October 2011 – South Tampa | Panache Vue' Magazine

Your Mortgage Source – Help! I owe more on my mortgage than my house is worth. Is there a mortgage for me?

October 17, 2011 By JoAnn Rooney 10 Comments

JoAnn Rooney

HARP is the Homeowner Affordability Refinance Program being offered for those homeowners who do not otherwise qualify to refinance their current home loan.

If your current loan is owned by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac you may be eligible to refinance your home with HARP funds, take advantage of the new low interest rates, and reduce your monthly payment. We have several lenders offering this program NOW.

How do I find out if I have a Fannie or Freddie mortgage?

Visit the webpages below and complete the short form online.
www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup
www.freddiemac.com/corporate
You will know immediately if Fannie or Freddie owns your loan. Only your first mortgage can be refinanced (if you have a first and second mortgage, the second mortgage remains as is). We can finance up to 105% of the current value of your home. In some cases HARP loans are available up to 125%.

How do I know if I am eligible?

1. You owe more than the house is worth OR you have lost significant equity.
2. You have a fixed mortgage rate higher than current interest rates.
3. You have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) that has reset or will soon reset.
4. You are current on your mortgage and have not been 30 days late making a payment in the last 12 months.

Can I get cash out to pay other debts?

No. Unfortunately, the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) will not allow cash back to the borrower in excess of $250. The goal of this loan is to reduce your current monthly payments.

What about closing costs and mortgage insurance?

All closing costs can be included the mortgage, so except for a credit report fee and appraisal fee (if required), HARP loans do not require cash at closing. The credit report and appraisal fees typically run $300 or less. This expenditure will be offset by your reduced mortgage payments savings in a matter of a few months.

Typically you would be required to pay mortgage insurance, making the refinance transaction not worth paying the closing costs. Mortgage Insurance is not required for HARP loans.

Here is an example of a HARP refinance that I did for clients Jack and Kate:

Jack and Kate have steady jobs. They pay their bills on time including their monthly mortgage payment. Like many homeowners in Florida, Jack and Kate felt they were unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because the value of their home has declined. They met the following requirements; They own a one-to-four unit home with a $310K balance on their first mortgage and an appraised value of $300K. Their Adjustable Rate Mortgage currently at 6.25% was owned by Fannie Mae and was scheduled to reset in June 2011. They are up-to-date on their mortgage payments and have not been more than 30 days late in the past 12 months.

With my assistance, Jack and Kate were able to secure a 4.50%* 30-year fixed rate loan through the HARP program. Their payment went down by $368 a month, greatly reducing their stress over other bills each month and freeing up funds for other cash needs. Their credit score will not be affected and they now have peace of mind knowing their payment is fixed and they can remain in their home indefinitely. *4.769% APR

Loan to Value Ratio (LTV) can be used to estimate the amount of equity you have in a property. Example: $300,000 (loan balance) divided by $286,000 (market value) = 105% LTV

The HARP program is not just for folks “upside down” on their mortgages. If your LTV is anywhere from 80% to 125%, you may be eligible.

Call me to see if you qualify for a refinance under the HARP program! 727-787-2299. ext 1

Call JoAnn Rooney today 727-787-2299 X 1
www.facebook.com/FLMortgageLady
www.twitter.com/FLMortgageLady

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, Business, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Borrowers, Business, Clearwater, Features, Florida, JoAnn Rooney, Lender, Mortgage, Mortgage Broker, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, Real Estate, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Your Mortgage Source

Ultra Custom Group – Tampa Bay’s Only Premier Resource for the Home, Pool, and Outdoor Living Design and Build

October 14, 2011 By Nina Stanley 28 Comments

Panache Vue' Magazine - Entrepreneur - South Tampa - 10-2011 - Ultra Custom Group

Jay Puig and Zac Pease - Ultra Custom Group

Ultra Custom Group has been designing and building some of the Bay area’s finest home finishing’s for more than 25 years combined. Jay and Zac first met on a mutual project and impressed with one another’s attention to detail, forged what is today considered by many as the Bay area’s only premier resource for the Home, Pool and Outdoor Living Design and Build. Jay, having been part of many award winning design accomplishments throughout the Bay area and having worked on some of the most prestigious homes built in the Tri counties for the past twenty years. Zac, having been applauded in several design magazines for his impressive attention to detail in pool building and outdoor living spaces, well, it was obvious to both, that a mutual partnership was in the works. It was only a matter of time before they realized that it only made sense to unite the industries and offer a full spectrum of services that is Ultra Custom group today.

