Real Estate Information

If you have been renting because buying a home seems like too much of a financial commitment, it is time to adjust your thinking! Renting actually costs you more money in the long run. It's time to take the plunge and Buy! Need more convincing? Here are the main reasons why buying your first Tampa home makes more financial sense then signing another lease this spring.

As a renter, you are spending money that is not building you any equity. In fact, you are helping build equity for your landlord. Keep that money in your own pocket! While the down payment and mortgage might seem like a lot of money from the outset, you are building equity for yourself as soon as you purchase your first home. According to Pulsenomics, home values should appreciate 3.35% yearly and 24.34% cumulatively over the next 5 years. That makes buying an incredible Investment. And, unlike other investments, such as stocks, a home is something that you use every single day. Along with Tax Savings that home ownership opens you up to, home ownership is also a form of Forced Savings. These savings translate into a greater net worth. The Federal Reserve has found that the net worth of home owners is 44x greater than renters!

Having a mortgage also locks in your Housing Costs. As a renter, your monthly costs can alter every time your lease is up. With a mortgage, you know exactly what you need to pay every month for a set number of years. This offers you better opportunities to budget and save. One final reason to buy instead of rent.....it is Cheaper! It's true! According to data collected by Zillow Research, 28.9% of income goes towards median housing costs for renters as opposed to only 15.7% of income going to housing costs for homeowners!

Invest in your future! It's time to BUY your dream home! Contact the Sper Group to get started. Begin your search on our Homes for Sale! Give our team a call today at (813) 760-2002 or visit our website at http://www.thespergroup.com/.

Earth Day is April 22nd! Homeowners throughout the greater Tampa area know that our stunning natural environment is one of the best reasons to live here! It is important that we continue to protect these incredible natural assets for us and future generations. Keep our Earth beautiful by celebrating Earth Day. Check out these amazing events taking place throughout our area this weekend.

St. Pete Earth Day

Date: Saturday, April 21st

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Historic Williams Park (St. Petersburg)

Cost: FREE

Head over to St. Petersburg for a day of family fun. Learn ways that you can protect the planet through interesting, interactive exhibits. Enjoy live music, shopping vendors, and delicious food.

Island Earth Days

Dates: Saturday, April 21st - Sunday, April 22nd

Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Honeymoon Island State Park (Dunedin)

Cost: $8.00 Donation per Vehicle

Celebrate Earth Day all weekend at this great community event. Enjoy animal and birds or prey presentations, kids craft and activities, nature education, live music, and food and beverages. Take advantage of the beautiful natural setting during the park for a nature hike or time at the beach.

EcoFest 2018

Date: Sunday, April 22nd

Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Lowry Park Bandshell (Tampa)

Cost: FREE

Join the City of Tampa, Learning Gate Community School, and USF Health for this day of eco-fun. Enjoy live music, demonstrations, informational booths, and workshops. There will be local organizations, artisans, organic farmers, and more offering their products and services.

Happy Earth Day from The Sper Group!

The weather in Florida allows us to enjoy lush greens and beautiful flowers all year round. However, the high humidity and heat also present their challenges to gardening in our area. Luckily there is a solution! Use plants native to the Southern states! These plants are especially resilient within our unique climate zone. Make your home's garden shine this year by planting with these low maintenance, native plants. Here are the 15 southern native plants for Tampa gardens!

Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) This small, flowering tree adds a beautiful fragrance to your garden. It works well in small spaces. This tree grows best in partial to full sun and with rich, moist soil.

Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) This plant, which produce beautiful bright purple berries, is a great pollinator and spreads well within your garden. It grows best in partial to full sun and with sandy, moist soil or clay.

Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus) This lovely plant truly provides the most spectacular fragrance of them all. It is perfect for layering within your garden. This shrub grows best in partial shade and in rich, moist soil.

Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) This flowering plant works well in planting beds or woodland gardens. It adds unique texture to your garden with brown stems and delicate, pink flowers. It grows best in partial shade and in acidic, rich soil.

Crimsoneyed Rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) This hibiscus does especially well in wet soils and high heat so place it in full sun. The best part is its low maintenance and high adaptability.

Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) This great plant adds amazing ground cover in areas where other plants won't grow. Just make sure you provide it with room to spread. It has lovely star shaped fronds. Place it in full sun and dry, sandy soil.

Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) This amazing flowering vine can add amazing visual interest to a climbing wall or arbor. Its yellow flowers bloom early in the spring. It grows best in full sun and in rich, moist soil.

Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) Ornamental grass is a great addition to your garden. This perennial looks amazing all year round. It will grow best in partial shade and moist soil.

Add these amazing native plants to your landscape and gardens to add beauty and value to your home and create instant curb appeal! If you're thinking of Selling Your Tampa Area Home, your garden is the perfect place to spend some time before putting your home on the market.

 For more Home Selling Tips, visit our website at http://www.thespergroup.com/ or call our office to talk about your home!

Fill your bellies with delicious food in Carrollwood this weekend at the 5th annual CABA Presents Taste of Carrollwood! Head to George M. Steinbrenner Field (1 Steinbrenner Drive) on Saturday, April 15th, from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm, for an afternoon of FREE, family-oriented fun!

Enjoy great activities for the whole family! Play some games in the "Kids Corner". Run the bases like that Tampa Tarpons. Listen to live entertainment by local youth bands and the University of South Florida Marching Band. Participate in the scavenger hunt for your chance to win a 50-inch flat screen television. And, of course, taste delicious food from 20+ Carrollwood restaurants, including:

Black Rock Bar & Grill | 11702 North Dale Mabry Highway

Bonefish Grill | 13262 North Dale Mabry Highway

Carmel Kitchen & Wine Bar | 14306 North Dale Mabry Highway

Carrabba’s | 11435 North Dale Mabry Highway

Clean Juice | 13138 North Dale Mabry Highway

Dolce Enigma | 14351 North Dale Mabry Highway

Earl of Sandwich | 7229 North Dale Mabry Highway

Maple Street Biscuits | 13028 North Dale Mabry Highway

Marlow’s Tavern | 13134 North Dale Mabry Highway

McAllister’s Deli | 14444 North Dale Mabry Highway

Noble Crust | 11618 North Dale Mabry Highway

Pinchers | 14391 North Dale Mabry Highway

Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe | 3825 Northdale Boulevard

Tiny Bites | 14938 North Dale Mabry Highway

Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q | 12004 Anderson Road

...And, so much more!

Great dining options is just one of the multitude of reasons why Carrollwood is a great community in the greater Tampa area to call home. Check out the Homes for Sale in Carrollwood. Give The Sper Group a call today or visit our website at http://www.thespergroup.com/!

Image Credit: Carrollwood Area Business Association  

Come celebrate all weekend long at the 21st annual FESTA ITALIANA!! Enjoy two full days of all things Italian, including culture, entertainment, food, and heritage!! Head to beautiful Centennial Park (8th Avenue between 18th & 19th Streets) in historic Ybor City on Saturday, April 7th, (10:00 am - 10:00 pm) and Sunday, April 8th, (11:00 am - 6:00 pm) for a weekend of festive fun the whole family will love! Taste mouthwatering Italian cuisine. Enjoy incredible live entertainment on the main stage. Treat yourself to a delicious, handcrafted Italian cocktail. Bring the kids to the Children's Area for fun games and activities. This fantastic community festival costs $10 per adult. There is FREE admission for children under 12.

Saturday Entertainment Schedule

11:00 am - 2:00 pm | Ybor’s Got Talent Competition

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm | Vanessa Racci

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm | Franco Corso

5:30 pm - 7:00 pm | Angelo Venuto

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm | Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti

Sunday Entertainment Schedule

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Ybor’s Got Talent Winners

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm | Vanessa Racci

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm | Angelo Venuto

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Franco Corso

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm | Joe Piscopo

Kick off the celebration at Wines of Italy on Thursday, April 5th, (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) at The Italian Club (1731 East 7th Avenue)! This official opening party for the 21st Annual Festa Italiana Weekend featurings 80+ wine tastings from Italian and Californian wineries. Enjoy delicious cuisine from Amici’s, Carrabba’s Crush, District Tavern, Haute Dog, Saltblock Hospitality & Catering, and more. Bid on 100+ items in the Silent Auction. Dance the evening away to live entertainment. The cost for this special event is $60 per person (ages 21+). Purchase tickets HERE!

