Carrollwood - Vol. 2, Issue 7, July 2014 by Tampa Bay News & Lifestyles Magazine

Vol. 2, Issue 7, July 2014

Your neighborhood. Your magazine. The Premier “Shop Local” Community Magazine Directly Mailed To 15,000 Homes In Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene & Avila

Fitlife Foods – Building a Better You, One Meal at a Time By Alexis Selby Trade in fast food and freezers for fresh, made from scratch deliciousness at Fitlife Foods and experience just how great it feels to eat healthy! Offering a delicious selection of pre-packaged breakfasts, lunches dinners and snacks, Fitlife Foods takes the hassle

out of eating healthy, providing the perfect solution for those on the go. From busy moms to business professionals, Fitlife’s ready-to-go meals are great for those who want to maintain a well-balanced diet but don’t have the time or desire to spend hours upon hours in the kitchen preparing their See “Fitlife Foods” on page 26.

Discount Real Estate Listing, Zillow’s Flawed “Zestimates” and the Flood Insurance Crisis Real estate broker Keith Gordon is the co-owner of Florida’s largest discount real estate brokerage firm, ADDvantage Real Estate Services. Their website is GetMoreOffers.com. Keith and his partner, Erin Knorr, started ADDvantage in 2005 with the intention of building a “customer first” discount real estate brokerage. ADDvantage has grown to over 500 listings statewide with sales over $140 million in the past 12 months alone. With 475 homes sold last year, like many industry leaders, ADDvantage Real Estate and broker, Keith Gordon,

are mavericks. Keith says, “Our business has grown 400% in the last two years, supported by a highly-trained team of listing administrators and customer support staff, social media experts and proprietary software including advanced showing and offer technology.” Their system is 100% electronic which saves customers time and the planet, trees. “Our model is rather complex and a lot of work to manage because we are maintaining many listings, dealing with hundreds of agents a

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA FL PERMIT 1185

Out With The Old, In With The New...................3 Community News Briefs/Calendar......................5 Cornerstone Air, Heating & Plumbing..............8-9 Plantation Animal Hospital...........................12-13 Whole Foods Carrollwood..................................14 Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo...........................17 Tampa Advanced Dental Solutions – Dr. Davila...........19 Carrollwood Players Theatre.........................20-21 Local Authors Lizette Geisler & Abby Gatenby.......22-23

week, and we are busy.” ADDvantage lists homes in almost every MLS in Florida and sellers control 100% of the listing process. Unlike traditional agents, sellers choose how much commission to

offer buyers’ agents ranging from 14%, as well as setting their own price. The uniqueness of the service is allowing the seller to control all aspects, See “Get More Offers” on page 28.

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Out With The Old In With The NEW By Matt Selby As you all know, for the past couple months we have been running a contest for our readers. While we have been giving away free press level Tampa Bay Rays’ game tickets to the winners, our readers have given back to us as well. Literally thousands upon thousands of you have entered our contest. We do have 5 separate Neighborhood News and Lifestyles magazines here in the Bay area, so we knew we would get a pretty good response considering we are mailed to more than 80,000 homes in total but when we received over 10,000 entries in the first month, even we were surprised and humbled by the gigantic interaction. We engaged in countless email, phone and even face-to-face conversations with many of our readers. While it was great to hear how much

our readers love what we do, we always ask what they think we can do better. The usual response of wanting to see more coupons, more dining features and more pages is a given. Trust me guys, we want the same thing too! We did hear some things, however, that we can put into action right away! The first suggestion that we decided to put into action was a new logo. After at least 10 people said our logo looked dated it got us thinking about a change. After over 20 people suggested a fresh new look we had a meeting and decided to modernize our Neighborhood News and Lifestyles brand. My dad created the design for our logo using red block print in the 90s and let’s be honest, the logo screams 90s! We all know obnoxious, loud and in-your-face was “the thing” in the 90s but these days more and more companies are reap-

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

ing the benefits of brand recognition by incorporating clear, crisp logos. We wanted to go with something professional, clean and classy. Tony and Ashley Sica, a very talented husband and wife design team who just so happen to be a crucial part of our Neighborhood News and Lifestyles family came up with this new logo and we couldn’t be happier! We hope you like the new look. The second suggestion we took to heart dealt with the name of our website. Since we started this Rays’ tickets contest we’ve had in excess of 50,000 unique visitors to our website each month and over 500,000 page views! Again, while that number is fantastic, if we can do better we are going to do everything in our power to make that happen. Many readers told us the old website was too long and that was the primary cause for typos while searching for us. We decided to make it super easy. The new website is www.NNLFlorida.com and that changes our email as well to info@NNLFlorida.com for advertising and general information, and for editorial submissions you can email editorial@NNLFlorida.com. We hope you guys like these new changes as much as we do!

Neighborhood News & Lifestyles Directly mailed once a month to 15,000 households in zip codes 33618, 33624 & 33613 220 Safford Ave. S. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Phone: (813) 928-6124; Fax: (727) 942-2432 Advertising E-mail: info@nnlflorida.com Editorial E-mail: alexis@nnlflorida.com © 2014 Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by M Selby Publications, LLC. Publisher Matt Selby Advertising Sales Jared Nager (Manager) Linda Viega Mike Bird Accounting Manager Alexis Selby Marketing & Development Ashley Knoblach Art Director Tony Sica

Editor Alexis Selby Correspondents Erin Aldrich Julie Kanehl Marcy Sanford Pamela Sica Katie Thomas Kim Thomas Dara Tucker Deborah Bostock-Kelley

