[Times photo: Dan McDuffie]

Planned communities are trying to make themselves unique by adopting a theme to permeate their every aspect. The latest effort brings a national park atmosphere to Pasco County. Story

Themes nothing new in Florida real estate
Creating a fantasy image to sell real estate is nothing new in Florida.

Bargain hunters lap up luxury at outlet store
For decorators searching for a deal, the Catalog Outlet sells everything from clothing to curtains at deep discounts.

Home Front
Briefs and news of note

Community living
Documents tell how to deal with tenant
Question: Several complaints have been filed in writing with the board against a tenant in our building. The board contacted the unit owner and reminded him that unit owners are responsible for ensuring that tenants comply with our regulations. Complaints against this tenant continued. The board fined the tenant and took money from his security deposit to cover the fines. It also informed the owner that the association will not approve a renewal of the tenant's annual lease. Now the tenant is seeking to buy the unit! What recourse does the board have here? Can it prevent the sale of a unit to someone who has flouted the rules as a tenant?

Mobile Homes: Manufactured vs. mobile homes
First of two parts.

Course covers condominium laws
ST. PETERSBURG -- A free course on regulation of residential condominium and cooperative associations will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the St. Petersburg Main Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. N.

Homebuyer U
TOPIC: "New Homebuyers," two-part educational seminars. SPONSOR: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Florida and the Florida Suncoast Inc. WHERE: Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills. WHEN: Second part, 6-9 p.m. Thursday. COST: Free. CALL: (727) 845-5654 or toll-free 1-800-720-9537.

House Values
St. Petersburg

Homes News
Got football fever? Tailgate at model homes

 

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.