In an interview with Zac and Jay, Zac said, “It’s truly rewarding to see Jay’s ideas start on a piece of paper and to have the opportunity to materialize those ideas into the execution of the project.” Jay says, “The home is the most important aspect of the family structure. It is the foundation to which families are forged.” Zac says, “My home is exactly the way I want it. A certain amount of power comes with knowing that every finish detail, room by room, is a representation of who I am. I feel this makes me a better businessman and a better person.” Jay says, “A certain amount of comfort comes from living in an area that truly reflects who you are. I want to pass that feeling on to as many people as I can.”

The main focus of Ultra Custom Group is: Individual client wants and needs, custom design, and client satisfaction is a standard. “We are focused on building it faster and with a higher standard of quality!” Panache Vue’ asked Zac and Jay what sets them apart from their competition. “What competition? We are a one of a kind company. We offer the opportunity for our clients to set up a long term relationship with a single company for all of their home improvement needs. We want people to know that they can get everything they want from one place. That construction has changed because we changed it.”

Ultra Custom Group carries quality and well-known brands such as :Lloyd & Flanders, Pentair Pool Products, TrendUSA, Onyx, Mohawk, Jeffrey Court, Inner Styles, Calise Grills to name a few. Catering to those with a palette for taste and distinction!

Their long term goals, to continue to prove to their clients that this process can, and should be, an enjoyable experience. That they have to look no further on projects present and future. Ultra Custom Group services areas all over Tampa Bay and beyond! Although their main showroom, located at 1416 W. Kennedy Blvd. in South Tampa showcases a huge sampling of tile, granite, stone, flooring, cabinetry, hardware, pool & spa products, closet systems, pavers, and hardscape needs. Ultra Custom service areas include the following: The Tampa Bay Area, South Tampa, Davis Island, Tierra Verde, Snell Isle, Hyde Park, Orlando, Boca Grande, and all surrounding areas.

The most memorable or interesting work related experience they can remember was their first collective job. “The first time we were ever asked to do a finish package, pool remodel, outdoor kitchen and structure all as part of one job on a very impressive South Tampa home. It seems like forever ago, but I remember the feeling of gratitude I felt towards our client for believing in us and allowing us to show them they can get it all in one place. We are still friends with this client today, and have worked with him on the remodeling of his beach condo as well as the design and construction of several of his doctor’s offices. Today he is a member of a long list of people that can tell you, we are the last company you will ever need for your Home, Pool, and Outdoor Living Spaces!”

Their favorite part of owning the business is simple and very humble! “We cherish the thrill of the design process and the satisfaction of constructing the quality we design and knowing that no one can do it better!”

When you hear the name Ultra Custom Group, remember Home, Pool and Outdoor Living, custom without question!

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneur - ST, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Entrepreneur, Home, Outdoor Living, Pools, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Ultra Custom Group

Fall in Love With Fall

October 14, 2011 By Linda Baldwin 1,109 Comments

Linda Baldwin

I know it doesn’t seem very fall like in Florida with the temperatures stuck in the 80’s but …the autumnal equinox 2011 occurred September 23rd at 5 a.m., signaling the start of the fall season. It’s a favorite time of year for us the lull between the end of summer activities and the start of the holiday season. For many of us it is the perfect time to entertain guests.