Nothing that appears in Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles may be reproduced, whether wholly or in part, without permission. Opinions expressed by Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles writers are their own and do not reflect the publisher’s opinion. The management of Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is always happy to accept outside editorial submissions to the paper. Please call for outside editorial submission and advertisement deadlines. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will consider previously non-published outside editorial submissions if they are double spaced, typed and less than 500 words. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject all outside editorial submissions and makes no guarantees regarding publication dates. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles will not return unsolicited editorial materials. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles reserves the right to edit and/or reject any advertising. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the actual cost of the advertising space itself, not for the validity of any claims made by its advertisers. Carrollwood Neighborhood News & Lifestyles is published by M Selby Publications, LLC.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Community News Briefs Congratulations Jennie Serrentini! By Alexis Selby Dedication. Hard Work. Perseverance. No one knows these three words better than local Tampa Bay resident Jennie Serrentini. Committing herself to a goal, a year after the birth of her first child Jennie has proudly gained National recognition as a top fitness competitor. Placing 2nd in the WBFF Fitness competition in Orlando and proudly earning her WBFF Pro card, Jennie will be competing this year in the WBFF World’s in Las Vegas. An inspiration to all, Jennie will proudly represent Tampa Bay this coming August. As owner of local workout studio Boot Camp Madness Fitness, Jennie has made it her mission to not only keep herself in shape, but has motivated others to do the same, pushing her clients to reach their fitness goals and helping them to maintain a healthy, fit lifestyle. Since opening her studio over a year ago with partner Maria Wasp Callahan, the success stories have been endless.

you where ever you want. So dream big and kill your goals, and when you’re done with those, move on to the next. I’m excited to help you get there, so when you’re ready to commit, so I am. Lets do this!” A testament to their success, Boot Camp Madness Fitness has re-

cently moved to a newer, bigger facility to better accommodate the growing number of clients. Their new location is 5910 Pine Hill Rd Suite 7 in New Port Richey. For more information please call (727) 859-6395 or email bootcampmadnessfitness@gmail.com.

Community Calendar Upcoming Events at the Jimmie B. Keel Library

Jennie says, “What an amazing feeling being on that stage. Hard work pays off and feeling the empowerment that comes along with it is indescribable. Be proud ladies and go for your dreams. Nothing is impossible, especially when you have heart. Your love for what you do will take

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Summer Programs for Children: Wednesdays & Fridays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. 7/2 – Movie Matinee: Meet the Robinsons 7/9 – Fizz, Boom, Pop! 7/11 – Giving Tree Music Community Drum Circle 7/16 – It’s Alive! 7/18 – Lost World Reptiles 7/23 – Weather Warriors 7/25 – We’ve got The Whole World in Our Hands 7/30 – Bingorama Teens 7/24 – Hunger Games 7/31 – Games Galore!

Adults 7/10 – Raw Fusion: The Art of Delicious Nutrition 7/17 – Introduction to Home Remedies 7/24 – The Red Planet in Science and Science Fiction The Jimmie B. Keel Library is located at 2902 W. Bearss Avenue in Tampa. The Library is open Mon. – Wed. 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Thurs. 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun. 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. For more information please call (813) 273-3652 or visit www.hcplc.org.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

By Marcy Sanford Reliable, dependable and honest, with over 50 years of industry experience Cornerstone Air, Heating & Plumbing sets the standard for plumbing and HVAC service. Taking pride in their workmanship, no matter the project size, their skilled technicians will go above and beyond to deliver an exceptional service experience, and will never take your trust for granted. If you are in need of air, heating, or plumbing services you can rely on

JULY 2014

Cornerstone to get the job done right, and their team of trained professionals will always keep your safety and comfort in mind! During her 13 years working in commercial insurance, Dana Spears had witnessed a lot of unprofessional behavior. She says, “The business I worked in was very customer service oriented but I would see many customers being treated unfairly or not getting honest information from other companies. When I started Cornerstone Air, Heating & Plumbing in

2006 with my business partner, we both knew we wanted a company that stood by old school values of customer service, one that put our customers first and made sure they were a priority. Everyone on our staff believes in treating our customers fairly and honestly, and make sure they get white glove service throughout their entire service call.” Thanks to their dependable, friendly, honest service, Cornerstone Air, Heating & Plumbing has become the area’s top choice to call for heating, air and plumbing issues. From new equipment installations to emergency repairs, their team of certified technicians and plumbing specialists blend innovation with old-school values to deliver 100-percent satisfaction. In fact, many of their technicians have earned their NATE certification, the highest HVAC certification in the business. At Cornerstone, they always keep your budget in mind and treat you with the respect you deserve. No matter if it’s a broken water heater or an air conditioner that’s not working, they will restore your comfort quickly, dependably, and affordably. They offer a firm pricing plan that includes flatrate diagnostic charges and flat-rate repair pricing. They don’t charge by the

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

hour; what you are quoted in advance is what you pay. No gimmicks, hidden fees, or exceptions. “After I contacted Cornerstone, Dana, emailed me right back and I set up an appointment for the following week and received confirmation by email,” writes one customer. “About four hours before the service appointment, I received a reminder call to confirm I would be home. The technician, Scott, arrived on time and in a uniform. He was pleasant, professional, and answered my many questions clearly and to the point. We have had many A/C techs and companies in the last 30 years. This company was the most efficient. Scott was "present" the entire time he was in our home, not taking or making phone calls and not talking about other customers or taking a smoke break. Most important of all for me

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

• Plumbing repairs • Plumbing maintenance Another happy customer writes, “Cornerstone was on time and called ahead to let us know the technician was coming. He did quick and excellent work on the shower faucet. Everything looks and works great and he was very professional courteous and helpful.” Cornerstone services all brands and is always happy to provide you with a free estimate on installations or a second opinion on repairs. They offer 5-year, no interest financing and this summer are also offering a special was what he did NOT do – he did not say, “Boy, your last tech didn't know anything about a/c!” or “this equipment is really junk, you really got ripped off!" Instead, he gave me information about how each unit was performing and made concrete suggestions without trying to sell me. For example, the main unit has a UV light. He showed me the bulb, which no one had before, and explained how it works, how he knew it was almost worn out, and suggested I replace it then or in the near future – no hard sell and no horror stories about germs taking over the house. My thanks to Cornerstone and Scott.”

on water heaters. Born and raised in the area, it is important to Dana that Cornerstone be known as a company that her community can trust. She and her husband, James Spears, also support local charities including Oasis Pregnancy Center, Relay for Life, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. For honesty, reliability and expertise, give Cornerstone Air, Heating & Plumbing a call today at (813) 949-4445. You can also get more information about the specials and services they provide at their web site CornerstoneAirFla.com.

