Viewing Real Estate Through the Eyes of Your Phone or Tablet.

 

Photo Credit: RISMedia.com

A recent survey conducted determined that many Realtors use FaceTime, an iPhone video app, to help overseas or out-of-state Buyers view homes virtually. Personally, I’ve used Google Hangouts, or even Skype to conduct such viewings. These outlets have also proven reliable when a Buyer cannot make it to the final walk-through and have chosen to close via mail-away.

Such applications as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and Skype are all capable of sending video and sound using your smart phone or tablet. The user can also switch views between the front and back camera as needed to talk to a client and showcase a a home during the walk-through or tour. The Realtor can get up close and answer any questions on the home on the spot for the client.

Considering how hot the market is right now, homes can be under contract in one day. This method allows the Realtor to discuss all pertinent items with the Buyer in Real Time and the visual aspect offers added comfort for making quick decisions. If the client is unavailable at the time of the property viewing, I video record the property and outline all features and challenges of the home. The video is then shared with the client via Dropbox or Youtube, depending on file size.

In today’s market, having a Tech-Savvy Realtor is a plus. The Tampa Bay market is volatile and values are increasing daily. Buyer’s offers need immediate presentation to the sellers to increase chances for success. As I have listed many homes in the first quarter of the year, I see the first hand competition among eager buyers ready to secure a home and cease their long home search.

Looking to purchase or sell real estate in the Tampa Bay area? Your Favorite Realtor is here ready to assist. Feel free to call me at 813-419-7009 or email me at info@gloriawalters.com. Follow me at @GloriaSellsTPA or Facebook.com/GloriaSellsTPA.

ItaliAsia, Highly Recommended

 

Decadent, delicious and exquisite are the words that come to mind after my lovely dining experience at ItaliAsia. Having a special event to celebrate, I wanted to try some place new and this restaurant surpassed my expectations. Not sure what to try, I ordered the Chicken Milanese. This dish included panko crusted chicken breast, napa cabbage, fresh bean sprouts, bok choy, curried noodles, and fresh lime that were married together so perfectly. I enjoyed each bite slowly, savoring the rich flavors and deliciousness my mouth was craving. My company enjoyed a beautifully seasoned and well prepared NY Strip Streak. We also tried the Duet of Mini Sliders. Needless to say we had some leftover to take home. Overall, all dishes were savory and very delicious.  

I consider myself a foodie. I love to dine and enjoy local and franchised restaurants across Tampa Bay. I’ve found many restaurants that ranked high in my book, but none quite like ItaliAsia. This restaurant has been added to my list of great restaurant recommendations for my clients, friends and family. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ITALIASIA. Go and enjoy a wonderful evening of flavorful food, sophisticated ambience, and friendly service, all at a great price.

Best Chicken Philly in Tampa Bay

Fresh Mouth, located in Central Ybor makes the best chicken philly in Tampa Bay. I am yet to stumble upon another restaurant that can rival this tasty sandwich. Served on a soft hoagie bun, the philly consists of piles of chopped chicken breast, grilled mushrooms, green peppers and onions, smothered with a load of provolone cheese that makes the sandwich even more decadent with flavor. If you are looking for a Great chicken philly, Fresh Mouth is your place.

Could Google soon power homes?

The Internet giant is increasing its stake in the solar home power business with a $75 million “initial investment” to buy and own solar-panel generators on roofs of thousands of homes. Google is investing in Clean Power Finance, a start-up company that matches solar-panel installers with investors willing to buy rooftop solar-panel systems. “With Google’s investment, solar-panel installers can find homeowners who want solar panels on their roofs but don’t want to have to pay several thousand dollars to own the system,” according to an article in The Wall Street Journal.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to really help accelerate residential solar,” says Rick Needham, Google’s director of green business operations. The latest investment will likely help fund up to 3,000 home rooftop solar systems. In June, Google made a $280 million investment in residential rooftop solar-panel installations with SolarCity Corp. Google’s total investment in renewable energy has been more than $850 million. Rooftop solar demand is growing, and homeowners are finding paybacks too. Earlier this year, a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that solar panels not only saved homeowners money on electricity bills but also helped boost a home’s resale value, particularly for existing homes.

Source: “Google Invests $75 Million in Home Solar Venture,” The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 27, 2011)

Saffron Indian Cuisine, New Tampa Restaurant

Every Friday night, I like to have dinner and a movie with my friends. One night we decided to try a new restaurant, Saffron Indian Cuisine. Little did I know that this place would be one of my favorite eating spots in New Tampa.

Saffron is located off Cross Creek, in New Tampa, nestled in a small plaza with a gas station and few other restaurants. The staff was quite pleasant. The décor offered a modest ambience of the Indian culture. Indian music videos played on the overhead television in the background. It wasn’t before long that I felt like singing along. 

For an appetizer, I had the Garlic Naan (bread). There is a wide variety of Naan, including Cheese, Chicken Tika and Pershawari which includes raisin, nuts and herbs. There were soo many choices, many of which I was not familiar with, but the meal compositions were pretty inviting. As an entrée, I tried the Chicken Saagwala, which is boneless pieces of chicken lightly spiced and cooked in spinach (puree spinach). The flavors were bold, not too spicy and most importantly delicious. The Basmati Rice was just as yummy and complimented my meal very well. I really couldn’t get over how incredibly delicious my meal was. My leftovers tasted even better the next day. Needless to say, I’ve been back to Saffron Indian Cuisine several times, and tried a few other dishes. My top two favorite would have to be the Chicken Saagwala (the dish that got me hooked) AND the Chicken Madras which is made with boneless chicken cooked with spices & coconut.

So if you are looking for a place with Great Tasting Food that will make your taste buds dance, this is the restaurant. I love it here, I would recommend it to anyone. If you decide to go, please feel free to leave a post or two.

Gloria Walters | REALTOR

Bridging the Gap between Buyers and Sellers
772-359-7543 (direct)
813-200-8708 (fax)

The contents of this posting are the property of Gloria Walters. Gloria Walters is a REALTOR working in Hillsborough County helping buyers and sellers buy and sell homes. Contact Gloria to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Hillsborough County. Information is provided in this blog with the intent to educate homeowners and buyers about Tampa, Brandon, Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Temple Terrace, and other communities in the Tampa area. For more information on different communities and subdivisions please feel free to contact me.