Unique St Pete Penthouse Is For Sale. Snell Arcade.

Beautiful molding, balcony of Snell Arcade penthouse

Beautiful molding, balcony of Snell Arcade penthouse

I’ve heard them say some views and locations are simply priceless.  I can nod in agreement standing at the edge of Grand Canyon, but not on the balcony of a luxury condo with water views.  It may be a million dollar view but it’s not priceless.  Fortunately, there are many breathtaking views and locations in St Persburg, FL and you can find a perfect one in the range between $350,000 and $4 million.

View over the patio at Snell Arcade, former Spanish Bob's

View over the patio at Snell Arcade, former Spanish Bob’s

I love unique properties and recently was able to visit and show to a client the penthouse of a historical building in St Petersburg.  It is an original St Pete skyline icon, Snell Arcade.  For year it was an office building but not long ago it was converted into a few luxury condominiums.  While the amenities at this location are few you cannot hide excitement about the opportunity to actually live here.

Downtown View from the balcony

Downtown View from the balcony

The penthouse is not on the highest floor in Snell Arcade. There’s what used to be Mr. Snell’s office above it, two small rooms, about 200 sq.ft each, that an out of state couple owns as a vacation home.  Penthouse, on the other hand, is spacious, a little over 1,000 sq.ft, completely updated and(!!!)…. is listed for sale!

Yes, the new condominium towers along Beach Drive block some of the Tampa Bay view, but you have the rest of the city to look at with amazing 360 degree views - you own the whole floor!  It is a historical building and I’ve already written about it before here: The Snell Arcade Building: A Historic St Petersburg Gem.

One downside is there’s no parking.  There were talks about converting part of the storage space into a garage, but I believe that is going to be additional commercial space offered for lease to help offset the cost of the building upkeep.  The good news is you can park across the street.  You also get some storage space in the basement of the building.

It may not be an ideal place for a family but for a couple or a singly professional looking to be in the heart of St Pete it’s a great option.  Price was reduced yesterday from $369,000 to $324,900 (listed by Re/Max Realtech) and it’s worth every penny of it.  If you are interested, I’ll be glad to show it to you and you’ll know why.  See the listing info below.

Written by Ilya Zobanov, real estate professional at The Home Team of Re/Max Metro. Reach him at (727) 418-9016.

405 Central Ave # 700, St Petersburg, FL 33701 (MLS # U7578004)

(all data current as of 5/23/2013)
Price $324,900
Beds 1
Baths 1 full
Home size 1,093 sq ft
Lot Size n/a
Days on Market 49;
Active With Contract - NEW CONSTRUCTION!!

Property Type(s): Residential / All, Residential / Condo

Last Updated 5/7/2013 Tract Snell Arcade Condo
Year Built 1928 Community Snell Arcade
Garage Spaces 1.0 County Pinellas
Total Parking 1 Walk Score ® 97

Additional Details

Taxes 3008 Kitchen (Approx.) 08x21
Master Bedroom (Approx.) 13x21 Mo.Maint.$(addition to HOA) 0

Features

Additional Parcel Y/N No
Air Conditioning Central
Appliances Included Dishwasher, Disposal, Dryer, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Tankless Water Heater, Washer, Wine/Bar Refrigerator
Architectural Style Historical, Spanish/Mediterranean
Area (Range) St Pete
CDD Y/N No
Community Features Elevators, Security
Condo Maint. Fee Schedule Monthly
Construction Status Completed
Disaster Mitigation Fire Resistant Exterior, Fire/Smoke Detection Integration
DPR Y/N Yes
Exterior Construction On Piling, Stone
Exterior Features Gutters / Downspouts, Outdoor Lights, Storage
Financing Available Cash, Conventional, Va
Fireplace Y/N No
Floor Covering Wood
Foundation Basement
Garage Features None
Garage/Carport 1 Car Garage
Green Energy Features Programmable Thermostat
Heating & Fuel Other
HOA/Comm Assn None
Homestead Y/N No
Housing for Older Persons N/A
Indoor Air Quality Bath Fans Vented to Outside, HVAC Filter MERV 8+, No/Low VOC Flooring, No/Low VOC Paint/Finish
Interior Features Blinds/Shades, BuiltinFeatures, Ceiling Fan(s), Corridor Access, Dry Bar, Fire Sprinkler, Smoke Alarm(s), Solid Surface Counters, Solid Wood Cabinets, Stone Counters, Storage Room
Interior Layout Great Room, Open Plan, Volume Ceilings
Kitchen Features Desk Built In
Location Close to Bus Line, Corner Lot, End Unit, Historic District, In City Limits, Park View, Sidewalk, Street Paved
Maintenance Includes Building Exterior, Escrow Reserves Fund, Fidelity Bond, Gas, Ground Maintenance, Insurance Building, Manager, Other, Roof, Security, Trash Removal, Water/Sewer
Master Bath Features Tub With Shower
Minimum Lease 1 Week
New Construction Yes
Pet Restrictions Y/N No
Pets Y/N Yes
Planned Unit Development No
Pool None
Property Description Penthouse
Property Style Condo
Property Type Residential
Roof Membrane
Special Sale Provision None of the Above
Special Tax Dist.Y/N (Tampa No
Square Foot Source Public Records
Status Active with Contract
Utilities Data BB/HS Internet Avail, Cable Available, City Water, Fire Hydrant, Gas, Public Sewer, Street Lights, Underground
Water Access Y/N No
Water Extras Y/N No
Water Frontage Y/N No
Water View Y/N No

