Dunedin is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. The name comes from the Scots Gaelic Dùn Èideann meaning Edinburgh. Dunedin is home to several beaches, including Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island, and Caladesi Island State Park, which is consistently rated among the best beaches in the world.  Dunedin is one of the few open waterfront communities from Sarasota to Cedar Key where buildings do not completely obscure the view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico beyond; a 1-mile stretch of Edgewater Drive (also known as Alternate US 19) south of downtown offers views of St. Joseph Sound, Clearwater Beach, and Caladesi Island. Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach are a six mile drive down Edgewater.

The quaint, but thriving downtown business district has become a model for many other west-central Florida cities. It is striking in comparison to neighboring Florida communities for its absence of commercial signage and corporate franchise restaurants and retail stores. The Pinellas Trail, a 39-mile long bicycle and pedestrian trail that traverses all of Pinellas County, bisects downtown Dunedin. Bicyclists are a common sight in the business district.

Since 1977, Dunedin is the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as the class-A Minor League Dunedin Blue Jays of the Florida State League. Dunedin is one of the smallest communities used by Major League spring training teams. Dunedin Stadium is situated next to the Dunedin Public Library a few blocks south of downtown on Douglas Avenue, and is just two blocks east of Edgewater Drive. Dunedin Stadium was built as a replacement to Grant Field, the Blue Jays’ first spring training ball park.

Until early 2005, Dunedin was the home of Nielsen Media Research’s production operations.

Palm Harbor was originally called Sutherland, a shortening of Southern Land and Development Company, the group that originally platted the community as Sutherland, Hillsborough County in 1888. The name was changed to Palm Harbor in 1925. Palm Harbor was originally settled by J.C. Craver. According to Craver’s diary, still in the family, he came here in the winter of 1877 upon the advice of his physician. A post office commission under the name of Bay St. Joseph was granted in 1878, this being the earliest written record of the community.

The name Bay St. Joseph was used only a short time before Yellow Bluff replaced it. But that name proved relatively short-lived, as a few years later its negative connotation with the yellow fever epidemic gave way to its present name. Palm Harbor was originally called Sutherland after a post office was granted in 1888, the same year the railroad came through. Sutherland boasted two beautiful hotels, the larger one becoming Southern College in 1902. It sat high on the bluff overlooking Sutherland Bayou and the Gulf of Mexico. Sutherland was thought to be named after Duke of Sutherland, who visited these parts after landing at Tarpon Springs in 1887. Local pioneers dismiss this coincidence, pointing out that the name Sutherland is a shortening of Southern Land and Development Company, the group which originally platted the community in 1888.

Areas pioneers included the Whitehursts, the Hollands, the Tinneys, the Suttons, the Thompsons, the Rivieres, the Aldermans and the Wilsons. Palm Harbor also has a unique “hilly” geography which is uncommon in the relatively flat Florida.

Interested in living in Palm Harbor and buying a home? Click Here To Search Palm Harbor Real Estate.

Tarpon Springs Home Sold – Whitcomb Point
202 Manatee Ln – Luxury Waterfront Property listed by the Gary & Nikki Team and
SOLD BY US at $575,000!!!

Lutz Home Sold – Fern Glen
19015 Fern Meadow Loop – Listed by the Gary & Nikki Team at $314,877 and
SOLD BY US at 97% of LIST PRICE $305,000 in 34 DAYS!!!

Palm Harbor Home Sold – Glenridge in Ridgemoor
3190 Glenridge Dr – Previously listed with another firm for 281 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $289,877 and
SOLD BY US at $260,000 in 134 DAYS!!!

New Port Richey Home Sold – Oak Ridge
6720 Coronet Dr – Previously listed with another firm for 274 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by the Gary & Nikki Team at $274,877 and SOLD BY US at $240,000!!

Dunedin Home Sold – Grove Terrace
627 Scotland St – Downtown Dunedin Beauty listed by the Gary & Nikki Team and
SOLD BY US at $212,000 in just 44 DAYS!!!

Oldsmar Home Sold – Preserve at Cypress Lakes
544 Lake Cypress Cir – Previously listed with another firm for 183 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by the Gary & Nikki Team at $244,877 and
SOLD BY US at 96% of LIST PRICE $234,500 in just 74 DAYS!!!

Port Richey Home Sold – Martha’s Vineyard
5219 Miller Bayou Dr – Previously listed with another firm for 184 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by the Gary & Nikki Team and SOLD BY US at $170,000 in just 74 DAYS!!!

