Champions Club Quarterly Home Owners Association fees are $787 which cover the community pool and spa, recreation facility, security and tennis courts.

You can find out more about the Fox Hollow Golf Club Here.

When selling or buying a home in the Trinity or Odessa area of Florida, contact me with any questions you may have.



Thursday, April 14, 2016

Expenses Associated with Buying a Waterfront Home in Florida


Nothing says "Florida Lifestyle" like a waterfront home.  Whether you are looking for lakefront, canal or right on the Gulf of Mexico, there are buying expenses that are specific to waterfront homes that you may not be aware of.  We sell a lot of homes on the water in our area and nothing is more frustrating than finding a great home that you love and learning that you may not have the resources for unexpected "up-front" expenses.  

Starting with your mortgage lender, you will want to know exactly how much home you can purchase and what your monthly allowance is for taxes and insurance. Your mortgage lender determines this based on income and debt to income ratio.  Let your mortgage professional know that you want to purchase a waterfront home so they can properly calculate your monthly affordability. Let's say you get pre-approved for your mortgage and don't tell your lender you are looking for waterfront homes,  you may be pre-approved for the purchase price but that does not necessarily mean you can afford the expense of the flood insurance or higher taxes. You may find that you spend money on inspections and other items only to not get the loan or the house.

What Expenses Should You be Aware of:
In Florida, the Buyer is responsible for obtaining an elevation certificate on the property.  This elevation survey will give the insurance people what they need to provide an accurate insurance quote.  This survey can coast anywhere from $350 - $900 depending on the size of the home and land. 

Flood Insurance. Your homeowners policy will cover the home and personal items but you will need to carry a flood policy as well. Your flood policy cost will increase your monthly payment if your taxes and insurance are escrowed by your mortgage lender.  You may also be required to pay up to 6 months of escrow reserves to cover the taxes and insurance.  This is something you will need to discuss with your mortgage lender so you have a clear picture of your pre-paid expenses and closing costs.  To get started on your mortgage approval process visit Express Mortgage Lenders website.

Home Inspection, Seawall Inspection, Wood Destroying Organism Inspection are other expenses you may have. 




Wednesday, April 13, 2016

11908 Boynton Ln. New Port Richey Florida - 55+ Condominium For Sale


Enjoy Resort Style Living in Pointe West at Summertree
This 1 Bedroom 1.5 Bath condominium is located in one of the most highly desired retirement communities in New Port Richey Florida. 



With Tile Floors throughout and offered fully furnished.  
Maintenance Includes:
Roof for repair or replacement - Building exterior maintenance - Building insurance - Irrigation - Landscaping - Trash removal - Basic cable service.


Community Amenities Include:
Public Golf Course - Tennis Courts - Heated Pool - Billiard Room - Clubhouse - Fitness Facility  and more

I have Sold Over 20 Condominiums in the last 12 months and I am the Summertree community expert. Contact me for more information or to sell or buy a home or condo in Summertree.






Thursday, April 7, 2016

Summertree in New Port Richey Market Report for March 2016


Summertree Market Report
March 2016
Prepared by Mike Gallo, Realtor
(all information deemed accurate but not guaranteed) 

Pointe West Condominiums
2 Condos were Active for Sale
1 One Bedroom for $34,999 (carport)
1 One Bedroom for $65,000 (garage) Updated on Water
3 Condos were Active with Contract
2 were 2 Bedroom carport units for $36,000 & $45,900
1 was a 1 Bedroom carport for $28,000 (foreclosure)
2 Condos were Pending Sale
Both were 2 Bedrooms and list price was $38,500 & 49,900
3 Condos Sold between March 1-31
2 were 1 Bedroom Condos $25,750 & $29,900
1 was a 2 Bedroom that sold for $23,000

Arborwood at Summertree
1 Home was Active with Contract List Price $99,500
1 Home was Pending Sale at $84,900
2 Homes Sold at $85,000 & $90,000
All homes were 2 bedroom 2 bath homes

Cross Creek at Summertree
All home listed were 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Homes with 2 car garage
2 Homes were Active for Sale $179,900 & 189,900
1 Home was Pending Sale $189,900
2 Homes Sold for $157,000 & $167,500


I have been helping people buy and sell homes in Summertree for years and I would like the opportunity to assist you or anyone you know in selling or buying a home in Summertree.

Contact me anytime to discuss your real estate needs






Monday, April 4, 2016

Waterfront Homes in Port Richey Florida - April 4, 2016


One of the best things about Port Richey Florida is living on the Gulf of Mexico.

Click Here to See Available Waterfront Homes in Port Richey Florida as of April 4, 2016.

Im here to answer any of your questions about Port Richey or Pasco county Real Estate.


Waterfront Home Sales in Western Pasco County Florida


Western Pasco county Florida is one of the most affordable places in Florida to purchase a waterfront home.  Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Pasco county has a number of waterfront communities to chose from. Hudson Beach, Signal Cove, Leisure Beach, Harbor Isles, Millers Bayou and Westport are just a few waterfront communities available to home buyers in our area.  The Gulfside Team of Florida Luxury Realty is here to assist you in selling or buying a waterfront home in Pasco county Florida.  We have local beaches like Hudson Beach and Robert K. Reese Park where you can enjoy the Florida lifestyle without all the crowds of Clearwater beach.  Our local beaches are easily accessible and offer places to cook out or relax under the shade if you wish.  

