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Talk of the Bay
It's been 'irresistible' for 200 days
By SCOTT BARANCIK
Published July 17, 2006
How long can a house fail to sell and still be called "Simply Irresistible?" About seven months, judging by a luxury home in St. Petersburg's Old Northeast neighborhood. There may be no better illustration of the real estate glut than a 2,800-square-foot house with detached apartment at 22nd Avenue N and Second Street, which debuted at $710,000 in December. Real estate agent Melody Stang took over the listing in April, priced it at $699,000 and hunted for a "whimsical" sign that would draw attention along busy 22nd Avenue. She chose "Simply Irresistible," and went with "In-Law Quarters" for the Second Street sign. "It's classier than 'Garage Apartment,' " she says. Some callers predictably ask Stang if it's she or the house that is irresistible. Usually she says "both." The house's price tag recently was cut to $675,000. But after more than 200 days on the market, the listing - and its signs - persist, raising doubts about the home's compulsive appeal. It's not alone. As of June 30, 15,134 Pinellas County houses or condos were for sale, up from 3,795 a year ago. Only 1,331 units were sold in June, down from 2,172 last June, according to the Pinellas Realtor Organization. Stang remains optimistic, calling the local market for homes normal and healthy. But she's holding on to her "Bring Offer" sign, just in case a client gets desperate. - SCOTT BARANCIK, Times staff writer
[Last modified July 17, 2006, 06:03:00]
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