Location

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #U7578004)


Rolling Out Our Monthly Newsletter w/VIDEO

Hey! It's Ilya and James - The HOME Team

Hey! It’s Ilya and James – The HOME Team

We are officially starting our monthly newsletter.  Frankly, I don’t know what kind of information would perk your interest on a regular basis, yet we’ll try to provide only high quality content.  We are Realtors, so naturally we want to share news related to real estate in St Petersburg and Tampa Bay area.  But we are human too, so we will share things from our day to day lives, information about local restaurants, parks, neighborhoods and more.  So stick with us and feel free to share your thoughts in comments below or send us a private message.

If you are reading this but did not receive our newsletter in your email, please send us your contact info here and we’ll add you to our email newsletter list.  Close to 2,000 people read it, and so should you!

As always, if you know anyone looking to sell or buy a home, let us know, we’ll appreciate a referral.  Our clients love us!  You can find our reviews on Trulia, Zillow and Yelp.

Name (required)

Email (required)

My Phone #

Your Message


Living at Vinoy Place. A Dream.

Allow Yourself Some Luxury

Vinoy Place condos and townhomesThere are many options to choose from when you are in search of a luxury condo in St Petersburg, Florida.  In the past 10 years the downtown skyline has changed dramatically.  Some new condominium complexes, like Signature Place, Sage, Walker Whitney and Ovation were built in a very modern architectural style.  Those seeking something a bit more tradition will look at Parkshore Tower, 400 Beach Drive, Valencia and Cloisters.  There’s no wrong choice they are all exquisite complexes offering great amenities.

Yet when you want something different, something that stands out, lavishes you with luxury and offers panoramic views of the whole city – you look to Vinoy Place.

Vanoy Place ComplexVinoy Place is a gated condominium complex and was and built in two stages in 2001 and 2002.  There are 4 traditionally styled 13 story buildings,and 10 townhomes along 5th Ave NE.  Each building has a penthouse on top, which occupies the entire floor.  Vinoy Place has102 luxury units to choose from, ranging from a 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 5,359 square foot penthouse to a 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,649 square foot residence.   At Vinoy Place you can enjoy two heated swimming pools, lounging and socializing rooms, kitchen, and billiard and TV rooms.  And if you wish you can even have room service from the Vinoy Hotel.

Currently there are 4 units available for sale.  If you would like to schedule a private showing call us today at 727-417-4495, or send us a message.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # U7531081 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

555 5th Ave Ne # 722, St Petersburg, FL 33701 (MLS # U7555511)

(all data current as of 5/23/2013)
Price $1,200,000
Beds 3
Baths 2 full, 1 half
Home size 3,000 sq ft
Lot Size 71,171 sq ft
Days on Market 289;
A perfect opportunity to own this 7th floor Marinella Floor Plan. Gourmet kitchen features custom wood cabinetry, granite counter tops, kitchen island, open pass through, large walk-in master closet, bonus room to be used as a media room or library and the largest wrap around terrace in downtown with fabulous views of Tampa Bay, Vinoy Marina and downtown city lights. Master Suite features oversize walk in closet, his and her separate vanities, dual showerheads in large walk-in glass shower plus luxurious garden tub. A private elevator opens to your private foyer. Vinoy amenities include security, two covered parking spaces, heated pool and spa, exclusive entertainment facility, grand salon with fireplace, billiards room, media room, caterers kitchen and bar and plenty of off street guest parking. Join the club at the Renaissance Vinoy resort and Country Club and enjoy the many amenities of a four star, four diamond resort including a championship golf course, lighted tennis courts, state of the art exercise facility and members only private restaurant.