October offers multiple opportunities to get together with friends-family and causally entertain. Football season, the start of Hockey season, Halloween and Oktoberfest are all reasons to gather and celebrate. Growing up, food was always a focal point of our get togethers. I have fond memories of my Mother and her sister planning menus during the week for Saturday dinners where everyone was welcome. The entire family would be involved in the selection which always resulted in a cornucopia of dishes that would be served throughout the weekend. We have carried this tradition on and more often than not our home has been the place where everyone would congregate. These days though we don’t have the time families had in years gone by so we must simplify the way we entertain.

Inviting guests means you will most definitely want to feed them, a good starting place when planning your menu is to consider what is freshest at this time of year.

While in most parts of the country people are pulling out there sweaters and putting up the patio furniture; the tropical climate many of us don’t even think about makes the growing season in Florida almost year-round. We are fortunate that fabulous fruits and vegetables are readily available at our finger tips so why not incorporate them into your dishes?

Oct 2011 - Dining - Panache Vue' Magazine The menu ingredients that come to mind quickly are Anjou Pears, Apples, Figs, Pie Pumpkins, Eggplant, Pickled Cucumbers, Zucchini, Beets, and Sweet Potatoes, all terrific and easy to use in a variety of dishes both sweet and savory.

For ease and simplicity try making shareable sized salads laden with cut fresh fall vegetables. The salad will make a perfect base for grilled salmon or chicken and can also be a great accompaniment to a make ahead, crockpot of turkey and white bean chili. When the guests come over to root for their favorite team, serve buffet style, ask guests to bring desserts so you don’t have to do everything yourself. Bake sweet potatoes cut in wedges sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg or try baking some kale sprinkled with sea salt and lemon and serving as wonderful seasonal alternative to chips for snacking.

Offerings like this can be paired with seasonal beverages like my husband’s favorite Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale only available for a short time. It’s fragrant with cinnamon, cloves and cardamom instantly reminding you of fall. Pat likes to say “put away the coronas it Oktoberfest time.” Infusing waters both sparkling and still with cucumber, mint or lavender by muddling makes refreshing non-alcoholic choices or can be used to create interesting martinis.

Some places to locally to grab this seasons harvest are Tampa Bay’s Farmers Market located at 623 S. Mac Dill Ave. and, The Garden of Eat’n 3401 S. Westshore Blvd. both markets are open 7 days a week. We encourage you to be adventurous.

Linda Baldwin

Linda Baldwin, is a Credentialed Diet & Nutrition Expert and a Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) whose skills have been honed by 25 years in the catering, restaurant, and event production industry. She is know as local foodie, ultra healthy prepared foods specialist, educator – columnist and creator of Amore and Amore To-Go a lifestyle company, based in South Tampa since 2006. She leads a team of professionals that include chefs, and educators in the field of health and wellness.

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, Nosh, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Autumn, Dining, Fall, Farmer's Markets, Features, Gourmet, Linda Baldwin, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Lady Sings the Blues – Meet Tampa Bay’s Most Popular Jazz Singer

October 14, 2011 By Tom Castaneda 280 Comments

Lisa Casalino - Panache Cover It should come as no surprise that Lisa Casalino has become one of the most highly sought-after performers in Tampa Bay. After all, she’s been serenading audiences throughout Central Florida with her soulful, sultry voice for nearly 15 years.

“I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love for a living; it really doesn’t feel like work at all,” admits Casalino, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Crane School of Music at the State University of New York at Potsdam—the same college attended by legendary opera singer Renée Fleming. “I’m doing what I love to do, what comes naturally.”

This may come as a shock, but the Long Island, New York native didn’t start singing the blues professionally right away. After graduating college and teaching in her home state for a year, Casalino moved to Florida in 1995 to launch the music program at Durant High School in Plant City.

“I thought it would be a great experience as a young teacher to open up a new school and start a music program from scratch,” recalls Casalino. “I had the best music teachers in high school. They made me love music and I wanted to give that same appreciation to others.”

During her eight-year stint at Durant High School, Casalino landed her first steady gig with the house band at Stump’s Supper Club in Channelside. In 2005, she moved into real estate to open up her schedule for more singing engagements. In less than a year, Casalino decided to focus on a full-time music career.