Tarpon Springs Home Sold – Beckett Bay
1421 River Oaks Dr – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $174,877 and
SOLD BY US at 96% of LIST PRICE $167,500 in just 20 DAYS!!!

Palm Harbor Home Sold – Anchorage Tarpon Lake
2419 Lighthouse Dr – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $149,877 and
SOLD BY US at $135,000 in just 14 DAYS!!!
 
Palm Harbor Home Sold – Honeymoon Ridge
1411 Tampa Rd- Previously listed with another firm for 184 DAYS- NO SALE
SHORT SALE-SELLER SAVED FROM FORECLOSURE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team and SOLD BY US at $120,000!!!

Dunedin Home Sold – Dunedin Isles
520 San Jose Dr – Previously listed with another firm for 183 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by the Gary & Nikki Team and SOLD BY US at $95,800 in just 46 DAYS!!!

Oldsmar Home Sold – Preserve East Lake Woodlands
1318 Preservation Way – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $532,000!!!
 
Tampa Home Sold –Sunset Park
4605 Lowell Ave W – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $419,000!!!
 
Wesley Chapel Home Sold – Country Walk
30134 Five Farms Ave – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $294,900!!!
 
Seminole Home Sold – Bayhaven
14187 81st Ave N – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $284,900!!!

Indian Shores Home Sold –Barefoot Beach Resort
19417 Gulf Blvd B113 – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $228,000!!!

Tarpon Springs Home Sold –Forest Ridge
1771 Wood Brook St – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $191,500!!!

Palm Harbor Home Sold – Noell Heights
1408 Noell Blvd – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $163,500!!!

Oldsmar Home Sold –Quail Forest East Lake Woodlands
110 James Ct – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $123,900!!!

Oldsmar Home Sold – Shoreview
607 Timber Bay Cir – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $122,500!!!

Palm Harbor Home Sold – Village of Somerset Woods
310 Winchester Way – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $119,000!!!

We Don’t Just List Houses – WE SELL THEM!! The Sooner You Call – The Faster You Sell!
CALL TODAY: 727-787-6995 ext.167

A Real Estate Transaction has more hurdles than ever before:
Inspections, appraisals, mortgage restrictions, new government regulations, to name a few. You need a professional that can guide your sale to closing.

Our proven systems get homes sold fast & for top dollar. Since January 2000 our listings are selling at 98% of List Price in just 35 days! That means more money in your pocket faster! The Gary & Nikki Team continue to sell homes – over 3,900 families served!

Treasure Island Home Sold –Isle Palms
11120 8^th St – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $695,000!!!

Odessa Home Sold – Trails at Van Dyke Farms
17413 Equestrian Trail – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $355,000!!!

Tarpon Springs Home Sold –Savannah Pointe
72 Charleston Ct – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $342,000!!! 

Dunedin Home Sold –Grove Terrace
707 Wood St – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $330,000!!! 

Oldsmar Home Sold – Country Club Add  – Short Sale – Saved Seller From Foreclosure
918 State St E – Previously listed with 2 other firms for 326 DAYS- NO SALE
LISTED & SOLD by The Gary & Nikki Team at $295,000!!! 

Oldsmar Home Sold – Stonebriar East Lake Woodlands
4770 Stoneview Cir – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $257,000!!! 

Oldsmar Home Sold – East Lake Woodlands  – Short Sale – Saved Seller From Foreclosure
4881 Edgewater Ln – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $249,877 and
SOLD BY US at 98% of LIST PRICE $245,000 in 65 DAYS!!!

Trinity Home Sold – Thousand Oaks East
1349 Impatiens Ct – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $240,000!!! 

Palm Harbor Home Sold – Westlake Village
1025 Lakeview Dr – Previously listed with another firm for 196 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $259,877 and
SOLD BY US at $239,000 in 107 DAYS!!! 

Oldsmar Home Sold – East Lake Woodlands  – Short Sale – Saved Seller From Foreclosure
4749 Stonebriar Dr – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $239,877 and
SOLD BY US at 98% of LIST PRICE $235,000 in just 8 DAYS!!!

 Oldsmar Home Sold – Preserve at Cypress Lakes
544 Lake Cypress Cir – Previously listed with another firm for 196 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $244,877 and
SOLD BY US at 96% of LIST PRICE $234,500 in 74 DAYS!!!

Trinity Home Sold – Thousand Oaks East
1634 African Violet Ct – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $234,000!!! 