Festa Italiana is just one of the many great community events that occur annually in historic Ybor City. Such events make this neighborhood an incredible place to call home. Check out the Homes for Sale in Ybor City. Give The Sper Group a call today or visit our website at http://www.thespergroup.com/!

We are hopping ahead towards Easter! The greater Tampa area is filled with amazing holiday events all weekend long! Grab every “bunny” in your family and have some festive fun throughout our communities.

Easter Weekend at the Aquarium

Dates: Friday, March 30th - Sunday, April 1st

Time: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Location: The Florida Aquarium (701 Channelside Drive, Tampa)

Cost: $28.95 per adult | $23.95 per child (ages 3-11)

Celebrate under the sea with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy a full weekend of activities, including an underwater Easter egg scavenger hunt, diving Easter Bunny, crafts, and photo opportunities with the Bunny himself in the Coral Reef Room.

Glazer Children’s Museum Egg Hunt

Date: Saturday, March 31st

Time: 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Location: Glazer Children’s Museum (110 West Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa)

Cost: $12 per person (General Admission) | FREE for Members

Meet the Easter Bunny, fill your basket with hidden eggs, play games, and dine on treats. After the holiday activities, enjoy a full day of play at the Museum. Register HERE.   

Oldsmar Easter Egg Hunt

Date: Saturday, March 31st

Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Location: R.E. Olds Park (107 Shore Drive West, Oldsmar)

Cost: FREE!

Search for 5,000+ candy and toy filled eggs hidden throughout the park.

Brandon Regional’s 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Date: Saturday, March 31st

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Location: Brandon Regional Hospital - Pediatric ER (119 Oakfield Drive, Brandon)

Cost: FREE!

Enjoy a traditional egg hunt, face painting, arts and crafts, food, and more.

Easter Egg Hunt at APW

Date: Saturday, March 31st

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Avalon Park West (5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel)

Cost: FREE!

This family fun day features egg hunts, bounce houses, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Eggstravaganza

Date: Saturday, March 31st

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Humane Society of Tampa Bay (3607 North Armenia Avenue, Tampa)

Cost: FREE!

Head on over to the animal shelter for some fun Easter egg hunts for the kids and the poochs! Enjoy crafts, activities, and lunch. Who knows? Maybe you will find the perfect furry addition to your family!

Beaumont Ranch First Annual Easter Egg Drop

Date: Saturday, March 31st

Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Beaumont Ranch (19765 State Road 52, Land O’ Lakes)

Cost: $5 per adult | $15 per child’s wristband (includes egg drop and unlimited activities)

See the Easter Eggs fall from the sky in this helicopter egg drop! After filling your basket with eggs, enjoy food, music, bounce house, petting zoo, pony rides, and egg decorating. Pre-registration is required. RSVP at (727) 433-5865.

Easter Egg Hunt in Coachman Park

Date: Sunday, April 1st

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Coachman Park (301 Drew Street, Clearwater)

Cost: FREE!

This favorite annual event features 25,000+ candy filled eggs hidden throughout the park. There are also 275 golden eggs that can be turned in for a special prize! Along with the egg hunt, families will find a ton of fun activities, including face painting, train and pony rides, giant slide, gyroscope, and so much more!

The Sper Group wishes you and your family a very “Hoppy” Easter!

Home Buying might not be as easy as 1-2-3, but add 7 more steps and you are there! If you are in the market for your first Tampa area home, knowing the steps you need to take between starting the search and moving in can help eliminate some of the stress from the process. Here is our basic 10 steo guide to buying your first home.

1. Make a list of what you want and need in your home. Needs are those non-negotiable amenties/features that have to be included in your home. Wants are those that would be nice to have but if you need to, you can live without. Prioritizing these items will help you narrow your search. This is also the best time to work out your budget. Having a full understanding of what you can afford will help you set a comfortable range for yourself as well as search parameters.

2. The internet is a wonderful tool to help you get an initial idea of what is available on the market. Start to Search Listings  online.