Cornerstone’s skilled technicians are there for you 24-hours a day whenever you need help. They make it a point to get to emergency calls within the same day so that you can get back to living your life. Cornerstone’s comprehensive residential and commercial offerings include: • Air conditioning & heating installation • Air conditioning & heating repairs • HVAC maintenance • HVAC retrofits & upgrades • Indoor air quality consultations • Air filtration installations & repairs • Plumbing installation

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

By Alexis Selby Pets are so much more than just animals; they are family! They are always there to provide affection and support and love you unconditionally, no matter what. So, when it comes to their health, as a loving parent, it is up to you to find them a doctor who will treat them the way you would; providing them with the most compassionate, comprehensive care in welcoming, relaxing environment. You will find all this and more at Plantation Animal Hospital, where doctors Rhonda Johnson, DVM, and Ellen Bishai, DVM along with their wonderful staff, will care for your furry friend with knowledge, professionalism and above all – love! In addition to cats and dogs, Plantation Animal Hospital treats the occasional ferret, gerbil, and many other smaller animals. At Plantation Animal Hospital the doctors are extremely knowledgeable

JULY 2014

regarding the various facets of veterinary medicine and together have many years of experience working as Veterinarians in the Tampa Bay Area. Dr. Johnson and Dr. Bishai are very passionate about what they do and their level of expertise is perfectly complemented by their love for animals. Adding to the friendly atmosphere at Plantation Animal Hospital is the exceptional staff, which will assist you in providing quality, customized care for the individual needs of you and your pet(s).

Dr. Johnson Growing up in California, Dr. Johnson attended the University of California at Davis for her undergraduate studies. Later attending Iowa State University in 1995, she graduated with honors with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and a Masters degree in Immunology and Microbiology and was the recipient of many

academic awards and scholarships. After graduation, Dr. Johnson moved back to her husband’s home state of Florida and has lived in the Tampa Bay area since. She has practiced in St. Petersburg and Tampa for nearly 20 years and currently lives in Carrollwood and loves having a practice so close to home. Dr. Johnson strives to be a lifelong learner and loves all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery. She is especially interested in chronic ear issues and dental health.

Dr. Bishai Recently joining Plantation Animal Hospital this past October, Dr. Bishai completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida, earning her BS in Biology and a minor in music history. Prior to enrolling in veterinary school, she attended the University of Florida, where she completed a doctorate degree in Cellular Microbiology in 2007. Upon graduation, Dr. Bishai decided to fulfill her lifelong dream and enrolled in veterinary school, and completed her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012. Graduating from veterinary school, she returned home to Tampa. Dr. Bishai loves all aspects of veterinary

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

medicine (but admits she has a soft spot for kitties) and is always striving to learn more and she stays up to date on the most current therapies. She enjoys volunteering for spay and neuter days at local shelters and cat rescues whenever she can. In addition to spending time with her own furry feline friends – Fuzzy Man, Rogue, and Chimera – she also enjoys playing and listening to live music and currently plays the Viola in the University of Tampa Orchestra. “I enjoy working here a lot,” says Dr. Bishai. “Everyone here is truly invested in taking care of the animals, not just in a medical capacity, but in supporting the family. Everyone cares about everyone. That makes a huge difference!” The doctors and staff truly care about the wellbeing of their patients and believe that properly educating the pet owners is key to having a healthy pet. Dr. Johnson says, “Good communication is super important because we are dealing with pets that can’t express themselves and it is up to us to figure out what is wrong and how we can help them. We try really hard to educate “parents” to the best of our ability. We currently give out a puppy/kitty educational package and

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Dr. Johnson and Dr. Bishai are very passionate about what they do and their level of expertise is perfectly complemented by their love for animals. Together with their exceptional staff, they offer extraordinary customized care for the individual needs of you and your pet(s). are working on putting together a new client hand-out folder, so whenever a new client comes in we can educate them on what they should do about heartworms and other illnesses, as well as what we offer, how to select a good food for your pet and other important things that every pet owner should know.” Dr. Bishai stresses the importance of heartworm prevention, in not just dogs but cats as well. She says, “All of your animals need to be on heartworm prevention in the state of Florida, even cats.” Heartworms are spread by contact with mosquitoes; therefore cats are just as susceptible as dogs, especially if you have an outside cat. She adds “Fleas may be annoying, but heartworms can be fatal. It is a lot easier and much less expensive to prevent heartworms than it is to treat them.” Although, if your dog or cat does have a case of heartworms, the doctors have the necessary medicine and expertise to tackle just about any case and will do all they can to save your pet and bring them back to full health.

At Plantation Animal Hospital the doctors understand that not everything is going to be the same for every pet, which is why they tailor each service to your pet’s individual needs and work hard with you to develop a unique program just for them. “Everything from early detection blood work all the way down to how often we recommend dentals, is greatly dependant on the type, breed and lifestyle of the pet,” says Dr. Johnson. Plantation Animal Hospital offers a wide range of services, including full, comprehensive surgical services, diagnostic imaging, cytology, a wide range of dental services (both anesthetic and non-anesthetic), 1 year and 3 year vaccines, boarding (for their clients only), annual and bi annual wellness programs, microchip placement with registration included, and prescription diet plans. They also carry a variety of flea and heartworm prevention products and have a full pharmacy in the clinic, as well as an in house laboratory. Plantation Animal Hospital offers cold laser therapy, which very few clinics in the area offer. A relatively new technology,