“Fortunately I have a lot of great friends in the Tampa Bay area who own restaurants, as well as organize events and fundraisers,” professes Casalino. “When I was ready to start singing on my own, I asked them if they’d give me a chance…and they did!”

Lisa Casalino - Tampa Bay's Most Popular Jazz Singer

Since then, Casalino’s career has hit all the right notes. Along with steady gigs at local hot spots like Timpano Italian Chophouse, Love’s Artifacts Bar and Grille and Belleair Country Club, Casalino performs at various private events, weddings and sporting events, including singing the national anthem at Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Buccaneers games. No matter the affair, Casalino strives to capture the audience’s attention.

“It’s up to me to take everyone with me on a musical journey,” proclaims the talented singer/songwriter who finds inspiration in artists who keep it real like Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, Karen Carpenter, Kristin Chenowith and Sarah Vaughan. “If I’m in the moment and singing my heart out, whether it be a happy or sad song, then I know they’ll be right there with me note for note.”

It’s that dedication to delivering an unforgettable performance that has made Casalino such an admired jazz singer in Tampa Bay. And now she’s setting her sights on a national audience. This summer, Casalino released her debut album, “Introducing Lisa Casalino,” recorded at New York City’s legendary Nola Studios, where Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Lena Horne and James Brown recorded.

“It’s a long-time dream come true,” says Casalino of her first complete album, which includes three original tracks that she co-wrote with jazz musician Nate Najar, as well as nine jazz/standards covers. “People can expect to hear emotional and pure songs that come from an honest place, authentic sounds that capture the essence of what jazz and standards should sound like.”

Listening to Casalino croon classics like “Easy Street,” “’S Wonderful” and “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” there’s no denying she belongs in front of a microphone. And with that distinguished voice and determined spirit, the sky’s the limit for this rising star who can’t wait to see where destiny takes her.

Casalino’s album is available on iTunes and through her website, www.LisaCasalino.com, where you can find a schedule of her upcoming performances.

Photography Lisa Sibley Photography
Model Lisa Casalino
Dresses and Accessories Provided by La France, located at 1612 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City, Florida
Location The Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn, located at 1915 Republica De Cuba, Ybor City, Florida

Tom Castañeda

Tom Castañeda is a creative writer, blogger, and award-winning broadcast journalist who has worked at Architectural Digest, In Touch Weekly, and Latina – a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine for today’s bi-cultural Latina woman. Throughout his career in publishing, Tom has planned and executed numerous celebrity, fashion, and beauty programs throughout the country, including fashion shows, and shopping events for brands like Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Mikimoto, David Yurman, Givenchy, Armani Fragrances, Macy’s, Southpole Collection, and more. Additionally, Tom has drawn on his strong journalism background to create various print, online, and video reports on various subjects, including fashion and beauty.

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, Celebrity, Culture & Arts, Feature - South Tampa, Feature Articles, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Blues, Celebrity, Features, Jazz, Jazz Singer, La France, Lisa Casalino, Lisa Sibley Photography, Music, Musician, Performer, Singer, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tom Castañeda, Ybor City

This is No Tale: What a Local Non-Profit Organization is Doing to Prevent Another “Dolphin Tale” Tragedy

October 14, 2011 By Tamara Myers 69 Comments

This IS No Tale With the recent release of the film “Dolphin Tale”, the non-profit organization Reef Monitoring is dedicated to putting a halt to such tragedies as what occurred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Winter the dolphin.

On September 24th, 2011 the community came together to participate in the Three Mile Reef clean-up just off the coast of Clearwater artificial reef. Over 200 divers collected more than 1,500 pounds of entanglement such as anchor lines, rope, fishing lines and crab traps which were then disposed of by Waste Management Bagster Division. The extraction of the debris improves Florida’s reef and helps protect the estuarine ecosystems.

The clean-up was organized by the Reef Monitoring, which was established in 2005 in response to the massive Red Tide and Low Oxygen kill in the near-shore waters of Tampa Bay, Florida. The purpose is to observe both our artificial and natural reef systems, by organizing groups of marine educators and scientists. The non-profit organization is funded solely by both public and private contributions and grants.