Property Type(s): Residential / All, Residential / Condo

Last Updated 3/19/2013 Tract Vinoy Place Condo
Year Built 2001 Community n/a
Garage Spaces 2.0 County Pinellas
Total Parking 2 Walk Score ® 66

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #U7555511)

555 5th Ave Ne # 1114, St Petersburg, FL 33701 (MLS # U7571028)

(all data current as of 5/23/2013)
Price $1,395,000
Beds 3
Baths 2 full, 1 half
Home size 3,373 sq ft
Lot Size n/a
Days on Market 115;
TAKE ELEVATOR UP TO YOUR PRIVATE LOBBY WHICH LEADS TO THIS ELEGANTLY APPOINTED 11TH FLOOR RESIDENCE. ENTER INTO YOUR LIVING ROOM ON SOLID WOOD FLOORS THAT WRAP AROUND TO YOUR DINING AND FAMILY ROOMS. THE OPEN KITCHEN BOASTS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS ON WOODEN CABINETRY. COUNTER ISLAND ADDS TO THE AMPLE ROOM FOR THE GOURMET COOK IN THE FAMILY. COZY BREAKFAST NOOK WHERE YOU MAY ENJOY YOUR MORNING COFFEE AND CROSSWORD OR STEP OUT ONTO YOUR WRAP AROUND BALCONY AND ENJOY THE PANORAMIC VIEWS OF TAMPA BAY. CROWN MOLDING, WET BAR, WINE REFRIGERATOR AND BREAKFAST BAR, ARE A FEW OF THE MANY FEATURES ADORNING THIS ELEGANT RESIDENCE. PARKING SPACES 117 & 107, STORAGE SPACE 405. ROOM MEASUREMENTS ARE APPROXIMATE AND SHOULD BE VERIFIED. VINOY PLACE WILL HAVE A GYM!! COMING SOON!

Property Type(s): Residential / All, Residential / Condo

Last Updated 5/5/2013 Tract Vinoy Place Condo
Year Built 2002 Community n/a
Garage Spaces n/a County Pinellas
Total Parking n/a Walk Score ® 66

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

(view all details for MLS #U7571028)

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # U7562347 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.


Greetings From Pass-A-Grille!

Don Cesar St Pete BeachYes, folks, it is winter and I know many of you just came inside after shoveling snow from your driveway.  The only snow we see here in Florida is usually in a shape of a snow cone, or even better – shaved ice.  By the way, check out SnoBalls in Treasure Island, you’ll love it!

Pass-A-Grille is a unique waterfront area in St Pete Beach.  It’s the southernmost point of the Pinellas county beaches.  There’s lots of history here.  Many 100 year old homes, fun shops, restaurants and art galleries make this cozy area a vacation destination for those who want to experience this unique lifestyle.  The beach is fantastic too, in most of Pass-A-Grille there are no home directly on the beach, so you can park and walk right onto the sand.

For more info and VIDEO on Pass-A-Grille and St Pete Beach, see these posts:

Pass-A-Grille – learn the meaning of relaxing!

Planning Your Beach Vacation In Florida? Think St Pete Beach!

For all current homes for sale in Pass-A-Grille and St Pete Beach see these links:

See all homes for sale in Pass-A-Grille

See all homes for sale in south St Pete Beach

 

For more info about the area and selling your home or buying one in our area, please call us at (727) 417-4495

Looking back at 2012. How did St Pete real estate market do?

Yes, it is 2013 and January is quickly gaining speed!  But some of our clients are starting to wonder, how did 2012 do in terms on real estate?

We’ve made a couple videos for you to sum up 2012 real estate market activity in St Petersburg and all Tampa Bay.  Take a look and you’ll have answers to these questions:

  • How did the Tampa Bay real estate market perform in 2012?
  • Did the prices go up or down and by how much?
  • What are the statistics on real estate inventory in St Pete?
  • What is the #1 question we get asked as Realtors?

And many more. Watch here now!


Dreaming Of A Unique Waterfront Property?