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

cold laser therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses lasers to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation, which in turn promotes wound healing and helps to reduce inflammation. It is also used to treat dogs with arthritis and soft tissue injuries. For all of their surgical procedures, the doctors use multistage anesthesia and insert IV catheters to ensure your pet is getting all the necessary fluids. During the procedure your pet is monitored closely, and a technician is always present, whose sole purpose is to monitor blood pressure, EKG trace, heart rate, temperature and saturated oxygen. They also use the Bear Hugger external warming blanket – the same type of warming system that is used in human medicine – to ensure

your pet is comfortable the entire time. As you can see, at Plantation Animal Hospital your pet is truly treated as one of the family! Dr. Johnson says, “There isn’t a single member of my staff that doesn’t treat these pets as if they were their own. Our favorite part about what we do is working with the animals and helping them; when we actually see success and say ‘wow, what we did made a huge difference’.” Plantation Animal Hospital is located at 4585 Gunn Hwy. in Tampa. Their hours are Mon., Tues. Thurs. and Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wed. and Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. For more information please call (813) 968-3393 or visit www.PlantationPetVet.com.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

The Truth About Oils There’s no avoiding it, fat is an essential part of our diets. Although it has been demonized over the years by a variety of studies and popular diets, we tend to forget that the body requires some healthy fats to function properly and efficiently. But with all the conflicting information buzzing around, how we determine which fats are “good?” While that question has a complex and long winded answer, I am going to focus on a single ingredient that can help reduce fat intake to a healthy level. Oils. Are they good or bad? Currently the USDA recommends 2030% of our daily calories should come from fat, but less than 10% should be from saturated fats. So what does this mean? All oils, regardless of their source, are 100% fat. They carry 9 calories per gram of liquid fat with no other nutrients. Think about it this way: adding two tablespoons of olive oil to your dinner is the fat equivalent of eating an entire fast food cheeseburger! Now think about the recipes you make for dinner, you know, the ones that call for “¼ cup quality olive oil” and the like. Since a

JULY 2014

¼ cup is 4 tablespoons, adding that to your meal is like adding two whole cheeseburgers! The follow up question is this: “Are all fats the same?” The simple answer is no, but when it comes to oils, they can still be detrimental to health! Coconut oil has about 28g of saturated fat in two tablespoons, making it 60% or more saturated fat. Using the USDA scale and following a diet that has less than 10% saturated fat based on a 2,000 calorie diet, you should consume no more than 20g of saturated fat per day. So drizzling two tablespoons of coconut oil will cause you to exceed this recommendation -- and that’s assuming you don’t have any other saturated fat through the entire day! So what can you do to start cutting some of these oils out? Follow these simple steps to help restructure your approach to fat intake: 1. Make your own salad dressings and condiments. One of the greatest culprits in the oil world are dressings and a variety of condiments. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes to find Health Starts Here oil-free dressing recipes such as: “Low-Fat

Creamy ‘Caesar’ Dressing,” “Strawberry-Balsamic Dressing,” or view a helpful “Learn to Cook: Healthy Salad Dressing” tutorial. 2. Leave the oil out of your pan. There are some great online videos on how to “dry” saute, roast or grill without oils. You can also attend a free Health Starts Here cooking class at Whole Foods Market in Carrollwood for a live tutorial. 3. Talk to your server when dining out. A lot of restaurants go hog wild with their oil use. Discuss with your server about which dishes are lower in oil or oil-free. Ask questions like, “Can you grill this fish without oil?” or “Do do you have a dressing that’s made without a lot of oil?” Sometimes a simple gesture like opting for some balsamic vinegar on your salad is a great way to take back your health! Nicole Sampson is the Healthy Eating Specialist at Whole Foods Market Carrollwood. She is a great resource for free, easy tips on how to eat healthy on a budget. Keep an eye out for her free classes and store tours at wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/carrollwood or email her at nicole.sampson@wholefoods.com to set up a healthy eating education event for your school or workplace!

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Kids Can Learn from the Pros at the Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo Professional Athletes, Trainers and Sports Experts to Offer Interactive Experience; Derrick Brooks featured as Keynote Speaker On Saturday, July 19, 2014, kids of all ages with big league dreams will have the opportunity to learn from the pros at the annual Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo presented by The Skills Center, a non-profit, sport-based youth development organization. Held at the Tampa Convention Center, this one-day event will gather professional athletes, trainers and sports experts to offer an interactive experience where youth sport teams can learn new skills both on and off the field. “We wanted to create an event that would demonstrate the importance of positive youth sports in the Tampa Bay area and provide a day of sports-focused educational workshops, trainings and resources that the community really needs,” said Ken Roberts, Director of Business Development for The Skills Center and Chair of the Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo committee. “This is a great opportunity for kids, parents, coaches and athletic program administrators to learn from the best.” The Expo will feature Interactive Skills Zones where professional sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Buccaneers, Lightning and Storm, will put on a series of scheduled sport clinics and demonstrations for girls and boys ages 6 to 15. In addition to baseball, football, baseball and hockey, other zones will feature top trainers and professional athletes from soccer, tennis, golf, cheer & dance, volleyball and more.

While the kids participate in the Interactive Skills Zones, parents, coaches, and youth program administrators will have the opportunity to attend a series of on-site educational workshops. Presented by local and national youth sports organizations and leading sport experts, the workshops will address topics including: positive coaching techniques, positive sport based youth development, sports injury prevention, sports nutrition, preparing your student athlete for college, and much more. At the Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo, Derrick Brooks, legendary Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker and 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as the keynote speaker and share the impact that academics and sports have played in his life. This year, Tampa native and NBA-player John Henson, along with a team of coaches will conduct The John Henson Experience, a one

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

day clinic at the Expo to bring awareness and resources to support qualified coaches in the Tampa Bay area. “Together, we are creating jobs for qualified coaches to be yearround role models for our youth. The basketball camp is just the beginning of the impact we hope to make,” said John Henson. Current and retired professional athletes and coaches from local professional sport teams will also be on hand to meet and greet fans in the Expo’s Autograph Zone. “Sports can benefit our kids and our communities in so many ways, teaching them life and leadership skills that will serve them well on the playing field, in the classroom and throughout their lives,” said Roberts This event is being sponsored by Bright House Networks, the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Storm, The Skills Center, Up2Us, The DeBartolo Family Foundation, C3 Media and The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. The Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the Tampa Convention Center. Doors open at 9 a.m. with Skills Zones, workshops and other events scheduled throughout the day. Admission is just $7 for individual tickets and $100 for teams in advance. Registration is now open at www.tbyse.com. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available. To learn more

about the Tampa Bay Youth Sports Expo and to see the full schedule of events, visit www.TBYSE.com or call 813-703-1324 ext. 105. About the Tampa Bay Sports Youth Expo TBYSE is a one day interactive, team oriented event to educate, train and empower athletes, parents, coaches and sports administrators on effective youth development through sports. About The Skill Center Formed in 2007, The Skills Center’s mission is to intentionally utilize athletics as the mechanism to accelerate academic achievement, build character, and promote health & fitness for young people ages 3-18 in Tampa Bay. Using sports as a powerful learning tool, the organization teaches youth how to transfer the skills learned naturally through sports to other environments in their lives like school, home and community.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

