Brandon FL | Valrico FL Real Estate Chatter

Why Not Be one of the 2+ Million visitors to come see the manatees at the  Manatee Viewing Center?  As the temperatures cool, so does the water and the manatees come to the Big Bend Power Station's warm water discharge canal.  Over 300 manatees have been spotted in this canal at one time! 

Starting November 1st, the center will be open daily.  With record setting attendance, this unique facility welcomes families between 10a.m. and 5 p.m.  The viewing center offers an educational setting for this environmental sanctuary.  Located in Apollo Beach, it's only a 15 minute drive from the Brandon Area. 

Get a SNEAK PREVIEW of what you'll see "right now" using the manatee WEBCAM!  It may be quiet right now, but once the water drops below 68 degrees...there will be lots to see!

Don't miss the butterfly gardens as well as the nature boardwalk while you're there.  Don't forget to visit the Southshore Cafe and gift shop on your way out.  The Center is open from November 1st - April 15th.  Don't miss out!

Admission is FREE and so is the parking! You can call 813-228-4289 for holiday hours or to arrange group tours.  You can go to the Manatee Viewing Center Website for easy to find directions. 

Valrico Home Depot Exceeds Customer Service Expectations at Today! 

What a great experience!!  Everyone can identify with the complaints and normal rants when the service is less than acceptable in any industry.  This is quite the opposite type of post and Home Depot is the recipient of a little praise today! 

I just left Home Depot with a more than satisfied service report.  I was in the middle of a "backyard project" with my husband and we ran out of concrete and sand...heavy supplies!  As I was walking down the aisle with all the concrete, sand and other "heavily bagged stuff" I headed straight for what I needed.  Naturally, being a chatter box, I was on the phone and just started grabbing bags and throwing them in my cart.  NEXT THING I KNOW, "Don" is standing over me eager to offer his assistance and explaining how I have the wrong type of cart and it could easily topple over as well as how it's not made to accommodate that much weight.  While I waited he left to get me the proper cart and re-loaded all my bags as well as getting me the final items on my list.  WOW!  That was really helpful...I'm impressed.  (My husband wasn't with me to do the labor this trip.)

He walks me up to the check out, grabs a cashier for me, and reminds her to have someone else load these into my truck.  Another WOW!  (Maybe because we're usually there on the weekend when it's busier I haven't seen this before...who knows!)  I walk outside, "Bob" takes my cart and waits for me to pull around, and loads everything for me.  We actually talked about more than the supplies as he told me how to fix some piece on my husband's tailgate too.  Wow! 

As it turned out, "Don" was the store manager at this particular Home Depot in Valrico, Fl.  He went that extra mile as I never asked for assistance or struggled getting what I needed.  He was friendly, professional, and very accommodating.  Will I be back...ABSOLUTELY!!  "Bob" was doing his job but still offered that extra bit of customer service to assist me in having a great experience. 

This experience can directly be related to what we offer in Real Estate.  We offer customer service...but do we go that extra mile?  I know I try to offer my best...but I'm far from perfect.  They work in a place that has "all kinds" from every walk of life.  We have the luxury at times of pre-screening before we're in direct contact with our customers. 

Moral of the story....A little goes a long way.  I could've easily loaded and unloaded all the bags myself and chances are I would've had no trouble with a shopping cart toppling over.  I could've loaded  my own truck at the loading dock as well...same story.  BUT, it's amazing how happy I left there today with just a little kindness and customer service.  NOW...share a great customer service story with me!  AND NEXT...I'm off to SEND AN EMAIL to the Customer Service Department at Home Depot.  Everybody complains but WHO LIKES TO SAY THANKS!!!

Back in MAY I wrote "Liquid Hand Sanitizer" CAN KILL A CHILD!  after reading an article about Liquid Hand Sanitizer.  The article I came across told a terrifying story of a little 4-year-old girl who was rushed to the Emergency Room from school after becoming severely lethargic and incoherent.   After a visit to a 2nd hospital the little girls' teacher showed up to inform the parent that his daughter had "LICKED HER HANDS" after using liquid hand sanitizer.

After posting this I received an email from Lauren Brucker, a public relations agent, who represented Germ-X.  She was very eager to share with me that they had designed a new product that was alcohol free!  Here's her letter:

Susie,

I work for a public relations agency and represent a product called Germ-X (http://www.germx.com). After reading your May 24 post about hand sanitizers, thought I might pass along some news from Germ-X.

As you reported on, hand sanitizers have been a hot topic this year among parents. Reports of children becoming ill from ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers emphasize the importance of parental supervision when it comes to children and common household products. Like you mentioned, when used as directed, hand sanitizers are safe and offer vital health benefits.

The germ-busting stuff really is top-of-mind right now … school supply lists from around the country are asking parents to send kids back to school this fall with a bottle of hand sanitizer. And there's^TMs good reason: Studies have shown a decrease in the average sick time of students who use hand sanitizers as a part of their hand hygiene regimen (see: American Journal of Infection Control, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11029132&dopt=Abstract).