New Port Richey Home Sold –Oak Ridge Estates
6939 Copperfield Dr – Previously listed with another firm for 273 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team and SOLD BY US at $229,589 in just 19 DAYS!!!

 Safety Harbor Home Sold –North Bay Hills
3103 Sandpiper Ln – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $205,000!!! 

Clearwater Home Sold – Woodgate Countryside
2364 Timbercrest Cir S – WE BROUGHT THE BUYER!!
ANOTHER HOME SOLD BY THE GARY & NIKKI TEAM at $200,000!!!

 Dunedin Home Sold – Scotsdale
600 Kirkland Cir – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $159,877 and
SOLD BY US ABOVE FULL PRICE at $161,000 in just 4 DAYS!!! 

Dunedin Home Sold – Shore Crest – Short Sale – Saved Seller From Foreclosure
10 Broadway St – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team and
SOLD BY US at $158,165 in 134 DAYS!!!

Palm Harbor Home Sold –Arbor Glen – Short Sale – Saved Seller From Foreclosure
114 Arbor Dr E – Previously listed with another firm for 198 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $149,877 and
SOLD BY US ABOVE LIST PRICE at $150,100 in 131 DAYS!!!

Tarpon Springs Home Sold – Oakleaf Village
1418 Red Oak Dr – Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $144,877 and
SOLD BY US at 98% of LIST PRICE $141,750 in just 12 DAYS!!!

Largo Home Sold – Genesee Heights
1047 9^th Ave NW – Previously listed with another firm for 598 DAYS- NO SALE
Listed by The Gary & Nikki Team at $124,877 and
SOLD BY US ABOVE LIST PRICE at $125,000 in just 22 DAYS!!! 

We Don’t Just List Houses – WE SELL THEM!!

The Sooner You Call – The Faster You Sell!
CALL TODAY: 727-787-6995 ext.167

We are Certified Distressed Property Experts
AVOID FORECLOSURE – Call The Team or visit
www.StopTampaBayAreaForeclosures.com

If you are thinking about buying a home in 2010, you may want to at least have it under contract before the end of April. That way, you can qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000 (if you meet the other requirements).

The federal housing tax credit gives first-time home buyers and certain existing homeowners a major incentive to buy a home. Qualified buyers can receive a tax credit of up $8,000. The program has been extended until April 30, 2010, with no more extensions visible on the horizon.

Housing Tax Credit Q&A

1. Who can claim the $8,000 housing tax credit?

Anyone that meets the loose definition of first-time home buyer is eligible for the federal tax-credit program. If you have not owned a home (as your primary residence) in the three years prior to your home purchase, then you meet the IRS definition of “first-time” buyer.

2. Are there any other restrictions, such as income?

Yes. Single filers must make less than $125,000 per year, and joint filers must make less than $225,000. Due to possible changes, please visit the IRS website for updated amounts.

3. Is there anything for homeowners buying a new home?

Yes! Under the expanded tax-credit program, homeowners can simply buy another primary residence or they can sell their current home and then buy another one to qualify for a tax credit up to $6,500. The same deadline applies.

4. What if I don’t earn enough to need a CREDIT?

It’s not just a credit, it’s cash in hand. The government GIVES you a check for the amount you qualify if you owe no taxes.

5. Where can I learn more about the credit?

Visit the IRS explanation of the federal housing tax credit, and you’ll know exactly how it works.

6. Would this also be a good time to Sell?

Yes! More buyers trying to buy before April 30th means more homes being sold!

Please consult your tax advisor to verify that you would qualify for one of these available tax credit opportunities.

Put one of our buyer specialists to work for you now – Call: 727-787-6995

Visit the best Tampa Bay Home Search Site.

Keller Williams Realty Receives Nod as the Highest Ranked in Customer Satisfaction

J.D. Power and Associates names company highest in customer satisfaction
for second year in a row

AUSTIN, TEXAS (September 2, 2009) —According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in North America, received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the second year in a row. The company also ranked second-highest among home sellers in the study.

 “We couldn’t be prouder. This is an achievement our associates have truly earned. It is the face-to-face interaction and the relationships they build daily that has impacted this study and elevated Keller Williams Realty to another level in customer service,” said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. “Knowing that this study was conducted during the toughest times the market has seen shows that spirit and dedication can make an impact.”

The study was produced by J.D. Power and Associates to measure home buyers’ and sellers’ customer satisfaction. The results of the home-buying experience were determined by three factors including the agent, office and the package of additional services.