3. Now that you have a good understanding of what you are looking for in your new home, it is time to hire a Top Realtor  to work with. Sure you can go it alone, but we guarantee that you will be grateful you worked with a realtor when it is all said and done. We can help narrow your search to just those homes that best fit your needs and budget. We understand the Tampa housing market and have many years experience with negotiating real estate deals. Working with us will help allieviate your stress during the process as we always keep your best interests as our top priority.

4. Ask your realtor for recommendations for lending agents. The lending agent will help you find a mortgage option that fits your financial situation. Now is the perfect time to get pre-approved for your loan. Pre-approval shows sellers that you are serious about buying and helps keep you focused searching for homes that you can afford.

5. Hit the road with your realtor and visit as many open houses and showings as possible. A description and photos online can only show you so much. You need to place yourself within the property to truly know whether it will fit your needs.

6. You found the perfect home! Now you can make an offer. Work closely with your realtor during this step. They can help you draft an offer that will be appealing and appropriate for the seller of the home.

7. Real estate offers almost always come back with a counter offer. Do not dismay. This is part of the process. Since you have your budget worked out ahead of time, you have a clear understanding of how high you are willing and can go with the price. This step involves the negotiation skills that your realtor processes. We will have make sure you pay a price that is best for you and ensures you can call this house your home.

8. The home might appear perfect and move in ready but you never know if there are any unseen issues that could cost you a fortune in the future. You should always have a home inspection completed when buying a house. This will help you discover any problems before the deal gets finalizes, allowing you to determine whether or not it makes more sense to walk away or stay the course. Go along for the home inspection so you can ask questions as they arise.

9. After the home inspection, your lending agent will complete an home appraisal to determine the actual worth of the home. If the home is valued for close to your offer, you are one step closer to calling it yours!

10. You have reached the home stretch...literally! It is now time to close the deal. Sign that paperwork, grab your keys, and move on in to your beautiful new home!

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh! Tampa is the best place to be to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Put on your best festive green outfit, grab the whole family, and enjoy the holiday along the beautiful waters of the bay! The Sper Group wishes everyone in Tampa a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

River O’ Green Gallop

Date: Saturday, March 17th

Time: 8:30 am (Registration) | 9:30 am (Run/Walk Begins)

Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa)

Cost: $25 per participant | Register HERE!

Get active the morning of St. Patrick's Day for a 2 mile Fun Run/Walk.

Mayor’s River O’Green Fest

Date: Saturday, March 17th

Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa)

This 7th annual celebration is the place to be this St. Patrick's Day. Watch the Hillsborough River turn green at 11:00 am! The festivities will include incredible live entertainment, delicious food trucks, festive beverages, kids activities and games, and so much more!

Blarney Bike Ride

Date: Saturday, March 17th

Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Ferg’s Live (490 Channelside Drive, Tampa)

Hop on your bike for a fun scavenger hunt. The event will start with a 20 bike assembly. These bikes will be gifted to the local organization Jaylens Challenge. After the bike assembly, riders will solve clues along the route and be entered to win incredible prizes.

Scavenger Crawl

Date: Saturday, March 17th

Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Registration) | 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Crawl)

Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa) to Gaspar’s Grotto (1805 East 7th Avenue, Tampa)

Cost: $20 per participant | Register HERE!

Finish this fun filled day with a classic scavenger hunt with an adult twist. You will solve 15+ puzzles while enjoying cold beverages and food along the way.

Tampa's favorite music festival is back......the Gasparilla Music Festival!! Voted this city's best festival for 4 years in a row, the Gasparilla Music Festival celebrates the very best of Tampa's music scene with incredible local talent and national headliners. Head to Curtis Hixon Park (600 North Ashley Drive) on Saturday, March 10th (11:30 am - 11:00 pm), and Sunday, March 11th (11:30 am - 9:00 pm), for two full days of incredible live music on 5 stages! Along with 40 place musical acts, enjoy delicious food from some of Tampa's best eateries, including The Refinery, Malio’s Steakhouse, Ella’s Folk Art Cafe, and more. This kid-friendly festival also features daily children’s activities. Enjoy a weekend filled with live music and good company along the beautiful shores of the bay.

