[Times photo: Scott Keeler]

A couple's search for accent tiles launches a new business, where buyers create custom tiles from their favorite artwork or photographs. Story.

A year later, it's the home fires that burn brightly
Despite the uncertainties of 9/11, the real estate market continues to thrive thanks to low interest rates. Home sales are up. And home values are up, even in New York City.

Flying the flag
Sept. 11 has been designated by President Bush as Patriot Day, honoring those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on that date in 2001. The flag is to be flown that day at half staff from sunrise to sundown. The order designating Patriot Day asks citizens to observe a moment of silence and to participate in appropriate programs and activities.

Home Front
Briefs and news of note

House values
St. Petersburg

Ask board why it is requesting information
Question: Our condo is not classified as an adult community. Recently the association sent out a form seeking the following information: date of birth for first resident, Social Security number, driver's license number, vehicle make, year, color and vehicle identification number. Is it necessary for me to provide all this information?

MiraBay sales center now open to the public
SOUTHSHORE -- The sales center at the new waterfront community of MiraBay, previously open only to potential buyers who paid a deposit to make a priority appointment, is now open to the public.

Homebuyer U
TOPIC: "Getting a Mortgage" classes are designed to help first-time home buyers go through the process and qualify for down payment and closing costs assistance. SPONSOR: Community Service Foundation. WHERE: Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. WHEN: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. today. COST: Free. CALL: (727) 461-0618.

 

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.