To effectively kill 99.99 percent of germs, hand sanitizers like Germ-X and Purell contain 62% ethyl alcohol. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control study shows that in lower percentages of alcohol, hand sanitizers are less effective. (http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/EID/vol12no03/05-0955.htm)

Next month, Germ-X is introducing an alternative to traditional alcohol-based products. Germ-X® Advanced Protection is a new formula that uses active ingredient benzalkonium chloride (the same stuff found in eyewashes and surface cleaners) to kill 99.99 percent of common germs.

Germ-X Advanced Protection may be of interest to those looking for a substitute to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The foaming hand sanitizer has a light, clean feel and a fresh smell … and, with vitamin E and other moisturizers, it keeps hands soft. 

Thanks for your time.

Lauren Brucker
Fleishman-Hillard, Inc. â€" for Germ-X

You can find this product (right next to the original Germ-X) for the bargain price of $2.87 at Walmart in Brandon.  This is great news for families with young(er) children even though I've never known anyone who had a child remotely interested in licking their hands after using this product.  (the taste is disgusting even by accident)  The reassurance that Germ-X has the consumers' safety in mind is what's important. 

NEWS from 2nd grade teachers at Nelson Elementary School is that ATTENDANCE IS EXCELLENT and they're requesting parents send in more Germ-X to continue this trend!  I'll definitely be sending in a bottle of two!  (My son has perfect attendance and this is the "norm" for us as we're avid users of Germ-X!)

Who's Playing?  Dancing?  Acting?  Joking? 

Here's some of what's up at the Tampa Performing Arts Center for November...

• Club Jaeb  -  October 15, 2007 - February 11, 2008
• Gorey Stories  -  October 18 - November 11
• Jewtopia  -  October 26 - November 11
• Art Exhibits on the Riverwalk  -  November 3
• D.L. Hughley  -  November 4
• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs.  Basil E. Frankweiler  -  November 4
• Jonathan Brook  -  November 5, 2007
• From Jail to Yale  -  November 8 - 10
• Latin Explosion presented by The Florida Orchestra  -  November 15
• Belo  -  November 16
• Geekology  -  November 16
• La Boheme  -  November 16 - 18
• Jazz Jam  -  November 18
• Tampa Show Chorus  -  November 18
• Caetano Veloso  -  November 23
• Paul McCartney  -  November 24
• Charlotte's Web  -  November 25
• LaLaLa Show  -  November 28
• Schoolhouse Rock Live  -  November 29 - December 1
• Russian Romantics presented by the Florida Orchestra  -  November 30
• The Nutcracker  -  November 30 - December 2

To see the full list of events at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center you can go to their website.

For tickets call 813.229.STAR (7827) or 800.955.1045 outside the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place
Tampa, Florida 33602
Directions and Parking

Did you buy the COOL-EST Halloween Costume this year? 

I love to check out Snopes.com when I receive articles I'm not sure whether or not to believe.  This one however I found on Snopes talking about the Top Halloween Costumes for 2007. 

This list has 3 categories being:  Children, Adults and Pets  I just listed the Top 5 but you can find the entire list on Snopes.

Drum Roll Please....

CHILDREN

5.  Fairy

4.  Witch

3.  Pirate

2.  Spider-man

1.  Princess

ADULTS

5.  Princess

4.  Cat

3.  Vampire

2.  Pirate

1.  Witch

PETS

5.  Angel

4.  Princess

3.  Witch

2.  Pumpkin/Jack O'lanter

1.  Devil

***NOW, if your costume didn't make the Top 5---it's back to the Halloween Store(s) for you to improve before the 31st! 

Admit it...YOU THOUGHT this post was headed somewhere else!  I'm actually referring to the streetlights in Brandon.  Do you have streetlights where you live?  The Lights Are On...Even When You're Not Home in Brandon!  Tampa Electric has designed a convenient system for homeowners in Brandon(and surrounding areas).  

Did you knowthat you can report this by phone on-line?  Report Street Lights Out by going to the Lights Out Form on the Tampa Electric Website.  Tampa Electric doesn't always know if a light is malfunctioning and can use our support. 

To report a light out or malfunction, you'll be asked for the following information:

1. 10-digit number -or- 6 digit silver tag located on pole
2. Whether it's a street light or area light on commercial property
3. What the problem is...broken, out, broken globe, etc.
4. Location
5. Your contact information to verify your request and confirm a technician will be out very soon.

   

Note:  If you don't have internet access at the time and need to report a problem, you can call (813) 223-0800 or 1-888-223-0800 to request service.

Sooooo...it's 2 days away from Halloween.  You've got to be stocked up with TREATS for the kids by now. 

I'll be setting up 2 tables on the driveway and waiting for the neighbors to join us for "pizza on the driveway." We have pizza every year while the kids impatiently wait for it to get dark enough to disappear and collect a bag full of loot!   

We'll have at least 100 Trick-or-Treaters coming through.  We have given up passing out candy because..."Everyone does that!"  We now pass out ice cold Capri-Sun so the kids and parents walking enjoy something cold and refreshing during their stroll through the neighborhood.  Buckhorn Groves has well lit streets with many houses decorated for the holiday.  We even have a few great haunted houses if you dare to collect candy there... 