Tampa Advanced Dental Solutions – Dr. Davila, DDS, MS, CDT, FACP By Marcy Sanford Since 1993 Tampa Advanced Dental Solutions has restored thousands of smiles. If you are having pain or discomfort with teeth that need to be restored or replaced, you can trust Dr. Edgar Davila, DDS, MS, CDT, FACP and the rest of his friendly, caring staff to rejuvenate your smile with professionalism and expertise. They are the area’s leading experts in the art of dental restoration and have access to an in house lab and state-of-the art digital imaging systems that will have you smiling again in no time. Your teeth go through a lot of wear and tear throughout your life and there are many reasons as to why they may need replacing or restoring, including overcrowding (which may lead to gum disease), sleep disorders, neglect, stress along the jaw line, trauma from accidents, and diseases such as oral cancer, or congenital defects. Whatever the reason, Tampa

JULY 2014

Advanced Dental is here to help you restore your smile and regain your confidence, providing you with any Prosthodontics procedures you may need, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, and complete and removable dentures and implants. Their other services include root canals, bridges, orthodontics and Invisalign, TMJ treatment, whitening, fillings, bonding, sealants, gum treatments, sleep apnea help, Periodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics. At Tampa Advanced Dental they do an excellent job of creating beautiful replacement teeth that look like your real ones and can also reshape, restain, or polish old, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth to make them look as good as new. You will look and feel better when you have a brighter, fuller smile, and as an added bonus you may find that you snore less and breathe or swallow more easily. Tampa Advanced Dental patients tend to be amazed at the results.

“I came to Dr. Davila so that he would give me an honest opinion of my teeth,” says Maria. “It had been almost 5 years since I lost nearly all my teeth. I was using a removable partial, which was making my life miserable; they were unstable and it was simply embarrassing. Dr. Davila was honest, professional and dedicated. After he did a complete evaluation at his office – which had the most advanced, and up-to-date technology – he told me he could help me. That’s exactly what he did. He changed my lifestyle. He placed 5 dental implants and a fixed denture. This meant I would never have to remove my teeth. I am so grateful to God first, then to Dr. Davila because he was able to help me when I felt no one else could. The entire process was just great. If you are looking for a dentist who will be dedicated to you and your treatment needs this is the one.” At Tampa Advanced Dental Solutions their patients are their number

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

one priority and their patient education consultants will guide you through your treatment plans and answers all of your questions and concerns. They provide the highest level of patient care during every step of their patient’s treatment plan, whether it is a single tooth implant, multiple teeth implants, or an entire set of teeth. And, because they know your time is valuable and that mouth issues can be embarrassing and painful, patients are able to receive complete, fast, and convenient treatment all in one location.

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Their state of the art laboratory allows them to provide superior service quickly and efficiently. “Because we have an in-house full service dental laboratory we are able to match crowns and implants at our office,” says Dr. Davila. “Often, we are able to replace a crown the same day as the initial visit, which means immediate relief for our patients.” Your prosthetics will be created by highly trained dental technologists and technicians who are knowledgeable in conventional prosthesis fabrication as well as the newer CAD/CAM methods. The full spectrum of dental materials is incorporated into your prosthetics based on current research and your dental needs. The staff at Tampa Advanced Dental prides themselves on being able to help their patients as quickly

and easily as possible and their goal is to make sure that your mouth is healthy and you are happy. One of the many ways they are able to do so is with the All-on-4 Procedure, an advanced alternative to traditional dentures that will have you showing off your pearly whites in no time. With this procedure you will receive your implants and beautiful new teeth all in the same day. After the initial consultation, the All-on4 Procedure will replace a full arch of teeth in one day, without bone grafts, using only four implants, which can save you time and money. Issues with your teeth can affect every area of your life and patients come from all over the area because they know Dr. Davila and his team are experts in their field. When you visit their office you can be confident that you are receiving the finest and most advanced in dental care. Tampa Advanced Dental is located at 4712 North Armenia, Suite 100. They are open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you’re experiencing discomfort with your teeth or have ones that need to be replaced, give Tampa Advanced Dental a call today at (813) 872-9313. You can also find more information about their services by visiting www.TampaSmiles.net.

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

Theatre Showcases Local Playwrights, Hopes No Longer to be Carrollwood’s Best Kept Secret By Deborah Bostock-Kelley After an incredible three-day run, One Act Weekend has passed and Carrollwood Players Theatre is hoping to have gained new audiences for upcoming shows. First time attendee, Rodney Wade perfectly summarized the eight short plays that debuted at One Act Weekend on May 30 through June 1 at Carrollwood Players Theatre, 4333 Gunn Highway in Tampa. “It was like channel surfing,” said Rodney. “It was like going from one television show to another television show and you’re picking little snippets out of each one and moving on. I really enjoyed it.” Whether you were hoping for knee-slapping comedy, a little funnybone tickling, sexy role-playing, a romantic interlude, or to have your heart ripped out and stomped on repeatedly, One Act Weekend did not disappoint. Eight local playwrights with diverse backgrounds, writing styles and

