Spring Hill Realtor, Karl Hosp - Just Thinking...

Karl's Thoughts July 2006

Today's Thought
Wednesday July, 26, 2006
It seems there can be no better time to purchase a Brand New Home in Hernando County. The builders have over speculated and there are many homes to choose from in the county at this time. The prices are very attractive at this time and the interest rates are still very low. If you have been dreaming about purchasing a new home, follow that dream. There is still time to make the move before the start of the new school year, but you must hurry! Whether you are retiring, relocating, investing or looking for a second home, the time is right. Hernando County, from Brooksville to Spring Hill to Hernando Beach has a lot to offer from "value for your money" to "quality of life for you and your family". Close to the city life of Tampa & St. Pete, yet far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet of Hernando County and the smaller towns. Whether you like the casual waterfront life style available in the boating community of Hernando Beach or the Old South atmosphere with it's Main Street Downtown in the county seat of Brooksville, or maybe something in between like Weeki Wachee or Spring Hill, you can find it in Hernando County.
Today's Thought
Thursday July 27, 2006 I've spent the day working on Issue #8 of my Service For Life Newsletter. I publish this newsletter every other month and send it to my customers and friends (circulation of about 1500). It is both entertaining and informative. Well, enough about the newsletter. Early this morning, while mowing the lawn, I realized how lucky I am to live here in Hernando County, where the weather is usually very comfortable. The average year round temperature is 73º, and the average January temperature is 63º. It was 8:00 AM and the temperature was still in the 70's and it's the END of JULY!!! The weather in Hernando County is definitely outdoors year round. Yeah, there are a few cool days in the winter months and a few hot days in the summer months, but it is never hot like it is now in the rest of the country. Who can stand it to be over 100º for days and days? Additionally since Florida is accustomed to high demand for electricity our power grids can sustain the heavy usage without the blackouts and brownouts that plague California every year. Maybe we pay a little more for the power in Florida than they pay in California, but I believe it is worth it to have uninterrupted power, especially in the summer months when our daytime temperatures are routinely in mid-eights to the low-nineties, but rarely do they top 95º in Hernando County, especially near the coastal areas. This is really a wonderful place to live. Great Weather, Great People, Great Place.
Today's Thought
Friday July 28, 2006
TGIF!!! This is the day of the week that I look foward to, it means the weekend is coming up. It means it's not the weekend yet, just very close to it. You see, because when it's Saturday the weekend is half over, and the dread of another work week is beginning to take hold!! The weekends are my favorite part of the week because they are the two days dedicated to really enjoying living in Hernando County. Saturday and Sunday afternoons are usually spent relaxing with my family, either on my boat in the Gulf, or some other kind of outdoor activitiy, especially in the summer (in Hernando County, summer is defined as between April and October or any time of the year that it's warm enough to go boating and be comfortable). It's a hard life but someone has to do it. We have it so rough here in Florida. We heard all the warnings from the press and our well meaning friends (who are not lucky enough to have visited or live in Florida) about moving to Hernando County, thank goodness we didn't listen to any of them.
Today's Thought
Monday July 31, 2006
Monday is the busiest day of my week, just like it is probably your busiest day. I went on a real estate tour today and got to see some beautiful homes that are currently for sale on Hernando Beach. This community is one of the best kept secrets in Florida. Most of the homes are waterfront, some of them are located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, almost all of the homes have access to the Gulf through the extensive salt water and fresh water canal systems. The people living in this water sport oriented community are friendly and they keep their homes and lawns in excellent condition. If you haven't taken a look at this waterfront community located in Hernando County, Florida, now could be the time. The Nature Coast of Florida really has a different look, it is not over built and care has been taken to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Karl's Thoughts August 2006

Today's Thought
Tuesday August 1, 2006
Tonight I went to The Crab Shack, and sat out on the patio watching the boats go by on the Cotte River on their way home from a day out on the Gulf. The Miss Daisy was docked nearby, back from a day of taking passengers on a sight-seeing tour of the area. I was in New Port Richie, about 20 miles south of my home in Hernando County, Florida. I come to this restaurant often to eat and enjoy the music they have every night of the week. It is an open air restaurant and a favorite spot of both tourists and locals.