The institute educates the public on the importance of the conservation of our local underwater communities, as well as aims to involve the local diving and fishing community to collect scientific calculations and data. The findings sanction the group to establish a starting point, in case of an event that would affect the resources by either a natural or man-made disaster in the future.

Reef Monitoring has initiated numerous projects. In addition to diver training and exotic Lionfish observation, the organization is committed to educational programs such as, R.E.E.F. This projects focus is Research, Education, Early Warning and to Feature our reef systems. They are excited about expanding and furthering their scientific studies in hopes of providing an even grander service to our oceans.

To learn more about the Reef Monitoring log on to their website at www.ReefMonitoring.org.

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, Philanthropy, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Clearwater, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Dolphin, Dolphin Tale, Ecology, Features, Philanthropy, Reef Monitoring, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Winter the Dolphin

Timeless Threads – Celebrating A Long History of fine Fashion

October 14, 2011 By Tom Castaneda 16 Comments

Timeless Threads Revolutionary French designer Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion changes, but style endures.” It’s easy to see the truth in that statement by examining the chic and sophisticated designs on display at the Past Perfect: A Celebration of Vintage Design retrospective at The Art Institute of Tampa, which kicked-off this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week.

“The garments we wear today are all derived from a rich history of designs that have been adapted to fit our modern day sensibilities and lifestyles,” proclaims Andrew Ashton, the owner of La Posh Salon who assembled this one-of-a-kind fashion display with his business colleague Steven Anderson. “For example, what was the chemise of the 1920s has been transformed into today’s little black dress.”

From a black silk, Kimono-style robe with a hand-embroidered flower motif, circa 1919, to a Halston sequined gown with a unique cloud design, circa 1978, the Past Perfect exhibit brings together nearly 140 years of everlasting fashions.

“It’s important to look back on designs from the past to help the next generation reinvent the future of fashion,” professes Ashton, who assembled the exhibit by borrowing historic pieces from fashionistas like intimates designer Rhonda Shear and Jill Wax, the owner of La France vintage clothing store. “It’s amazing how many people have garments from past decades!”

Timeless Threads - Three Images

Due to space limitations, Ashton and Anderson had to keep the exhibit down to less than 25 looks, which they admit wasn’t an easy task.

“We could only feature one or two articles from each decade,” admits Ashton. “With so many pieces to choose from, we really had to look at the condition of the clothing, and pick the finest examples of each decade.” The end result: a remarkable presentation of enduring styles that not only reflect our nation’s history, but helps set the standard of excellence for future designers.

The Past Perfect exhibit will be on display at The Art Institute of Tampa through Friday, October 21.

A portion of the proceeds from the Past Perfect Opening Night Party will benefit the 11/Eleven Dream Fund Scholarship, which supports students of the Art Institute of Tampa’s Fashion & Retail Management and Culinary programs.

Tom Castañeda

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, A La Moda, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Art Institute of Tampa, Designer, Fashion, Features, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tom Castañeda, Vintage

Buzz Stop – In and Around Tampa Bay

October 14, 2011 By Karyn Anjali 18 Comments

Buzz Stop - October 2011 Would you believe me when I tell you. You are queen of my heart. Can you feel my love buzz. – Nirvana. The cooler weather is taking me back to those “Nirvana” happy days when we in Tampa Bay enjoy football, baseball and hockey. Most of all, the start of Fall makes for great times with lots of do around town.