JULY 2014

themes sat in the audience listening to the audience critique the blood, sweat and tears that they poured into their original One Act scripts. Featured short plays were Love is a 4 Letter Word by Arnold Kane, Cradle Robber by Deborah Bostock-Kelley, What’s Your Status by Shaina Sine, Five Days in Calcutta by Fred Perry, Greater Good by Donna Hoke, Legos for Tim by Marc S. Sanders, The Dance Lesson by Michael Cote and The Fall of Princess Luna by Bob Moran. For most, it was the first time their work had ever been performed for public scrutiny. The stage, usually beautifully decorated for the production being featured, was bare sans a few set design pieces and a velvet black curtain. Instead, the One Acts relied strictly on the talent of the actors and the most minimalistic use of props to bring the playwright’s words to life. Playwright Marc Sanders, who took on the timely topic of bullying, was in awe of how well his director cap-

From Left to Right: Director Mike Cote, Ashley Kix and Joe SanFilippo Photo credit James Cass, Picture This of Palma Ceia tured his vision. He says, “To see your script come to life on stage is the highest form of flattery that you can imagine. It’s an incredible experience.” Eric Misener, first-time director of Marc’s heart-wrenching drama said,

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

“To me, the most interesting thing about directing is I can see everything as it comes together and it is like making a soup or stew.” You have all these ingredients – your actors, your set pieces, your props,

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

From Left to Right: Connor Warrell, Rosemary Robinson, Dennis Johnson Photo credit James Cass, Picture This of Palma Ceia your sound and lighting – and hopefully they all come together in a way that is exciting and appetizing to the audience. In addition to new playwrights, directors and actors, the theatre itself welcomed many new faces who discovered the theatre because of the promotion of One Act Weekend. “This was my first one act show. Some of them had me in tears and some of them were so funny,” said attendee Jackie Thorn. “I really liked the second one. It hit so many things – religion, gays, the unfairness of things and love.” Thorn referred to Cradle Robber

where a homophobic mother interfered with a lesbian couple’s adoption. Susan Enevoldsen also attended the theatre for the first time said, “It was a nice variety and I’m glad the dog is okay.” Susan referenced a drug-overdosed elderly dog in Five Days in Calcutta. The many volunteers that make up Carrollwood Players Theatre hope that limited time special events like One Act Weekend will help the community discover the nonprofit that has been showcasing local talent since 1981. Theatre-goer Tom Bostock wished

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

more people knew how affordable it was to see a live production at the theatre. “Carrollwood Players is like getting the Straz at affordable, realistic prices. You get a huge bang for your buck,” he said, “And with a discount for seniors, it’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.” Housed in the Plantation Plaza shopping complex since 1993, Carrollwood Players Theatre offers the public everything from the One Acts, tense dramas and slapstick bedroom farces to musicals, Carrollwood Idol, Actor’s Showcase, Life Amplified, and the improv troupe Nine and Numb, among others. Despite being named the Best Community Theater Company in Tampa during the 2013 BroadwayWorld.com Tampa Awards and winning Best Actor and Actress in a Play, Best Play, Best Set Design and Best Set, courtesy of online voting fans, the nonprofit theatre struggles not to be one of Carrollwood’s longest and best-kept secrets. With plush comfy couches in the lobby area, giving guests an opportunity to relax and talk with friends before the show, and at intermission and dollar concessions, Carrollwood Players Theatre is inviting to all ages. “There is something for every taste,” said One Act producer, Frank

Stinehour. “We are one of the last theatres to cater to the seniors in the area. We take the time to get to know you and try to make your experience one that you will feel at home and want to come back again and again.” On Sunday night, after bows were taken, the stage lights faded to black, and performers, back in street clothes, joined the crew to put furniture and props back into their proper places, One Acts artistic director and stage manager James Cass looked at the empty stage and briefly sighed. There is never a moment’s rest for the weary when you live for theatre. He knew there was at least a longday and late-night’s worth of custom set design needed for the production of The Cemetery Club beginning June 13. “I’m very pleased the way it went. The audience enjoyed the shows and everybody worked very well together,” said James. “I want to give a big thanks to Mike Cote. Without him, I would have been real deep in stuff back there. I appreciate him and everybody else that gave me help.” The Carrollwood Players Theatre is located at 4333 Gunn Highway in Tampa. For more information or a list of upcoming shows please visit www.CarrollwoodPlayers.org.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

Local Authors Lizette Geisler and Abby Gatenby Each Publish Their Own Inspirational Children’s Book My Gift to the World By Lizette Geisler Like fingerprints, snowflakes and trees, each of us has a unique set of traits and talents, which I call “gifts.” I was trying to figure out my answer to the question, “What is my gift to the world?” I always knew my mom's gift to the world was her Music. That is her passion and love. You can see it in her face. She radiates the love of playing the piano and teaching. At the same time I could see the happiness it brings to others. I wanted to find mine. Now I know why it took me awhile. I was trying to fit myself in a box. Either I am a life coach, helping people achieve their dreams or I teach children. Now I can see I was meant to put both of my passions together. Having taught in both public and private elementary schools for years, and as a contributing author for the book, It’s All About Kids: Every Child Deserves a Teacher of the Year,

JULY 2014

I have noticed that at the beginning of the school year, we always talk about what the students want to be when they grow up and what kind of jobs they would like to do. And I began thinking, what is really important are not the jobs that are out there, but how do we best identify and nurture into full blossoming our children’s gifts, their unique traits that make them so special? Every child (and adult) has a unique set of traits and talents, which I call “gifts.” When you are aware of them – either as a parent or a teacher - it will help you guide them toward their purpose in life, what they have the capacity to give to the world as a service, job, or career. We all know that when you give to others what you’re naturally good at, your own unique gifts, then you’re more likely to be happy . . . and others will be, too! That’s because each person you touch will be able to feel your enthusiasm and passion for life coming through in what you give.

I want children to know that they each are a unique masterpiece. They have a gift to give to the world. Just like my book is my gift to the world. I explain to my Kindergarten students that your gift to the world is something you do that brings a smile to your face and brings a smile to others. I wanted to write a book in which I could talk to students about the importance of discovering their own

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

unique gifts. My Gift to the World will hopefully inspire all children to grow in self-confidence and self-worth, by recognizing we are each blessed with special gifts that expand joy when they are shared with the world! "A must-read! This book will inspire every child to discover their unique gift and share it with the world,” says Debbie Happy Cohen, author of I Don't Think So! and

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Reach Your Stars! For more information or to purchase My Gift to the World, please call (813) 514-7098 or (813) 855-9399, email cozette60@yahoo.com or visit

www.MyGiftsToTheWorld.com. If you would like to have an autographed copy for a special child in your life, please include childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and information in comment section during transaction.

