Italian Renaissance Style

I’ve been enjoying an excellent article on Italian Renaissance style in home design at Houzz. Not quite the same as Italianate, which has a more vaulting and interpretive look, Italian Renaissance is a more purist style. It came from Italian builders reaching back into classical architecture and bringing it forward into their 15th century, from where it has endured through the ages since. It became popular in the US in the early part of the last century.

Pictures are worth a lot more than words. Look at some of these homes across the country, with hipped roofs and continuous eave lines, arch entrances and beautifully expressive windows.

This Florida home utilizes the trio of arches common to the style:

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Christmas Wishes 2015

It’s Christmas again, and I hope you are able to relax and enjoy this special time of year with family and loved ones.

I always seem to be extra busy at this time of year, with real estate transactions that don’t slow down. But I have more friends today than I did a year ago, with new clients that I didn’t know then – this is the most blessed part of my career.

I hope your year was satisfying to you, and that 2016 will be even better. This coming year feels like an awesome one!

I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.

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Top Recommendation – Review

To sum it up, I can’t recommend anyone more than Stephanie Passman when it comes to buying or selling a house.

We first met Stephanie by chance when we bought our first house. She took such good care of us that it didn’t even cross our minds to look elsewhere when we recently sold our first house and bought our second.

Stephanie truly cares about her clients. She takes the time to get to know them and her number one priority is figuring out what’s important to them when buying or selling. Stephanie is always available and is a highly dedicated professional.

By the end of the process you may not only think of Stephanie as your Realtor but also as your friend. We will always call on Stephanie for all of our realty needs.

— Mike & Meghan C.

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Congratulations Jan – Yet Again

Congratulations, Jan – yet again – on the successful sale of your property! This could be habit-forming!

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Listing – 520 129th Avenue E, Madeira Beach

John’s Pass Tri-Plex – Income Property

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520 129th Avenue E • Madeira Beach, FL • 33708 ~~ $599,000

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Waterfront tri-plex—immediate income—100% occupied. The Intracoastal waterway and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico are just minutes away by boat from your deep water dock with no fixed bridges. Ideally located within walking distance to John’s Pass with it’s many shops and eateries. Each unit has water views, central heat and air and two off street parking spaces. The dock has water and electric and can accommodate up to 3 boats. There are 3 electric meters. Owner pays water. This location is in high demand during season. Currently the units are leased annually, but owner states could be seasonal rental with much higher rental rates. Close to schools, shopping, restaurants, beaches, and so much more.

Unit 3 = 3 Beds 2 baths • Unit 2 = 2 Beds 1 bath • Unit 1 = 1 Bed 1 bath
Deep Sailboat Water • Dock (up to 3 boats)
$30,000+ Net Income

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Thanksgiving Wishes 2015

Letter to clients…

This is the time to be thankful, a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives. Let’s use this special holiday to count all of life’s blessings and share our love and gratitude with all those we care about. I count you as one of my many blessings! May the holidays bring you good things in abundance that stay with you all year long.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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Congratulations – Taylor and Cookie

Congratulations, Taylor and Cookie on the successful purchase of your new home!

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Professional Investor Review

I appreciate this review I received from a professional investor. Nobody can afford to waste time or money in real estate transactions, but investors especially have their deals calculated finely. So this is a compliment of a high order for me.

Stephanie’s expertise in real estate does not cover it all under her title of “Realtor”.  She came to me as a reference but I didn’t realize the experience she would bring to the table.   I expected the usual price comparisons for the property, how to show the property and not to be unrealistic. I have bought, sold, renovated and worked with many different realtors for over 30 years and have never had such a rewarding experience as working with Stephanie.  What I got was not only an expert in the real estate field but her background classifies her as interior decorator, contractor, designer, researcher and was hands on every step of the way.  Stephanie was in contact with me almost daily which made the whole transaction that much smoother.   In the end she negotiated more than my asking price and I can’t say enough how I would recommend her to anyone selling or buying. — RH

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Congratulations Again, Mike & Meghan!

Congratulations Mike and Meghan on the successful closing of your brand new home! You are going from strength to strength!

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Congratulations – Randy. Again!

Congratulations, Randy – again – on another successful sale of your property!

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Congratulations – Rosemarie

Congratulations Rosemarie on the successful purchase of your new condo!

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Congratulations – Roberto & Marcia

Congratulations Marcia & Roberto on the successful closing of your new home!

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Well Connected and Knowledgeable – Review

Here’s a very gratifying testimonial I received recently from a great lady who was looking for a home in St. Petersburg while still living overseas. She doesn’t mention how great SHE was to work with, but I’m pleased she thought well enough of her experience with me to write this. It’s a neat story too.

I knew I wanted to buy a home or condo in St. Petersburg after spending a week there in January 2015. I had looked with a Realtor that was referred to me but I wasn’t impressed. Luckily my friend had gone to an open house and met Stephanie. She said she was really impressed by her knowledge and professionalism and so I emailed her.

I needed someone who wasn’t worried about working with me because I live overseas in Singapore. The minute I got in touch with her she sent me listings and articles on the buying process. I didn’t feel like she forgot about me because I wasn’t going to be in Florida again until June. It was reassuring to receive her emails and listing notices.

Because Stephanie is well connected and knowledgeable I found a perfect condo that one only gets into by word of mouth. She had a back up offer for all cash, sight unseen, so I knew I had a good deal. Stephanie worked with me the whole way through, even when I wasn’t in town. She helped me with insurance, loan officer, home inspection and home owners association. She was always available for any of my questions and returned phone calls promptly.

The closing happened when I was back in Singapore and everything went smoothly because Stephanie made sure everything was in place. I would highly recommend her to anyone. They could put their complete confidence and trust in her.
S.H. – Singapore and St. Petersburg Fl.

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Listing – 8094 Causeway Blvd S. • St. Petersburg

Causeway Isles Waterfront!

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8094 Causeway Blvd S. • St. Petersburg, FL • 33707 ~~ $575,000

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Changes to the Closing Process in October 2015

Here’s a letter I sent to my clients last week to update them on changes happening in the home buying process.

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Essentially, across the nation the closing cycle will get longer than it has been, for all transactions where a lender is involved – cash deals won’t be affected.

Effective October 3, federal law will change regulations in the Truth in Lending Act affecting mortgage disclosures. This is intended to give borrowers more notice of the elements of their home purchase transaction. Continue reading

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Congratulations Jon and Debra!

Congratulations Jon & Debra on the successful sale of your home!

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Knowledgeable and Caring – Review

Here’s a recent testimonial from satisfied clients who recently moved into their newly purchased home. I work hard each transaction to earn the loyalty and trust of each client, each time. I appreciate these words of commendation.

We have worked with several Realtors in our lifetime and there is no doubt that Stephanie Passman is knowledgeable, caring and not just looking out to make a commission. She always made the time to call us back and always kept our best interest, in our case as a buyers agent. It feels good to know that there are still people who enjoy and work diligently in their profession. I would recommend her highly and have no doubt that she will be our real estate agent in all our real estate transactions in the future.
Sincerely
M.Z.

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Spanish Eclectic Style Homes

Here’s a house that seems to me perfectly landscaped into its setting. As a bonus, it’s Spanish Eclectic style, with red clay roof tiles and an arched entrance way, which to my mind is the only shape for an entrance!

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Congratulations Sean & Lisa!

Congratulations Sean and Lisa on the successful purchase of your new home!

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Congratulations Randy!

Congratulations again Randy, on the successful sale of your property!

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