Double Waterfront Lot In St Petersburg

Once in a very rare while an opportunity presents itself.  The kind of opportunity that makes you smile and nod while saying to yourself: yes, this is a good deal!

Living on the water in Tampa Bay is a dream of many and a reality for some.  A lifestyle of peace and relaxation draws thousands of new home buyers to Florida every year.  St Petersburg has long been a favorite among tourists and snowbirds.  Within the last 7 years, new luxury high-rise condos were built downtown, the Dali museum opened, and an artistic renaissance awakened our slow-paced city.

Living on the water in close proximity to these downtown features would be a dream. The good news is that there are many waterfront communities where buyers can find a home already built.  Waterfront home prices are on the rise and builders are actively seeking to buy older homes only to tear them down and build highly desirable new ones.

Instead of waiting for a builder to find the right property for you, take a look at this double waterfront lot in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of St Petersburg.  This property is located just north of Snell Isle and near Venetian Isles in Shore Acres.  It boasts 120 feet of seawall with plenty of room for water activities and space for a large new boat dock.  This waterfront land is 175 feet deep and there’s plenty of room for a yard, large house, pool and then some.  There is currently an older home which needs updating.

So there are several options for you:

- update the house

- tear it down and build your dream home, or

- divide the lot and build two homes

This unique waterfront property is an opportunity that may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.  If so, check out the pictures, watch this short video and call us today 727-417-4495 for more details, pricing and a private showing.

White House On The Beach

President On Treasure Island, FL

In Miami Beach folks can ride bikes and roller blade along the trail paved directly on the beach.  There’s a place in Pinellas where you can do the same, that place is Treasure Island.  Granted, it’s not as long or as fancy as the one in Miami but that’s your only option if you want to shake up memories of your 90’s rollerblading days while watching the sunset directly over the water.  By the way, in Miami you will only see the sunrise, not the sunset.  So it’s either Treasure Island or California, you pick.

A couple weeks ago some beach sand artists built a couple really unique sand sculptures.  One is The Lincoln Memorial and the other is The White House.  Seeing The White House on the beach of Treasure Island was very cool and I was hoping they could make carved sand statues of Barack and Michelle but to my disappointment I couldn’t find any.  I’m sure there will be plenty more presidential visits to Tampa Bay before election and maybe a local sand carving artist can build their sculptures in their liking.

That week there was a lot of rain in Tampa Bay and the beach looked strange.  There was a huge lake in the middle of the beach.  As you may know, Treasure Island beach is one of the widest beaches in Pinellas so it was unusual to see so much water in the middle of the sand.  Watch the video below to see what I mean.  It was a memorable night because a few hours later my wife gave birth to our second daughter, so it was probably my last time on the beach for a while.  Now I have 2 girls and I’m clearly outnumbered.

Do you want to be the kind of Treasure Island?  Then call us now and we’ll help you find the house or condo of your dreams in this unique beach community!  If you need to sell one, we’ll help you too.


Sunny with a chance of Snoballs

And Fun In the Sun On Treasure Island

In the heat of a summer day there are few things better than enjoying a cup of Hawaiian-style shaved ice.  Well, that plus spending some time on the beach.  You can do that with ease if you live in Tampa Bay.  Just head to Treasure Island and all your childhood dreams will come true.  Treasure Island is a cool town along the gulf shore beaches of Pinellas County.  It’s not the largest town but probably one of the most popular ones.  It is conveniently located between St Pete Beach and Madeira Beach and offers direct access to/from the main land of our county.

If you want to quench your thirst with some shaved ice, come visit Beach Snoballs at 10927 Gulf Blvd (and go like their Facebook Page here).  You’ll be surprised by the number of flavors your can find here.  And for the brave ones they offer Spiked Snoballs which are infused with rum.  Then sit back and relax on the front patio or grab your cup and hit the sand.  Sunset beach, which is a unique area in Treasure Island, is one of my favorite local beaches.  The water is near to parking, no long walks across blazing hot sand and shells.  Parts of Sunset Beach are still a bit washed out after recent tropical storm Debbie.  But no worries, even when there’s a crowd you’ll find a nice spot to land and enjoy the beach.

