Real Estate News

Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does That Mean for You?

Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy.

Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains it well by saying:

“Mortgage rates dropped even further this week as two main factors affecting today's mortgage market became more favorable. Inflation continued to ease while the Federal Reserve switched to a smaller interest rate hike. As a result, according to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.31% from 6.33% the previous week.”

So, what does that mean for your…

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Key Advantages Of Buying A Home Today

There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are specific reasons that make this housing market attractive for those who’ve thought about buying but have sidelined their search due to rising mortgage rates.

Buying a home in any market is a personal decision, and the best way to make that decision is to educate yourself on the facts, not following sensationalized headlines in the news today.  The reality is, headlines do more to terrify people thinking about buying a home than they do to clarify what’s actually going on with real estate.

Here are three reasons potential homebuyers should consider buying a…

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Download Our 2022-23 Winter Buyer's Guide

In today's fast-paced world, where answers are a Google search away there are some who may second-guess the benefits of hiring a real estate professional. The truth is, the addition of more information brings more confusion. Shows like Property Brothers, Fixer Upper,and dozens more on HGTV have given many a false sense of what it’s like to buy or sell a home.

Now more than ever, you need an expert on your side who is going to guide you toward your dreams and not let anything get in your way of achieving them. Buying or selling a home is definitely not something you want to DIY (Do It Yourself)! 

Here are just some of the reasons you need a real estate professional in your corner:

There’s More to Real Estate than Finding a House You Like Online…

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Should You Buy An Existing Home Or New Construction?

Finding the right home to purchase today is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers. With so few homes for sale and construction of newly built homes ramping up, you may be wondering if you should consider new construction in your search process. It’s a great question to ask, and one to look at from the pros and cons of what it means to buy a new home versus an existing one. Here are a few things to consider when making the best decision for your family.

New Construction  

When buying a new home, you can often choose more energy-efficient options. New appliances, new windows, a new roof, etc. These can all help lower your energy costs, which can add up to significant savings over time. With programs like ENERGY STAR, your home…

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The Crystal Lagoon At Epperson Ranch Now Open

The first official Crystal Lagoon in the United States is full steam ahead!  It recently opened at Epperson Ranch in Wesley Chapel.  At over seven acres in size, the lagoon is a transformative amenity that allows residents to live a coastal lifestyle just steps away from their front door.  With crystal clear blue water, sandy beaches, palm trees, a swim-up bar and recreational rentals, it’s easy to see how this incredible amenity helped distinguish Epperson Ranch as the 2019 Tampa Bay Builder's Association winner for community of the year!  Homes in Epperson Ranch are priced from $200,000 to $500,000 and are selling fast.  If you'd like more information about the Crystal Lagoon, Epperson Ranch, or any of the builders in the community, please give us a…

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Steve Eckhardt Earns NAR’s Military Relocation Professional Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:                      Steve Eckhardt

Company Name          Cornerstone Properties International

Telephone Number     (813) 929-3900

Email Address            steve@TheTampaMLS.com  

Website address          https://www.TheTampaMLS.com

Steve Eckhardt Earns NAR’s Military Relocation Professional Certification

Military Personnel and Veterans Benefit from Realtor® Expertise in Military Benefits, the Relocation Process, and Support

Tampa, Florida, July 18th, 2018 — Steve Eckhardt, the broker for Cornerstone Properties International has been awarded the nationally recognized Military Relocation Professional Certification.  The National Association of Realtors® awards the MRP…

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For The Third Consecutive Year Cornerstone Properties International Named One Of The Top Residential Real Estate Firms By The Tampa Bay Business Journal

Cornerstone Properties International has once again been named as one of the top residential real estate firms by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in their May issue.  TBBJ recognized Gulf Coast real estate firms from the four county area covering Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Sarasota, Bradenton, and North Port.

Cornerstone Properties International is one of leading real estate brokerages on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Company specializes in luxury homes and clientele, acquisition and disposition services, and residential and commercial properties. Steve Eckhardt is the exclusive affiliate for Leverage Global Partners, an international network of prestigious independent real estate companies and has been recognized by Who’s Who In…

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Channelside Development Means Big Growth For Tampa Bay

Channelside continues to promise big improvements to downtown Tampa, including updated roadways, new restaurants and stores, and hotels and homes. Tampa Bay’s economy is also certain to boom right along with Channelside, thanks to the new influx of jobs and commerce.

Channelside Development Soars

In 2015, the owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Vinik, announced a plan to redevelop the core of downtown Tampa by pledging a $2 billion investment, backed by Bill Gates through Cascade Investment.

Mr. Vinik bought Channelside Bay Plaza, and has since updated the storm water run-off and cable communication lines that service Channelside Drive. Vinik also plans to improve the roads in the area, and bring Channelside that much closer to his vision…

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Stunning Davis Islands Custom Home - 9 Ladoga, Tampa FL 33606

Brand new listing from Steve Eckhardt!  This stunning Davis Islands custom home is a timeless statement of elegance and architectural design. A two story block construction in finely crafted Mediterranean/Spanish Revival style with a distressed exterior finish. Featuring over 6,400 square feet of meticulous attention to detail, 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, a media/bonus room, and a pool. From the moment you enter the open foyer you notice the luxurious marble floors, tray ceilings, columns, arches, and the attention to detail that you would expect in a luxury home. The Tuscan inspired kitchen plays on contrasts with a modern stainless steel, commercial Wolf double convection oven with a gas cook top, Sub Zero refrigerator, dual dishwashers, refrigerated wine…

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South Tampa Schools Offer Stellar Education Close to Home

Residents of South Tampa not only benefit from gorgeous homes, prestigious neighborhoods, and being conveniently located near premium shopping and dining, they also have access to some of Tampa Bay’s best schools, both public and private.

Top South Tampa Public Schools

Named for Theodore Roosevelt and opened in 1926, Roosevelt Elementary School is one of South Tampa’s best schools for children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade.

Located on South Ferdinand Avenue, Roosevelt Elementary offers Spanish classes to its students, as well as ceramics, chorus, and computer arts as some of its extracurricular actives.

With a student body of under 700, Roosevelt was ranked 94.7% in statewide performance and boasted an average test score of 91.7 in…

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