2018 Gasparilla Music Festival Lineup

The Roots | Father John Misty | Spoon | Warpaint | Hard Working Americans | Break Science Live Band | The Record Company | Mondo Cozmo | Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles | Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) & Naughty Professor | Nikki Lane | Billy Strings | The Cave Singers | KOLARS | The War & Treaty | Matt Woods & the Natural Disasters | The Ries Brothers | Eric Tessmer | Imagination Movers | Underhill Family Orchestra | Holey Miss Moley | Leisure Chief | Johnny Mile & the Kilometers | The Woodwork | C-Rena | Brother Cephus | Acho Brother | Fr33dback | King Complex | Pohgoh | Oak Hay | Sam E Hues | Mountain Holler | Kristopher James | Little Kittner Boys | Mr. Tommy | Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra | Crestwood Elementary | Mt Zion Gospel Choir

FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

The festival is put together by the non-profit Gasparilla Music Foundation, which benefits local youth music programs and art education. Tickets for the festival cost $30+, with general admission and VIP options available. Children ages 12 and under are FREE! Order tickets online at HERE!

The Sper Group wishes everyone a rocking good time this weekend at the Gasparilla Music Festival!

Get ready to rock this weekend away in Tampa! Celebrate living in this "tropical" paradise as you enjoy the best Trop Rock performers in the country at Music on the Bay 2018!! Head to Tampa Bay Whiskey Joe’s Barefoot Beach Bar (7720 West Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa) for 4 days of musical performances. Dance to Trop Rock at the two beach stages set up right along the beautiful waters of the bay. There will be great Food and Drink Specials to complete this fun music festival.

Wednesday, February 28th

• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | The Shanty Hounds
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Don Middlebrook
• 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Steve Hopper & the Wolf Island Band

Thursday, March 1st

• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Heather Vidal & Sunny Jim
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Jack Mosley Band
• 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Jimmy Parrish & the Waves

Friday, March 2nd

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Rich McGuire & Band
• 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Latitude
• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Jerry Diaz & Hannah’s Reef
• 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Jesse Rice
• 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Southern Drawl Band
• 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Jesse Rice
• 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Jimmy and the Parrots
• 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Jesse Rice
• 9:30 pm – 11:30 pm | Jim Asbell and the Tropiholics

Saturday, March 3rd

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Trop Rock Junkies
• 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | John Frinzi & Doyle Grisham
• 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm | The Sauce Boss
• 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm | John Frinzi & Doyle Grisham
• 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Ramajay Intercoastal
• 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | The John Patti Project featuring Ms. Nadirah Shakoor
• 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm | A1A
• 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm | John Frinzi & Doyle Grisham
• 9:00 pm – 11:30 pm | Boat Drunks with Ms. Nadirah Shakoor

Sunday, March 4th

• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | The Big Bamboo Band
• 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Tropicool
• 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Mr. Myers Band
• 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Tropicool
• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Corned Beef and Curry

OTHER WEEKEND EVENTS

WineFest 2018: Wine’s World

Dates: Thursday, March 1st - Saturday, March 3rd

Location: Tampa Theatre (711 North Franklin Street, Tampa)

The festivities begin with a Wayne's World (1992) screening at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm) on Thursday, March 1st. VIP tickets are $25 and general admission is $10. On Firday, March 2nd, enjoy a delicious multi-course meal taking place on the Theatre's historic stage for the Wine Pairing. Purchase tickets HERE. Finally, sample dozens of boutique wines and dine on treats from local restaurants during the Wine Tasting on Saturday, March 3rd. The premium tasting begins at 7:00 pm with the grand trasting occuring from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Purchase tickets HERE.

Gasparilla Festival of the Arts

Dates: Saturday, March 3rd - Sunday, March 4th

Times: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Saturday) | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sunday)

Location: Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 North Ashley Drive, Tampa)

Cost: FREE Admission!

Come to one of the best art shows in the south! Along with hundreds of artists and vendors, check out the Art Car Extravaganza, Chalk Walk, Live Entertainment, Food & Drink, and more.

The Orchid Round Up Show & Sale

Dates: Saturday, March 3rd - Sunday, March 4th

Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Daily)

Location: Tampa Scottish Rite Center (5500 Memorial Highway, Tampa)

Cost: $5 per person (General Admission)