Today's Thought
Wednesday August 2, 2006
Today I have too many appointments, what was I thinking? These appointments are all over Hernando County and Pasco County. At least I will be able to see anything that has changed in these areas recently. I will be traveling to a rural area of Brooksville and to Hernando Beach and then along to downtown New Port Richie to list homes and possibly a business. This could be a Good Day!!
Today's Thought
Thursday August 3, 2006
The real estate market seems to be on an upswing again in Hernando County, Florida. I have notice so many more homes are currenty pending sale than in the past few months. I also noticed that sellers are for the most part getting close to their asking price. This means there are still plenty of buyers looking for a home. The inventory of homes for sale is still high right now but should be leveling off making the playing field fairly even for sellers and buyers. This leveling of could cause the prices of homes to rise slightly in the near future.
Today's Thought
Friday August 4, 2006
It's Friday again, the best day of the work week! The weather looks great, no tropical storms, maybe a little thunder storm late today, just the usual late afternoon, early evening rain that lasts only a few minutes and does a great job of watering the lawn for free! It should be another fun weekend, especially for water sports. I expect to see around 100 boats anchored out in the flats off Hernando Beach. (our swimming hole) The Party begins at about 11 AM. and it's a lot of fun socializing, swimming, cooking out... I'm looking forward to it.
Today's Thought
Monday August 7, 2006
Well, it's Monday again... I will go on The ERA Pearson New Listing Tour so I can see what's out there for my customers. This tour is Realtors only and gives us a chance to evaluate how other realtors and their customers have set the prices on the New Listings for the week. There are usually 7 or 8 homes on the tour each Monday. The trend for the last six months has been for customers to want to list their home priced on the high side and lower the price later, if it doesn't sell in the first few weeks. This can be a bad way to start out, since the biggest interest on the home will come in the first couple of weeks it is on the market. Starting out too high can waste this valuable window of time. Pricing your home at the RIGHT PRICE to sell is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your home will be seen by as many qualified buyers as possible. Realtors show homes to their buyers if they believe it will be a good investment for them, as well as being a great place to live. If there is some doubt about the market value of a home, it is always best to obtain an appraisal by a licensed appraiser. This will validate your price and and assure potential buyers that they will be able to easily obtain financing on the home.
Today's Thought
Tuesday August 8, 2006
I've been working the last couple of days (early in the morning while it's still cooler) to clean and repair the privacy fence around my back yard. This is hard work but the pay off is worth it. My old fence that was already in place when I bought my home two years ago was looking pretty bad. There were a couple of loose poles which I replaced with a new pressure treated 4X4's in cement. Then I got out my pressure washer and just cleaned the wood, it took about 3 hours, but the results were amazing. Now, I can hardly tell the new poles from the old ones. It makes the backyard look like it is better maintained. Just by cleaning the fence! I always knew it worked for wood decks and now for wood fences. Try it and you will see the difference in the first couple of minutes.
Today's Thought
Wednesday August 9, 2006
Homeowners Insurance...Need more competition...Where have I heard that before... From the state government and now we are hearing it again. When will they stop talking and actually do something? The only way we will ever see competition in the Homeowners Insurance Business is when The State of Florida makes the rules instead of the Insurance Companies. Why are insurers so eager to sell auto insurance in Florida? Just a guess, they make a lot of money...that is the name of the game. Require insurance companies to offer a full range of products and services (the same ones they offer in other states) or not be allowed to sell any type of insurance in Florida. This is the only fair way to do it. The companies will have to make the decision to be fair, or get out. Whatever their decision, we can't be any worse off. Are you listening Allstate, State Farm, and the rest of you who have decided that making money hand over fist for years and years, and then losing money one year will break you? Shouldn't you have been escrowing money from the good years to cover a bad year? That's what other companies have to do. We all know that even if we currently have Homeowners Insurance through a private insurer, filing a claim may (probably will) result in cancellation. Hurricanes are not the only reason insurance claims are being filed in Florida, they are just the ones everyone hears about.