Selling your waterfront home in Pasco county is easy when you have the skill and knowledge of the right real estate professionals behind you.  You want a real estate agent who will do more than just put your home in the MLS and hope it sells.  We take a proactive approach the selling homes in our area and you can rely on us to advertise and promote your home to every possible buyer. 

Things We Ask When Selling a Waterfront Home:
How deep is the canal?
Is there a private beach and what is the fee to use it?
Who is your insurance agent and what is your annual flood insurance cost?
How large of a boat will your canal accommodate?
These are questions every waterfront home buyer wants to know and we want to be able to give your potential buyers the information they need.

Your homes photographs are very important when selling your home.  Over 95% of all home buyers start their search online and look at the homes photos.  We have once chance to make a great impression and keep that buyers attention on your home so I have taken numerous photography classes to provide you with the best photos of your home.  I take the time to crop and edit your photos to be sure they are the correct size and brightness. I'm sure you have seen homes online with poor photos and I bet it left you with a negative impression. My job is to make sure that does not happen when buyers are looking at your home online. We may decide that your home needs a professional photographer and if that is the case, we will hire one.  While on the subject, I would like to address drone photos.  While they are cool and the newest thing, I see many homes that expire without selling that had drone photos. We prefer to spend the drone fee in more photos of your home to get you the best photo gallery possible. 

Contact me online to request a market analysis of your waterfront home. I will prepare your report and it can be emailed right to you and if you wish, we can make an appointment for me to preview your home and see any updates you have made.  I strive to provide the best service to my customers and have lived and worked in the west Pasco area for over 20 years. 
Let me be your waterfront home real estate professional. 




Sunday, April 3, 2016

The Gulfside Team of Florida Luxury Realty, Inc.


Choosing the right real estate professional to assist you is very important to a successful sale or purchase. You deserve the highest level of service possible.  I created the Gulfside Team to better assist my customers with their real estate needs. Let me tell you a little bit about us.

Michael J. Gallo - Before earning my real estate sales license in 2009 I was a loan originator for a local mortgage broker for the 6 years prior. I am certified by Florida Luxury Realty as a Luxury Home sales specialist and I have years of experience working with seniors, new construction buyers and waterfront home sellers.  You can take comfort in the fact that I am also the Director of Education for Florida Luxury Realty as well as an Instructor for the company and I also teach classes for the West Pasco Board of Realtors. Teaching for the Brokerage and Board and assisting my fellow real estate agents is something I not only enjoy doing but it helps to keep me current on important issues that affect my business which in turn is a benefit to my customers. 
West Pasco Board of Realtors Orientation Committee Chairperson 2015 & 2016
West Pasco Board of Realtors Education Committee Chairperson 2014
West Pasco Board of Realtors Education Committee Co-Chairerson 2013

Richard "Rick" Trowbridge - Licensed in 2015, Rick has been a valuable asset to the Gulfside Team. Rick has completed his Florida Luxury Realty "Intensity" training and has been certified as a Luxury Homes Sales Specialist by Florida Luxury Realty. Rick's primary focus is assisting the teams buyers. Rick has a strong knowledge of contract writing and knows that his customers and their needs are most important. Rick is a combat wounded veteran and has a strong desire to help his fellow veterans with their real estate needs.  You can be sure that when you work with Rick he will do everything in his power to assist you with your home purchase and will make himself available to you on your schedule.  You can move confidently on your home purchase safe in the fact that I am right behind Rick to guide him and advise him and you throughout your entire home purchase. In the 1st quarter of 2016 Rick has successfully helped over 10 people close on their next home. 

When looking for real estate professionals in Western Pasco county Florida, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Trinity and Odessa, please contact the Gulfside Team so we may be considered among the real estate agents you interview for the job of selling your home or assisting you with a home purchase.



Friday, April 1, 2016

11338 Cherry Way Ln. New Port Richey Florida - Pointe West Condominium


The Pointe West Condominiums are located in the gated, golfing community of Summertree in New Port Richey Florida.  Close to local beaches, shopping and dining, the Summertree community is a highly desired retirement community for those age 55 and over. Enjoy resort style living at it's best in Summertree.


Community Features Include:
Heated Pool and Spa
Fitness Facility
Public Golf Course
Billiard Room
Tennis Courts
And More.....


Condominium Maintenance Includes:
Roof Repair/Replacement
Building Exterior Maintenance and Insurance
Trash Removal
Irrigation
Landscaping
Basic Cable

11338 Cherry Way Ln is a prime location in the community. This 1 bedroom attached garage condominium offers a Florida Room, Updated Kitchen with beautiful cabinets and lots of storage. The bedroom offers built ins that maximize the room size while providing plenty of storage. The home also has a whole house water treatment system, alarm system, washer and dryer in garage and beautiful views of the creek to the rear of the home.  

Contact me to schedule your private showing of this impeccable condominium in Pointe West at Summertree.