“I am absolutely beaming with pride that our agents have been honored in such a fantastic way,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO of Keller Williams Realty. “We are lucky to be in business with such incredible business people, who have shown incredible resolve over the past two years. If there was a time to build their business, it is now.”

Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine

AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 21, 2009) — Keller Williams Realty joined the ranks of the top franchises in the world last week, when the company was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31^st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine. During the same week, the company was also voted the Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises for 2009 in an industry-wide survey for the Swanepoel TRENDS Report.

“The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is a respected source for the real estate industry and beyond, as is Entrepreneur magazine, and we are excited to see our agents honored in this way for all of their hard work,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Keller Williams Realty. “We certainly wouldn’t have been included on either list without the dedication and resolve of our agents.”  

According to the ranking in Entrepreneur magazine, the most important criteria to determine the top franchises included financial strength and stability, as well as growth rate and size of the franchise system. The magazine also looked at the number of years the company has been in business and the length of time it’s been franchising, in addition to start-up costs and financial data. Additionally, Keller Williams Realty made an impressive showing on the overall list, placing higher than any other real estate franchise.

The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is published by Stefan Swanepoel, a real estate industry speaker and insider. The survey was crafted to determine the Most Recognizable Brand for Real Estate Franchises for his report out in February 2010. The survey included votes cast by 11,000 plus real estate agents, who cast 390,000 votes to select the top 10.

Earlier in the year,Keller Williams Realty also received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms from J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row.

“We are extremely proud that our associates and company are being recognized for our strength and stability during this time in our industry,” said Mary Tennant, president and COO, Keller Williams Realty. “We attribute our success to being in business with phenomenal people and to our core business models, which have allowed our franchises to thrive during any market.”

About Keller Williams Realty Inc.:

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty Inc. is the third-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 679 offices and 73,000 associates in the United States and Canada. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. For more information, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com).

The Gary & Nikki Team would like to wish you and your family the best for the upcoming holidays. We’d also like to offer you some special information that can be very beneficial if you are thinking of selling your home in the upcoming month. 

 10 Reasons To List Your Home In December

1. People who look at properties during the holidays are serious buyers and are more ready to make a decision.
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the holidays because many sellers are waiting until “AFTER THE HOLIDAYS” to list their properties. With less competition, your property has a better chance to sell for top dollar.
3. Houses “show better” when decorated for the holidays with the wonderful lights and festive colors associated with the season.
4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and often base their decision on the warmth and good feeling they receive when viewing your house.
5. Buyers have more time to look for a house during the holidays because they have designated time off from work to purchase a home.
6. Many people want to buy before the end of the year for financial and tax reasons.
7. January is traditionally the month for transfers. Transferees can’t wait until the spring to buy. Your house must be on the market to capture these buyers.
8. You may restrict showings during your own personal family events and still take advantage of your spruced up and decorated “show ready” home.
9. You can sell now, but specify a delayed closing or extended occupancy until next year if you so desire and if agreeable to the other party.
10. By selling now, you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when more properties are on the market.

BONUS: The recent extension of the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers, and the addition of a $6,500 credit for homeowners looking to relocate, is putting more buyers into the market. More buyers looking for a home like yours!

Call The Team today – the sooner you list, the sooner you sell!
727-787-6995

The Gary & Nikki Team consistently closes a high number of real estate transactions every year – over 15 times more homes sold than the average REALTOR® nationwide. A high number of closed transactions brings a great amount of experience – experience in dealing with the ever-changing hurdles of the Tampa Bay real estate market.

No Substitute For Experience

Every completed home sale sharpens the The Gary and Nikki Team’s skills for the next transaction. Whether it’s a standard sale or short sale, a home seller faces many challenges from contract to closing. Inspections, appraisals and recently implemented mortgage restrictions to name a few. The Gary and Nikki Team uses their vast amount of experience to conquer these hurdles and bring a client’s home to the closing table.

Now Certified Distress Property Experts

The team has now added certified short sale training to their extensive resume. Seven Team members have become Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE). They specialize in helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. Of the 1.2 million REALTORS nationwide, fewer than 15,000 have this designation. CDPE® Designated agents have a strong and unique appreciation of the factors affecting the market and can help homeowners that are at risk of foreclosure.

If you or somebody you know is at risk of foreclosure in the Tampa Bay area specifically Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, Dunedin, and the surrounding cities, please call The Gary and Nikki Team Today. The sooner you call, the sooner we can help make a difference. 727-787-6995