OT: Selling My Home in WARM, SUNNY Largo, FL

I know this is a little off topic, except I own Piano World so there is some connection :-)

I am selling my manufactured home in Largo, Florida (Gulf Coast of Florida, between Saint Petersburg and Tampa).
This is the side of Florida with the soft white sandy beaches and the warm gulf waters.

It has been COMPLETELY RENOVATED/REMODELED, Updated, and is MOVE IN READY!
Furnished

PRICE DROPPED TO $17,900 further dropped to... $16,500!
(we need to get this place sold)

Kathy and I have already committed to a house in Maine (yes, we are moving from Florida to Maine). It has great acoustics for piano parties :-) But I need to sell my place in Florida first. If you can think of anyone who might like a place on the Gulf Coast of Florida for only $17,900 $16,500, please tell them about mine! I promise we'll invite you to our piano parties!










DETAILS and PICTURES of My Largo Home For Sale



If you'd like to escape the cold winters up north, this is your chance. Located in one of the nicest parks in the entire area.

(Note: It is in a 55+ park, so at least one resident has to be 55 or older).




Living Room






No, the piano does not go with it :-)



Park Pool


The Description:

Address: 9925 Ulmerton Rd., #227, Largo, FL, 33771

Listing #: 6396

Completely remodeled - roofover, vapor barrier and insulation replaced, new windows, new vinyl siding, new addition 22x10, new laminate flooring, new screen room, new kitchen cabinets, backs up to open space, large shed.

Additional Features:
Clubhouse use, Pets Allowed, Clean, Like new, Many upgrades, Mint condition, Move-in condition, Newly remodeled, Nicely decorated interior, Seller Motivated, Furnished

Appliances:
Refrigerator, Stove, Washer,

Cooling & Air Conditioning:
Central air,

Exterior Features:
Vinyl, Awning, Gutters, Landscaping, Roof Over, Shed with electric, Steps,

Fireplace, Fuel & Heat:
Electric, Heat Pump,

Interior Features:
Bookcases, Cable TV, Laminate Flooring, New countertops, New windows, Open floor plan, Stall shower, Water heater,

Other Rooms:
Dining room, Enclosed porch, Living room, Master bath, Master bedroom, Screened-in porch,

Parking & Site Options:
Carport, Driveway, Close to clubhouse, Close to pool, Close to Public Bus Stop, Close to shopping, Easy access to expressways, Near recreation, Perimeter site,


Other Information: Discover, Visa and Mastercard is now accepted at this location for the purchase of your home.


DETAILS and PICTURES of My Largo Home For Sale

I've reduced the asking price of my Florida home down to $18,500.
I have over $25,000 into it (not including all the free labor Kathy and I did) so it's a steal!

This is your chance to own a winter retreat in a warm/sunny/tropical setting, or live
here year round.

Kirby really wants you to buy his Daddy's place!!

Come on folks, you must know someone who would like to winter or live year round on the warm sunny beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida!

Please share this thread with them (or maybe it's you?).

Why isn't the lot rent shown?

Hi Guapo,

The lot rent is shown, on the Quality Homes web site with all the other details. It's the link in the first post that says

Details and Pictures of My Largo Home For Sale

Hey Frank,

Didn't see a dollar sign when I scanned it.

How far is the nearest public beach?

The Red A marker is pointing to where my place is located. As you can see it's less than 5 miles to the beaches.

The beaches are all public, and even where there are condos in the way getting to the beach, they have to maintain public access. These are some of the biggest most pristine beaches anywhere in the state.

The water to the left is the Gulf of Mexico. Note the scale indicator in the lower left corner. It's about the same distance in the other direction to Tampa Bay and the beaches on the east side of the peninsula.




Here is the pitch from the park web site:

Why rent when you can OWN a home for less? Contact our housing consultants for details!

Enjoy long walks on world famous Clearwater Beach, the finest white sand beach in sunny Florida. Explore the sights and pleasures of The Pier with its fine shops, observation deck, aquarium, festive atmosphere, boating and just plain fun.

A beautiful community to support your active lifestyle

Your Oak Crest/Acorn backyard is a lush blend of palm trees and tropical plants accented by stately oaks and pines. Oak Crest features a heated swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, and picnic area with a gas grill. A game room with billiards and library await you in your gorgeous clubhouse. If you enjoy an active lifestyle or relaxing on your deck and watching a breathtaking sunset, it is all yours at Oak Crest/Acorn.

The Quality Homes Sales Office is located on site and open 7 days a week for your convenience.

9925 Ulmerton Road
Largo, FL 33771
Phone: (727) 559-0368
Fax: (727) 588-1343
Email: sales.oakcrest@mailll.com

It looks like it's not far from Clearwater, where my family would go most summers for a coin show. I have to agree that the beaches on that stretch of coast are absolutely gorgeous. Wish I could buy it.