Here’s a short video for you to enjoy and give an idea what it’s like to drive along Gulf Blvd and parts of intracoastal way in Treasure Island.  Summer is a fun time in Pinellas.  While temperatures can get close to 100F in the rest of Florida, in Tampa Bay we rarely get over 90F.  That’s because our peninsula is surrounded by waters of Tampa Bay on one side and Gulf of Mexico on the other.  This provides us with nice breezy tropical weather with occasional afternoon showers in the summer.

And if you are looking to buy a home in Treasure Island, here you can conveniently see what’s for sale in this town’s communities:

Sunset Beach
Treasure Island Beach
Paradise Island
Yacht Club Estates/Causeway Isles
Isle of Capri
Isle of Palms


New Home Construction Boom In Snell Isle (with video)

And What It Means For You

Are you looking for a home in Snell Isle?  It’s a large community and you may find homes here from $200k’s to properties with a tag of several $ million.  That’s why so many people love it. It’s an area that accommodates various lifestyles and they all fit together nicely.  However, if you are looking for a home in the $600k to $1.5m you may find yourself walking into homes that need some updating.  Snell Isle has been around for nearly a century and there’s a variety of property styles; homes here were built throughout the whole time of this community’s existence.  Currently in that price range your best choice could be a new construction home.

There are several builders to choose from, like Devonshire, Javic and other reputable names.  Most of these builders offer custom construction homes built to buyer’s taste.  Some developers, of course, are still putting up spec homes, which are often sold in the pre-construction phase.  In order to offer a good deal to today’s buyers the builder must purchase a land lot at a low price, which is very hard to do in Snell Isle these days.  Inventory of homes is dwindling and prices are starting to slowly climb. Distressed homes that could be torn down are very few.

From what we see today, there’s a construction boom happening in Snell Isle.  Drive through the streets when you get a chance, or watch this short video of several new construction homes we filmed today, and you’ll see for yourself.  Some developers were fortunate to find great deals on lots last year or earlier this year and they are now in full construction mode.  If you are looking for a new home in Snell Isle, let us know, we’ll help you find what you are looking for.  We know the area and local builders and will be happy to help you negotiate the deal and navigate through the construction and sales process.  Call us now at (727) 644-3370 or send us a message at info@hometeamtb.com


St Petersburg’s Hidden Waterfront – Old Southeast

Lassing Park and Old Souteast

Judge Robert B. Lassing donated Lassing Park (see video below) to the city in 1924.  The gift included an understanding that the city of St. Petersburg would erect “no buildings other than necessary for park purposes,” according to a citation included in the survey.

The City acquired additional land in 1926, 1944, and 1945 for the park. On January 8, 1942, Lassing Park was dedicated.  From the shores of Lassing Park you can see across Tampa Bay to Apollo Beach, Downtown Tampa, The Coast Guard Station in St Petersburg as well as downtown St. Petersburg.  This residential park offers fishing, walking, expansive green space and a spectacular view of sunrises over Tampa Bay.

Old Southeast was established in the mid 1950s by developer C.A. Harvey and A. F. Freeman’s Bayboro Investment Company.  They purchased the land east of 4th Street between 7th Avenue South and 19th Avenue South. Old SE is bordered on the east by Lassing Park, a 12.5-acre park on Tampa Bay that runs from 16th to 22nd Avenues.

The historic Bayboro House was constructed as one of the first homes in Old Southeast on Lassing Park.  The home served as a base of operations while the Bayboro Development Company continued the development of Old Southeast. The neighborhood is famous for its colored hexagon-block sidewalks.  The blocks are arranged in patterns and run throughout the neighborhood.  Old Southeast is a hex block preservation district that involves homeowners in the maintenance and upkeep of its historic walkways.

Old Southeast is also known for its’ historical Craftsman Style home construction.  Many of these original homes were 2 story structures featuring large front porches.  The homes were crafted with great skill as noted in the many intricate designs that adorn the structures as well as the unique materials used in construction.

Lassing Park is a hidden waterfront area south of downtown.  Many never visited this area.  Come to Lassing Park on a windy day to watch kite surfers.  The water is shallow and is a great starting point for this sport.  You will enjoy the lifestyle and charm of Old Southeast without the price tag of Old Northeast.

See Old Southeast homes for sale here.

Got questions about real estate in Old Southeast?  Give us a call: (727) 417-4495


Information on this website is being provided for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the IDX Program of the Pinellas Suncoast Association of Realtors (PSAR). All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal.

Last updated 5/22/13 11:57 PM PDT.

This IDX solution is (c) Diverse Solutions 2013.