Florida Ranked Best Place to Retire

Florida is destined to benefit from the migration of nearly 80 million aging Baby Boomers.  According to demographic studies, the Sunshine State's mild temperatures and limitless outdoor amenities make Florida a continued favorite retirement destination. View the charts at the link below to see the 20 Best States to Retire in 2016, based on a study by WalletHub.

Check out https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-to-retire/6165/ For an unsurpassed lifestyle, now is the time to buy your slice of the most desirable place to live. Call Keyvan and Stephanie at Kohan & Associates today at 727-565-1658 or visit our website at http://www.suncoasthome.com.

Shopping for a GREEN House?

It seems that now more than ever, home buyers are searching for eco-friendly homes.  How can you tell if a home is truly green or even lends itself to green tendencies?

The term "green" can mean different things to different people.  Many of those seeking energy cost savings might look for features like Energy Star appliances, weatherproofed windows and advanced insulation. Others may be concerned with personal health issues and therefore seek homes with non-toxic materials like bamboo flooring and low VOC paint. Some buyers go so far as wanting to contribute to a more sustainable future and look for locally produced or reclaimed wood and building material.

Finding a home with even basic levels of "green" can help lower energy bills. Home buyers looking for eco-friendly homes may also consider that green-certified, single family homes sold for 9 percent more than comparable non-green homes according to a recent University of California study. Perhaps buying a smaller home is more economical since the larger homes consume more energy.  Water based paints contain lower levels of gas emitting VOC's than oil based paints. Recycled carpets or reclaimed wood are popular flooring choices. When landscaping, choose plants requiring low levels of maintenance. 

If Green homes interest you, feel free to give us a call and we can show you several in the St. Petersburg area. Kohan & Associates 727-565-1658 or check out our website at www.Suncoasthome.com and the United States Green Building Council website at www.usgbc.org.

Gasp! It's Gasparilla Time!

Join the fun as pirates invade downtown Tampa. A pre-invasion celebration and the Second Annual Gasparilla Charity Concert will be a night of fun and music on Friday, January 29th.  Taking place on the Pirate Fest Stage in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the concert features The Hip Inductors, the Swon Brothers and Howie Day. Tickets for general admission cost $20 for the 6:00 PM concert.

The third largest parade in the country takes place on Saturday, January 30th at 11:30 when the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla invades the Port of Tampa in the world's only fully-rigged pirate ship.  Following the invasion, the krewe will lead an almost 4 mile parade down Bayshore Blvd. The parade is free but tickets may be purchased for brunch and reserved seating.

On February 13th an Illuminated Knight parade hosted by Sant' Yago lights up 7th Avenue in Ybor City. There is sure to be dancing in the streets among brightly lit floats and beaded revelers. The event is free but be sure to arrive early for a great view.

For the healthy runners and walkers the Gasparilla Distance Classic will take place on February 20th and 21st. Choose from the 15k, 5k, 8k, half marathon, Michelob Ultra Challenges, 5k walk, 5k stroller races, and more.  Prizes totaling over $40K.

Art lovers prepare for Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to be transformed into a huge outdoor museum.  Artists from around the country will be representing their various art techniques from glass, to wood to water colors. The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts takes place March 5th and 6th.

For more information on upcoming Gasparilla events please call Kohan & Associates 727-565-1658 or visit www.suncoasthome.com 

Are You Money Smart?

It happens more often than you might think.  An eager buyer requests my help in finding a dream home.  I start by asking a few questions about their hopeful criteria.  A few minutes in to our conversation the topic leans toward affordability.  I am recognizing a new trend that many are in denial about their finances and require some time to repair credit before considering buying a new home.

An estimated 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck with one third of adults admitting to spending more than they can afford. When it comes to money, we have to deal with reality regardless of what we think we need, want and desire.

Wise money spending habits are key to your successful purchase of a property down the road. Do you neglect bills for impulsive buys? Do you buy based on affordability or desire? Do you buy out of guilt? Do you spend money on name brands?  Do you finance vacations, boats, RVs? Do you borrow money to pay your credit cards? Do you purchase things based on monthly payments instead of actual cost? If you answered yes to any of the above questions you might have unhealthy spending habits which could negatively effect your home purchasing ability.

Consider getting your finances in solid order. Start saving 10 percent of your income, contribute to your pension plan, use coupons, comparison shop and pay charge cards off in full when the statement arrives. When you are confident about your money smarts give the team at Kohan & Associates a call! 727-565-1658 or 
http://SunCoastHome.com

Second Luxury Apartment Tower Planned by South Florida Developer

Demand continues to be strong for high end rentals in downtown St. Petersburg.  Contributing factors to the spiked interest point to the abundance of bars, restaurants, ambiance, and urban amenities. 

South Florida developer, American Land Ventures, is under contract to buy a site for its second luxury apartment tower in downtown St. Pete.  Located on the northern half of the block between Third and Fourth Streets South and Second and Third Avenues South, the site is set for a 22 story, 210 unit tower.  It is across from an 18 story building almost completed. The proposed tower will have one, two and three bedroom apartments priced at market rates for luxury units int he area.

American Land's second luxury apartment tower will share the neighborhood with a nine story, 366 unit apartment complex being built by a Cleveland company, Beacon 430 which is a 326 unit rental complex, Hermitage which is a 348 unit building, and a 35 story, 306 unit tower planned for a vacant lot on Second Avenue North.

The explosion of apartments in downtown St. Petersburg warrants a close eye. Give us a call and we can monitor the growth together.  Keyvan Kohan 727-204-5001 or visit  www.Suncoasthome.com.