[Times photo: Fraser Hale] The designer of twin sisters' homes faces a challenge: Help each one create what she wants without making one too much like the other. Story

Home Front
Shopping for a contractor

E-mail for discussion, but not for decisions
Question: According to state statutes and our bylaws, a board meeting must be posted and must be open to the residents whenever a quorum of the board meets. One of our members says we can communicate via e-mail. What is your opinion? Can the community be shut out of decisions and discussions because the board chooses to communicate this way?

Seminar offers tips on settling conflicts
A free course on conflict resolution for board members and unit owners of condos and co-ops will be from 9 a.m. to noon Friday at the Holiday Inn Clearwater Central.

A renovator's dream neighborhood
What: Second annual Old Southeast Tour of Homes

Homebuyer U
Free "New Homebuyers" two-part educational seminars sponsored by the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Florida and the Florida Suncoast Inc. offered from 6:30-9:30 p.m. April 22 and 29 at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills. Topics include the advantages of home ownership, budgeting, whether to buy or build, credit reports, home inspections, the Pasco County Affordable programs and the closing process. Attendance at both sessions required for certificate. Call (727) 845-5654 or (800) 720-9537.

High steppers in a parade
Winners of the 24th annual Tampa Bay Parade of Homes were announced Tuesday at a banquet sponsored by the Builders Association of Greater Tampa.

 

St. Petersburg Times real estate classified ads:

Regional real estate links:
Tampa Bay Homes - Search local MLS listings, a service of Tampabay.com.
Florida Home Builders - features Florida developers with Web sites.

Other real estate links:
Cost of Living calculator: compares the cost of living in any two cities. Also includes links to Salary Calculator and Moving Calculator among other tools.
Home Buyer and Renter Consumer Information: From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Home Buying Tips: from the U.S. Government General Services Administration.
Realtor.com: includes info on buying and selling real estate, allows you to browse property ads in the U.S. and locate realtors.