In 2010, I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Philadelphia Phillies to interview many players at their Fantasy and Spring training camp in Clearwater. What a wonderful area.

Frank, if I could afford it, I'd buy it from you outright. It's 90 minutes from my grandfather in Englewood. I'll ask a few family member who might be interested. If I get a hit, I'll let you know.

Hi Derulux,

Yes it is a great area. Please keep me posted.

Not only are we within minutes of some of the nicest beaches in the country, we're also
surrounded by theaters and museums and parks and great restaurants.

For the younger set (or young at heart) we are 40 minutes from Busch Gardens, and 90 minutes from Orlando
(Disney World, Sea World, Universal [with it's wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter] LegoLand, etc..

Or head for downtown St. Pete for ... the Dali Museum, or the only permanent Chihuly exhibit in the country, .
A little further south (about a 45 minute drive past beautiful scenery) brings you to Sarasota, home of the Ringling Museum (plus more gorgeous beaches and great shopping).

And of course if you are into boating and/or fishing we have endless miles of coastline, protected harbors, and the inter-coastal system.

And if that isn't enough, there are three big piano stores and a designer within five miles of my place.

Hi Monica,
Clearwater is the next town, great area and home to Winter the dolphin of Dolphin Tale fame.

You're not very far Frank from where my dad used to live over in Holiday Ranch Park on E. Bay Drive. It really is very nice over in that area. We've been there dozens of times and loved every minute of it!

Hi Jerry,

And the best true Philly style cheesesteak sandwich south of Philly can be found in
a little stand on East Bay. They even import their bread fresh from Philly every day.

And yes, I've had cheesesteak sandwiches in Philly :-)

There beautiful beaches within 5 miles of my place. St. Pete beach, the beach voted Best in America is only 15 miles from my house. When you get on the coastal road there are often beaches on both sides of you because of the Inter-Coastal (inland waterways).

http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches

Of course five of the top ten are in Florida.

OPEN HOUSE Sat. Dec. 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Come on by and see what it would be like to own a piece of paradise.
Oh, and you can play my Estonia piano while you're here :-)

Hey Frank:

Your place sounds like a real deal to me!
best wishes and while we're at it:
where that elusive picture of your new home?
Heard it had room for several Estonia grands....

Norbert

I always enjoyed going to the Orange Blossom Grove with my dad too, watching them make the orange juice and it was sooooo good too!! Mmmmm. Every time we go down there, that is a must stop for me.

I have an orange tree in my yard.
See, just buy my place and you can make your own fresh squeezed orange juice!

Hey Frank,

Your place would make a great 2nd home for a "snowbird" ..

You have done a lot of work and ... so close to the beach ..

You're right Larry,

I'd say half or more of the folks in our park are "snowbirds".

Many of them are from Canada (we fly both the American and Canadian flags next to the club house).

The rest are from all over the U.S.
In fact among the many activities at the club house are regional clubs (Northeast Club, Mid-West Club, etc.).

There are also lots of organized activities for everyone, including dances, casino trips, dinners, etc.

So not only are there tons of things to do outside the park, there are plenty of fun things to do inside.
Or you can do like some people (especially those from the cold northern climates) and just lay in the lounge chairs around the huge heated pool and soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool, or relax in the Jacuzzi.

Omg Frank,

I haven't talked to you for awhile...but your home is beautiful...and I can't believe the price!!!

I'm sure you have sold it by now...but I have sent your information to a couple of retired pals who are looking for southern homes...and one of them is in the Tampa region at the moment...for a month.

I wish you well with your move.

Maine is beautiful...but you have to deal with winter once again.

Manitoba has had a lot of freezing rain...and weather more associated with winter in Eastern Canada


Good luck.

Hi Skyblanche,

Please do spread the word.

My place is still available, but I hope not for long.

Best,

Frank B.

Frank What street is your unit on?
Carl

BTW....our highs lately have been in the upper 70's, lower/mid 60's overnight and today is the first day of rain we have had in.......in, um.......I can't remember how long!
SO nice to see clouds, I'm sick of that darn sun!

The park (Oak Crest / Acorn) is all considered to be on Ulmerton Road (9925).
Within the park my unit is on Basket Oak, directly across from the club house.
I can walk to the huge in-ground heated pool in literally 3 minutes.

Let me expand on my previous answer...


9925 Ulmerton Rd
Largo, FL 33771
Lot 227 (also known as Basket Oak within the community).

The community itself is called Oak Crest / Acorn MHC (Manufactured Home Community)

The Lot rent includes access to all the club amenities (you can even use the kitchen and dining room to host a private party if you reserve it).
Plus use of the pool, shuffle board courts, horseshoe pit, picnic area (covered, with tables and a gas grill), putting green, etc.