"Archie the Lucky Duck"

cause, although he had an arrow through his body, he could still fly 6 feet in the air. We set a time for the rescue and I went about the business of finding people to come out after a long day at work to help rescue this

By Abby Gatenby This time last year, as my walking group and I were walking around the Carrollwood Country Club Golf Course, we came across a mama duck and her 11 ducklings. Right behind her stood a duck with an arrow through his body. It was an alarming and pathetic sight. I vowed to myself that I would find someone to help the duck. After many hours of phone calls, I finally found a gentleman who calls himself "Wildlife Joe". He was already aware of this duck and had tried to capture him several times before. I asked what I could do to help with the rescue and he told me he needed at least 12 other people to surround the pond where the duck lives. He would be difficult to catch be-

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

Muscovy duck. I called on friends, and my husband who works at Moffitt sent out an email to people in his lab. When the evening of the rescue came, it looked like rain would arrive and abort our efforts. I couldn't imagine that enough people would show up to help. Much to my surprise 50 people arrived in cars and by foot to rescue the duck who now was known as Archie. A team from Bay News 9 even showed up to film the event. It took two hours, with many folks wading into the pond to closely surround Archie. In the end, Archie was captured and taken to Blue Pearl Veteri-

narians. They stitched him up and added antibiotics to his food. After that, Archie was sent to a duck rehab and, a week or so later, was brought back to his pond. Neighbors who live on the pond say that he is alive and well and no worse for the wear. This was such a wonderful and satisfying moment in my life that I wrote a picture book based on the event titled "Archie the Lucky Duck". Archie the Lucky Duck is available on Amazon.com. For more information please call Abby Gatenby at (813) 963-2211.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

“Fitlife Foods” Continued from page 1 meals each week. Instead, Fitlife Foods does all the work for you, creating meals that not only taste great, but are actually good for you as well. Their chef-inspired dishes are made will all natural ingredients and are expertly selected to energize people in their daily lives. “All the meals are preservative free and additive free, with no added hormones or antibiotics,” says Emily Parisey, the area wellness coordinator for Fitlife Foods. There are no lengthy chemicals or artificial fillers – you can actually pronounce our ingredients – so you know exactly what is going into your body.” Taking Tampa Bay by storm, since opening the first location in South Tampa in 2011, Fitlife Foods has become a local sensation and in the past three years has expanded to five locations throughout the bay. “I started Fitlife Foods with the goal of helping people to do amazing things in their life with powerfully good prepared meals,” says Founder and local Tampa resident David Osterweil. “People are time starved and they have high standards for food these days. As a 4th

JULY 2014

generation Tampa native, starting this business in Tampa was a priority for me personally. I am incredibly passionate about what we are doing in this community and the way that the Tampa Bay area has continued to evolve over the last several years.” Open 7 days a week, your local Fitlife Foods in Carrollwood is conveniently located in the Grand Plaza at 14407 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa, making it easier than ever to pick up your meals in between your busy schedule, whether you are on the way home from work, in between appointments or out running errands. “People can dine in, place an order online, call ahead or come in and shop, whatever is most convenient,” says Emily. At the heart of their business is their full culinary center, which runs 24 hours a day 7 days a week and always has someone on staff making the meals, preparing the sauces and overseeing operations. This enables Fitlife Foods to offer only the freshest ingredients and quality foods that are guaranteed to taste great! David says, “We actually come up with the name before we develop a dish. No one wants to eat sprouts, kale with a side of tofu. People want to eat Supercharged Chicken with a sweet orange honey glaze. It just so

happens it’s dairy free, gluten free and has 350 calories and 43g of protein. Start your stopwatch the next time you decide you just want to cook a sweet potato, broccoli and chicken as you head to the grocery store. Do the same thing when you come to Fitlife to pick up Supercharged Chicken. My guess is that it will be the best return on time you could ever have in your life.” Using nutrient-rich foods, the chefs come up with unique combinations that are truly one-of-a-kind to the Fitlife brand. Emily says, “We put a lot of time and care into preparing the spices and sauces and come up with ways on how to keep the dishes healthy while maintaining the flavor profile. By doing this we are able to offer dishes that are full in flavor, but still leaner. In our Mac and cheese, for example, we use carrots, onions and whole grains so you are actually getting a full serving of veggies; and the best part is, it still tastes like Mac and cheese!” “I don’t believe in the health food industry, I believe in the good food industry; it just needs to have

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

Founder David Osterweil real ingredients, be balanced in terms of carbs, proteins and fats with the right amount of sodium and be in the proper portion size,” says David. “After all that, you hurt yourself more by worrying about the details. Just eat balanced and move on to what’s really important in life.” At Fitlife Foods they offer options for every lifestyle and diet, from gluten

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

free, dairy free and paleo, to low carb and high protein. 70% of their menu is gluten free and the knowledgeable staff works with a lot of people who are overweight and trying to get in shape, as well as those who are looking for low sodium options; they also are able to cater to pre-diabetics and full diabetics. Everybody can benefit from eating balanced meals. Fitlife offers three different portion sizes to choose from – small, medium and large – that are perfectly individualized for every taste and lifestyle. David says, “I see a lot more members of our armed forces in our stores, as well as people referred by different hospital dietitians, personal trainers, doctors and people who just want to save time and eat food that does amazing things for them. The reality is, all of these professionals need a delicious and craveable solution for their clients/patients, etc. since they are not able to watch over their shoulder 24 /7. I developed Fitlife with our incredible team to be that solution for people, beyond the timesaving benefits.” At Fitlife Foods all of their meals come in BPA-free reusable plastic containers, that are microwave safe and they even have a recycle rewards program, where for every 20 containers you bring back you get a free meal!