First, we must give kudos to Julie Weintraub’s, Hands Across The Bay, whose Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars ~ Broadway Edition on October 1st was in her own words, “The best DWTS ever!” The dancing was incredible and “celebrities” around Tampa Bay set the bar high but Sarah Jon Porreca rocked the stage and took home the trophy. An amazing night was enjoyed by many. Visit: DancingForCharity.com

Looking for a great family trip… consider a visit to The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art on the Tarpon Springs Campus of St. Petersburg College. The Museum’s 20th century collection is made up of art from Abraham Rattner’s estate donated by Allen and Isabelle Leepa and a large donation made by the Tampa Museum of Art in 1997. The largest collection in the world of Rattner’s work includes retrospective works: lithographs, tapestries, sculptures, paintings and stained glass. Visit: SPCollege.edu/Central/Museum

The Florida Holocaust Museum will have an Opening Reception & Panel Discussion on October 22nd. Join them for a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception and panel discussion focused on the concepts explored in the new exhibition, Beyond Swastika & Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Universities. The exhibition runs through January 21st, 2012. Visit: FLHolocaustMuseum.org

I Can Do It! 2011 – Tampa will be host to some amazing authors at a weekend retreat from November 11 to November 13 at the Tampa Convention Center. Featured speakers include: Colette Baron-Reid, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Caroline Myss, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Debbie Ford and many more. Visit: HayHouse.com

For the fourth year, Rainer Scheer will host the coolest outdoor party in The Bay with his Chillounge Night and St. Petersburg will be one to outdo all the rest. On November 19th, 5 trucks of beautiful lounge furniture will help to transform Straub Park into a magnificent lounge in support of Creative Clay and The Woodson Museum. Phoebe Vecchioni’s Samba Team will perform an authentic Brazilian style samba and Mustang is providing two very special pool tables for the VIP area. Visit: ChilLoungeNight.com

The One & Only Frank Sinatra’s music will be resonating through Tampa Bay’s performing arts centers from November 25th through the 2th with the Florida Orchestra performing a tribute to his velvet voice and the dance band sounds of Tommy Dorsey with signature hits as Come Fly with Me, The Best is Yet to Come, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Fly Me to the Moon, I’ve Got the World on a String and New York, New York. Visit: FloridaOrchestra.org

Panache Vue’ Magazine is proud to offer our support to these events. This is just a tease of what’s happening around Tampa Bay… visit PanacheVue.com to get more event information. And in case we’ve missed something, email us at Events@PanacheVue.com.

Can you feel my love buzz? We hope to see you soon!

Karyn Anjali

Karyn Anjali is a published author and Tampa Bay’s resident socialite spends time out and about attending events and supporting charities. A successful business owner of a custom jewelry line, Karysma, and a Real Estate Broker, writing remains a preferred hobby.

Born in Trinidad, and having lived in Toronto, London, Miami and Vancouver prior to moving here 9 years ago, she enjoys the small town feel within a large city with daily dynamic things happening. She has an MBA and a BA in Communication Arts.

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, Buzz Stop, Culture & Arts, Events, October 2011 - South Tampa, October 2011 – Tampa Bay, Philanthropy, South Tampa, Tampa Bay Tagged With: Chillounge Night, Event, Events, Fashion, Features, Florida Holocaust Museum, Florida Orchestra, Fundraiser, Hands Across the Bay, Julie Weintraub, Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Philanthropy, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay's Dancing With The Stars, Tarpon Springs

Water Treatment – Choose your Company Wisely

October 14, 2011 By Matthew and Jori Zarra 29 Comments

Matthew and Jori Zarra

We are currently in an age where information is readily available and easy to access, but it surprises me every day that consumers are making poor decisions when choosing a company to treat their homes water. As with every other service industry there are many choices when it comes to choosing a company to meet your needs. Unfortunately it seems that the water treatment industry seems to attract some very deceitful individuals. It is a shame because these fraudulent few seem to give my industry a bad name. This is why it is very important to choose a company that has a solid track record in the water treatment industry. Look for a company that has been operating under the same name for many years, because a majority of these dishonest companies will change names every few years to avoid warranty claims by their customers – stating that your warranty was with the other company even though it is the same owner and they are keeping the customer files. As I stated earlier information is very easily attained through the Internet, BBB, Angie’s List, and the Department of consumer affairs to name a few. If there is any dirt on these companies you will find it with any of these sources. Look for accredited companies with a clean record and no criminal charges. You should also look up the owner of the company through Sunbiz or the BBB, then check your local sheriffs website or the FDLE to see if they have a fraudulent criminal record. By taking these steps and doing a little research you will protect yourself from making a poor decision when it comes to choosing a water treatment company to treat your homes water.