It also includes twice a week trash pickup and lawn maintenance.
Granted the yards are small, but I'm directly across the street from the club house and the couple
of tree lined acres around it, so I consider that part of my yard :-)

I also like that I'm on the perimeter, so there aren't any houses behind me. In fact on the other
side of the chain link fence in my back yard is what I call the moat, about 15 feet down to the stream.

It means nobody can access your yard from the back (safe and peaceful).

Oh wow! I grew up in Tampa, and just looking at the map brought up so many memories!

We used to go boating in the area, and we went to Caladesi Island a lot. My mother and I would also go to Sand Key Beach, because Clearwater would be just too crowded.

It really is a great location. There's so much to do within a short drive. So close to Tampa and Sarasota too. Good luck!

And just to be practical, what other expenses not yet stated might there be?
e.g. What is electric in summer with full A/C? Water/sewer?

Is there a place where we can read the association rules?

Any limitation on who you can sell to when that time comes?

Looks like a nice place . . .

And just to be practical, what other expenses not yet stated might there be?
e.g. What is electric in summer with full A/C?

I can't do heat, so I tend to keep my place colder than most people down here. (around 72/73) even in August. Plus I leave lights on, and run two computers full time, not to mention fans because I have severe tinnitus and they help cover the noise.

So in August my electric bill (keeping in mind it covers central air and all of the above stuff) was over 200.00 but on average it's closer to 150.

Water/sewer?
Water about $10.00 a month
Sewer about $15.00

Is there a place where we can read the association rules?
The Quality Homes people can help there http://www.qualityhomesonline.com/homes_detail.asp?QualityID=6396

Any limitation on who you can sell to when that time comes?
At least one resident has to be 55 or older.

Looks like a nice place . . .

I've actually had some action the past couple of days.

We had an Open House Saturday and quite a few people came through.
Today a couple from Canada checked it out, they are coming back again tomorrow.

And I had a visit from a friend of one of our members this afternoon.

Things are looking up. I expect something good will happen soon.
If you are at all interested, please come by as soon as possible, before you miss out
on a really good deal.

Come on folks, we've dropped the price to $17,900 and are now including furnishings.

So if you are looking for a lovely warm sunny retreat for the winter, or even a year round home, this is one of the nicest manufactured homes you could hope to find in this price range.

And it's one of the prettiest and best maintained 55+ parks in the Tampa Bay area.

Plus Largo is perfectly situated between St. Petersburg and Tampa, great location!

You can tour the home any day, just contact the park realty management at (727) 559-0368 and tell them you'd like to see Mr. Piano World's place ( #227)

That's a great price Frank .... you are sure taking a bath on the price ...

What?! Did I read this correctly? Your new piano is now
INCLUDED in the price? I'LL TAKE IT !!!!!

Nice try :-)

"Furnishings", nothing about musical instruments.

It's a good thing my Estonia didn't read this post, it would have been highly insulted to have someone refer to it as furnishing.

However there is a nice studio piano in the club house right across the street. Buy my place and you're welcome to play their piano anytime.

Frank, it's been snowing here in the N of Boston area .... and cold ...

Time to raise to your price ....

You're probably right Larry, but at this point I'd just as soon sell it for this low price and move on.

I thought perhaps if an individual didn't want to purchase my place, maybe a couple of families would get together and use it like a time share.

Or, one family might buy my home to use a few months a year, then rent it when they aren't using it.

Of course if someone wanted to retire to warm sunny Florida, this is about as cheap a way to do it (and still be in a really nice place) as you can hope to find.

For those wondering what the "furnished" part of the listing means, we will include:

Green Sofa (in living room)
Green Recliner (in living room)
Dining Room Table & 4 Chairs
Liquor Cabinet
Buffet (greyish blue piece in living room, currently under TV)
King Bed & Mattresses
Night Stand
2 Dressers (one long, one tall)
Refrigerator
Stove
Washer
Dishes
Silverware
Patio Table (round glass top) & 4 chairs (currently in screen room)
Outdoor chairs
Linens for bed
Towels
Curtains & Drapes
Pots & Pans

I've contemplated both of those angles. It seems like the rental market would be tight in the winter and a glut in the summer. What are the odds of renting the thing out in the warmer months?

If only it was in southern California (where I live now) ... and if I had the $$$, I'd maybe consider it ... but I just barely avoided having to take out a 80-year mortgage on the first month's interest payment on my 1950 Baldwin Hamilton a few years ago. (FYI I got the piano for free.) My financial situation hasn't improved much since then.

The Estonia come with, right?

Already has been asked, and answered..

Why don't use it as a rental? Use it as an investment and maybe sell in the future when prices return to normal...

Is the $567 lot rent a month or a year?

Monthly.
We'd love to hang onto it but at the moment I can't support both.