Anyone up North will be somewhat entertained with passing out "ice-cold drinks" for Halloween but in Valrico, FL the weather man is predicting a high of 70 with a 30% chance for rain.  That means, we'll be SWEATING(as usual).

Soooo....What are YOU giving out this year?

PS...We're not knocking candy,we eat the kids' after they go to bed!  haha

Your American Dream is Out There!  Interest Rates are still low, take advantage!   

Prices are down - Bargains are up!  The American-Dream, to own a home, is waiting for YOU!  In Valrico, FL there are block and wood frame homes available at bargain prices.  The longer you wait, the faster these bargain homes will sell. 

This report shows homes available and listed with a Realtor in the Valrico Area as of October 27th, 2007.  These are all 3 bedroom 2 bath homes.  *10 even have a pool 

Need 4 Bedrooms in the Valrico Zipcode?  These 4 bedroom 2 Bath homes are very affordable and are waiting for new families.  *19 of these homes come with swimming pools! 

Do you  have questions about financing?  I have the best resources for mortgage consultants!  Want to see the insideof any of these homes?  I can do that too!  Call Susie Roscoe at 813-841-4721 for more information about any of these Valrico Area homes.  You can also search for yourself on-line, no obligations, at www.brandonrealestateresource.com. 

FREE REPORT: How To Buy Lovely Homes In Brandon with Zero Down Payment Click here

Search the MLS at  Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

*Disclosure:  These market reports are cumulative information available on the Mid Florida Regional MLS System for Realtors.  This information is believed to be true and accurate but should be verified.  Reports do not include private sales or FSBO's.  Report compiled on October 27th, 2007.

Your American Dream is Out There! 

Interest Rates are still low, take advantage!   If you have questions regarding financing or if you're wondering "what you can afford" for a new home, you need to call Leah Ross at (813) 643-8430. 

How about a 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Brandon, Florida?  These are block and wood frame homes for sales.  These homes have a yard, your own driveway, some even have a swimming pool!  The following report shows available homes listed in Brandon, FL for sale with a licensed Realtor.  You can call me today for a private viewing of any of these homes.  *By the way 20 of these homes have swimming pools!

Need 4 Bedrooms in the Brandon Zip-code?  These 4 bedroom 2 Bath homes are very affordable and are waiting for new families.  *28 of these homes come with swimming pools! 

FREE REPORT: How To Buy Lovely Homes In Brandon with Zero Down Payment Click here

Search the MLS at  Brandon Real Estate Resources

Check out My Website at SusieRoscoe.com

**You can also find my blogs on Brandon Real Estate Chatter.

*Disclosure:  These market reports are cumulative information available on the Mid Florida Regional MLS System for Realtors.  This information is believed to be true and accurate but should be verified.  Reports do not include private sales or FSBO's.  Report compiled on October 27th, 2007.

What's Happening for Halloween around Brandon? Got plans yet for the weekend?  There's so much to do with the kids right here in town.  There's even events for your pets! 

• Brandon High School Future Farmers of America alumni will be hosting a fun fest on Saturday starting at 4p.m.  This will include a haunted house, car show, carnival games, and more.
• Center Place & Fine Arts will be hosting a Halloween Parade on Sunday@3pm.  Children in costume (up to age 10) welcome.  Ronald McDonald will be there!  (located at 619 Vonderburg Drive)
• Dapper Doggie is hosting it's 2nd "Howl-O-Ween" Fundraiser Saturday, from 5:30-8pm.  There is a $5 entry fee for the canine contest.  The event will be located at 881 E. Bloomingdale Ave.
• The Legend of Frankenstein will premier at Center Place of Brandon on Saturday at 7:30p.m.  (located at 619 Vonderburg Drive)  Tickets are $12 and $10 for seniors and members.
• Halloween Round Up is at the Brandon Moose Lodge located at 804 S. Miller Road 804 S. Miller Road in Valrico.  Members will be passing out candy in front of the lodge Saturday from 5-8p.m. 
• Cracker Country at the Florida State Fair Grounds(4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa) will be hosting "Haints, Legends and Tall Tales" from 6-9p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children 6-12 and seniors. 
• All Saints Boo-Bash will be hosted at the Nativity Catholic Church social hall located at 705 E. Brandon Blvd. in Brandon on Monday evening from 6:30 -8:30p.m.  Children will receive hot-dogs, chips and beverages.  (adults $1)  Visitors should dress up and bring diapers or non-perishable items for the church's food pantry.
• The 3rd Annual Halloween Fun for Baby will be at Westfield Mall, located at 459 Brandon Town Center Drive in Brandon.  Tuesday@9a.m. the baby with the best costume will win a prize!
• First Baptist Church of Brandonis hosting the "Noah's Arkcade" on Wednesday, October 31st from 6-8p.m. located at 216 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon.  Children are asked to bring one bag of candy and come dressed as a biblical character or animal.

You can find more detailed information as well as contacts for any of these events at the Brandon News and Tribune! 

***You can also find this post on my other blog.