Project U Wellness Coaching At Fitlife Foods their goal is not just to help you eat healthier, but also to help you live a healthy lifestyle by incorporating proper nutrition into a well-balanced routine, complete with exercise and smart choices. David says, “I have heard a number of times that "you can’t out run a bad diet." As a runner, I believe both [diet and exercise] are essential. Project U, their customized weight loss and wellness solution is specially designed to help you be your best. Whatever you’re looking to accomplish – lose weight, tone up, or even up your energy level – Project U has your back. Emily says, “All of our coaches are certified and have a degree and background in nutrition. They get to know you as a person and find out your goals, eating habits, and exercise routines. Based off those goals and your ratio of body fat to lean muscle mass, the coaches create a meal plan customized just for you.” Their Projects combine delicious and healthy meals and information with a great support system of planning and coaching to make sure you achieve your goal and their expert wellness coaches will be here for you every step of the way. “We work hand in hand with our customers and educate them so we can

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

help them develop healthy eating habits and a healthier lifestyle,” says Emily. “We are helping people in the community to completely turn their lives around; and it all starts with food!” Fitlife Foods in Carrollwood is located in the Grand Plaza at 14407 N Dale Mabry Hwy in

Tampa. They are open 7 days a week; Sun. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Mon. 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Tues. – Thurs. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information please visit their website at www.Eatfitlifefoods.com or call (813) 443-5326.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

“Get More Offers” Continued from page 1 marketing exposure. Sellers have an account dashboard that enables them to manage every aspect of their listing online, 24/7. ADDvantage prides itself on the high level of customer service they provide, including fast implementation of listing changes and capturing all buyer leads on behalf of sellers. “Our rave reviews from past customers are many and we have earned our solid reputation through years of dedication and service.” MLS flat fee listing plans start at $299 for a by-owner style listing called “limited service.” Here, the seller is self-represented. The seller saves at least 50% or maybe all the commission if they sell with no agent involved. “The best plan for sellers is ‘Professional ADDvantage’ (or what we call PRO),” says broker Keith Gordon. “This is the fastest growing segment of our company. Unlike the basic limited-service plan, with PRO, they are represented by me from start to finish just like a full-service 6% listing but the cost is 45% less.” Keith suggests offering 2.5% to the buyer’s agent and his fee is $499 up front and .75% at close for the listing side for a

JULY 2014

total commission of around 3.25%. If the seller finds their own buyer, the total commission is just 1%. Keith says PRO saves sellers time and stress and that his experience and skill at negotiations nets sellers considerably more than if they were handling the sale on their own. Why use the PRO plan and Keith to sell? “Keith might just be the best negotiator in Florida,” says Erin Knorr. “…Keith just sold a remodeled garden home in Bird Key Sarasota for $960,000 when his list price was $950,000—in 10 days, cash, with just one offer on the table.” How did Keith get $10,000 over the asking price without a multiple-offer situation? Keith said, “I read the situation, buyer’s motivation, attitude of the buyer’s agent and just asked for the price. Negotiations are an art. My goal when negotiating an offer is to change the buyer’s agents’ expectations of the business-as-usual thinking of ‘offer-counter-countercounter-meet-in-the-middle-deal.’ This can shift outcome in your favor.” Keith explains that real estate always poses challenges, one being the notorious real estate site, Zillow. “God-Zillow, as I call it, is mentioned by almost every seller during the listing and selling process. The ‘Zestimate’ is always on the mind of a seller;

Erin Knorr & Keith Gordon they are annoyed by the generic aspect of Zillow’s pricing algorithm which is often way off due to lack of consideration for lot premiums, $60,000 updated kitchens, new baths, new a/c, roof or other upgrades. Buyers and lenders struggle as well with the discrepancy between Zestimates, appraisals, comps and of course the listing price.” “Here’s the truth,” adds Keith.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

“In the end, who cares about Zillow? Yes, they have hijacked the US real estate market in a sense, by posting values and pictures without sellers’ permission and then selling ad space to real estate agents throughout the country for $2,000-$4,000 per month per zip code, so their ads can be listed alongside consumers’ searches for information that isn’t even real.” Keith thinks Zillow’s hay day

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

will come to an end and predicts it will happen soon. “They don’t have sellers’ permission to post their homes. It is as if facebook published 260,000,000 accounts for all US citizens with pics scraped from the Internet and a bio with erroneous facts. If FB couldn’t find the info, they would ‘FBestimate’ the person’s identity.” Keith continues, “Who gave Zillow that right? It might be a class action lawsuit in the works, the grounds being loss of value in the sale of one’s home.” According to an article published on March 17, 2013 in Inman News, Move Inc. and

the National Association of Realtors have filed a lawsuit against Zillow and former Move chief strategy officer and realtor.com president Errol Samuelson for alleged breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of trade secrets. The most recent challenge to the real estate market is the flood insurance crisis. Pinellas County has 51,000 properties affected by the new flood rates. Keith explains, “In short, homes selling for $250,000 and less are most affected, homes less than $500,000 are in trouble too and the $500,000 plus are affected less so. Homes under

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

$150,000 are especially hard-hit because the increases in flood rates are disproportionate to the PI (principal and interest) payment. Buyers paying $1200/month for a mortgage and $300 for flood insurance is too much. Buyers can’t and won’t do it. Not at the current prices. Say for example a home was valued at $150,000 a year ago, now it worth $110,000. The $40,000 decrease in price drops the buyer’s PI payment down to a level equaling the extra flood costs. This same reasoning applies on all affected homes UNLESS the buyer is one that has enough money to offset this dis-

proportionate cost. High-end homes are less affected.” What should sellers do? Keith says, “Drop the price now and get sold. Good time to buy though as well. If you want waterfront or a home in a flood zone, buy it as the flood insurance market will likely stabilize after a year or two and flood prices may come down as result of competition.” GetMoreOffers.com is open and online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak to an agent or to get more information, please call 1-877-232-9695.

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 • NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

Carrollwood Area Neighborhood News & Lifestyles

For Ad Info 813-928-6124 â&#x20AC;˘ NNLFlorida.com

JULY 2014