Florida Water Treatment has been family owned and operated for the past 60 years providing high quality water treatment solutions in the Tampa Bay area since 1951. We have been in our current location at 1398 Main Street – Dunedin, FL since 1987 and have our roots firmly planted in delightful Dunedin. Florida Water Treatment is an accredited business with the BBB maintaining an A+ rating and very highly rated through Angie’s List winning the Super Service award multiple times. Florida Water Treatment has a customer base of over 50,000 installing over 100 water treatment systems a month and running over 120 service calls a week. At Florida Water Treatment we strive to maintain the highest level of customer service treating every customer as if they were are only one.

If you are in the market for a new water treatment system or need service on your current system we can help. Our factory trained technicians service all makes and models of water treatment and at Florida Water Treatment every system we build is designed for your home and built to order – we do not believe in the one sized fits all approach of the majority of our competitors.

Contact Florida Water Treatment by phone @ 727-736-2747 or visit us on the web @ www.flawatertreatment.com for all of your water treatment needs.

Filed Under: 2011, 2011, Green Living, North Pinellas / Pasco, November/December 2011 - North Pinellas/Pasco, October 2011 - South Tampa, South Tampa Tagged With: Energy Savings, Features, Florida Water Treatment, Green Living, Home, Jori Zarra, Matthew Zarra, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Bay

Boo

October 14, 2011 By Chris Warren 13 Comments

I recently bought a new 35mm digital camera for the family. This was not an overly expensive camera but not inexpensive either. When I purchased the camera I extended the factory warranty and included the damage waiver as well. I bought the coverage for two reasons. First, I did not want to have to buy a new camera if I broke it. And second, my piece of mind was worth the expense. These warranties that are available for small electronics are massively expensive in comparison to the price of the item purchased. It is with this standard that causes me to question why folks who are buying cars do not give themselves the peace of mind of added protection. A warranty just makes sense.

The purchase of an extended warranty for an automobile is a smart decision for many consumers especially in today’s economy. Most people cannot afford a repair on top of their monthly payment. Today’s vehicles are highly complex, filled with computers and require many specialty tools. The days of fixing a car with a little adjustment here and there are long over as is the do it yourselfer and, for the most part, the independent repair shop. The cost for repairs can be steep so why not guard against extra expenses. A warranty for a car can cost a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars and is usually only a small fraction of the vehicles purchase price and not the 30% you might pay to extend the warranty on a refrigerator.

The question I ask clients who decline coverage on a new vehicle is would you accept a lesser selling price and have no factory warranty? The answer is always “no I want the factory warranty.” I guess cars break more frequently when they’re new rather than older and with thousands of miles behind them…probably not. The pre-owned clients simply gamble with the inevitable. I advise my clients to budget for a warranty and eliminate stress from the ownership experience. Most extended warranties even prorate refunds if the vehicle is traded, sold or totaled. I have already used my camera’s warranty so I saved a few bucks. I have not used my life insurance, my homeowners insurance or collision coverage but I am glad I’m covered. You can choose to gamble if you’d like but when was the last time you saw a broke casino in Las Vegas? Don’t let your car say BOO! to you; get protected. The Elder Auto Group offers warranties on any make or model of vehicle. Talk to you soon.

Chris Warren

Chris Warren – GM of Saab & Mitsubishi of Tampa, A division of The Elder Auto Group / 813-579-2309
11608 N. Florida Avenue Tampa
CWarren@elderautogroup.com www.ElderAutoGroup.com

Filed Under: 2011, Auto, October 2011 - South Tampa, South Tampa Tagged With: Auto, Cars

How do I find out if I have a Fannie or Freddie mortgage?

How do I know if I am eligible?

Can I get cash out to pay other debts?

What about closing costs and mortgage insurance?

PanacheVue' May 2013