Danielle Kelley

RE/MAX METRO
153 107th Ave
Treasure Island, FL 33706
Phone:

Home ownership in Pinellas County, FL has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation as a crucial component of the so-called "American Dream." But for many people, home ownership is now perceived more as a nightmare than an essential element of the (admittedly somewhat mythical) "good life" that could be attained in the United States. Whether that negative perception is based on valid fears or little more than irrational overreactions to today's market correction, it's nonetheless a paradigm shift that should be of concern to anyone whose livelihood depends on real estate. The perception of home ownership as a nightmare is easily understood given these realities: A tsunami of foreclosures and shortsales has forced large numbers of people out of homes they couldn't afford. Many homeowners owe more than their home is worth or more than they can afford to repay. Whatever equity they had has evaporated or been misspent. Despite foreclosures and fallen prices, housing is still relatively unaffordable. And now that gasoline costs upwards of $4.50 a gallon, more affordable neighborhoods too often mean long, expensive commutes to the nearest job centers. Ever-rising property taxes have triggered a new wave of "tax revolts" across the country. Homeowners face significantly higher costs for utilities, insurance and home improvements, repairs and maintenance due to natural disasters, inflation and global materials markets. Wall Street analysts have spewed out piles of statistics to convince the public that a home is a worse investment than stocks or mutual funds. Short time horizons, short attention spans and smaller households have created a class of renters-by-choice who could own a home but choose not to commit themselves to home ownership. Fluid labor markets, a mobile workforce and high real estate transaction costs have made short-term home ownership a questionable financial proposition. The prospect of diminished home values or minimal appreciation has scared off many people who otherwise might have been good candidates for home ownership. Yet homeownership still offers the same benefits and advantages it always has. These include: Buying a home in Pinellas County, FL allows you... The opportunity to build equity and create wealth over time. Protection from rent increases or eviction at the whim of a landlord. The pleasures of a relatively larger home, suitable for a family, and with a backyard, garage or other auxiliary space. The freedom -- design review boards notwithstanding -- to improve, remodel or redecorate to suit one's own style and budget. A variety of lucrative income-tax breaks. Pride of ownership and a greater sense of security and stability. Housing's nightmare has been intense and its aftereffects will not be easy to cure, yet there is still hope for U.S. housing markets and the many businesses that depend on them. Real estate, as an industry, needs to explain those benefits of home ownership to a new generation of understandably skittish potential homeowners, bring back the sexiness of home ownership and recreate the American Dream in a way that's meaningful today. Home builders, mortgage brokers and Realtors intuitively understand this argument. But that understanding must be translated into action if home ownership is to regain its footing and brighten its faded glory. 

Don't know which city or area within Pinellas County you want to live? Contact me today and I can help you find the perfect fit. Pinellas County offers many different areas and I serve them all but not limited to Treasure Island, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Belleair, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St Petersburg, Pasadena, NE St Petersburg, Crystal Beach, Clearwater Beach, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madiera Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Sunset Beach, St Pete Beach, Boca Ciega Bay, Tierra Verde and Gulfport. Other areas and expertise include Pinellas Trail, Intracoastal Waters and Lakes for boating and/or fishing, luxury homes and condos, waterfront homes, beach homes and condos, 55+ communities, condos, condo-hotels townhomes, villas, and single family homes.

Danielle Kelley your Pinellas County Luxury Home and Condo specialist since 2000. 



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Don't know which city or area within Pinellas County you want to live? Contact me today and I can help you find the perfect fit. Pinellas County offers many different areas and I serve them all but not limited to Treasure Island, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Belleair, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, St Petersburg, Pasadena, NE St Petersburg, Crystal Beach, Clearwater Beach, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Madiera Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Sunset Beach, St Pete Beach, Boca Ciega Bay, Tierra Verde and Gulfport. Other areas and expertise include Pinellas Trail, Intracoastal Waters and Lakes for boating and/or fishing, luxury homes and condos, waterfront homes, beach homes and condos, 55+ communities, condos, condo-hotels townhomes, villas, and single family homes.

Danielle Kelley your Pinellas County Luxury Home and Condo specialist since 2000. 

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