Today's Thought
Thursday August 10, 2006
A little more on Homeowners insurance...Let your elected officials from the local level to the federal level, know how you feel about the insurance crisis (and it is a crisis), call them, email them, write them and demand to know what they are doing to help homeowners with regard to insurance coverage for their biggest investment, their homes! If they do not respond or respond in a manner with which you disagree, FIRE THEM! Neighborhoods need to band together and VOTE for the people that agree that relief is needed and WILL DO something to change the way insurers do business in the state of Florida. Do this starting from the Governor down to the Homeowners Associations and Condo Boards. The most important thing to do is stay actively INVOLVED and IMFORMED.
Today's Thought
Friday August 11, 2006
As I sit at my desk watching the beautiful sunset, I am reminded why I moved to the Gulf Coast of Florida in the first place. Beautiful sunsets are just a part of the natural beauty of the Nature Coast. So much of Hernando County, is as it was when the early settlers arrived. You can still see wildlife in their natural habitat. It is not uncommon to see golpher turtles, deer, beautiful exotic birds and maybe even a bear. Hernando County has set aside many areas as preserves or greenbelt areas. The same is true for the wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico and the many rivers that run through the area. Very often you see dolphins (FLipper) or manatees swimming by when you look out your back window, if you are lucky enough to live on the water, either the Gulf or any of the rivers. So, if you are considering a Florida vacation, don't overlook the Nature Coast.
Today's Thought
Monday August 14, 2006
I saw a beautiful home today. It wasn’t new or even “recently updated”. It looked lived in. Most of all it was a labor of love for the couple that owned it. They had spent their time and money to make the most of what this home had to offer. From the unusual carved stone fireplace mantle to the many built-ins including bookshelves and a place to hide your TV when you are not watching (can hold any size TV and lots of other things). The walls in the kitchen where you could normally put a wallpaper border had a mural hand painted by the owner (he is quite a good artist). There was a beautiful Tiffany Chandelier in the dining room hanging from a vaulted ceiling, it was huge the kind you would normally see in the lobbies of fine hotels. Yes this a beautiful home that they must sell to be closer to family, but how do you put a price on something that has been such a labor of love? That is the sad part of the real estate business; the bottom line is square footage. Oh, did I mention you can see the Gulf of Mexico from the windows in the kitchen and breakfast room, and while you are swimming in the pool or standing on the dock?
Today's Thought
Tuesday August 15, 2006
Football season is upon us. To many fans this is the end of summer, put away your summer toys and sit on the couch every Sunday afternoon, Monday night and some Thursday nights, to catch the NFL games for the next six months. Additionally there are the NCAA games, all day Saturday and a few other nights and days from September thru November, and then again for all the Bowl Games (and there is a lot of them) from December thru the first week of January. Then comes the Super Bowl at the beginning of February. Did I say six months? It’s getting to be more like seven months. Great for Football Fans everywhere. Remember to exercise throughout the week since your weekends will be spent being a Couch Potato!
Today's Thought
Wednesday August 16, 2006
It rained yesterday, a good thing for my lawn. It missed the last couple of days, and I missed it. I thought I was going to have to water the lawn again. This is summer and it is the time of year when rain is supposed to come in the late afternoon, to help cool us down and to water our lawns and flowers. Usually, it rains for a short time (less than a half hour) then clears off to show us the beautiful sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. The rain is a welcome event for most people living on the Florida’s Nature Coast, it is expected and enjoyed.
Today's Thought
Thursday August 17, 2006
The price of gas is off the charts. As a Realtor, I am affected by the price of gas, since most of my day is spent working in the car. The big gas companies are making billions of dollars each year, but are they investing some of the money in maintaining the equipment they have in place. The pipelines to transport the oil, the wells where they drill, the platforms out in the Gulf and elsewhere? BP, for example has pipelines leaking and needs to shut them down to make repairs, (price for gas is going up)… but they made billions of dollars and only spent a fraction of 1% on maintaining these pipelines to make sure corrosion did not occur. They had the knowledge and products available to prevent this from happening, but were they too greedy to spend some of their profits to keep the US running and protect the environment as well?
Today's Thought
Friday August 18, 2006
Went to Hooters for chicken wings last night. They are always so good, but I’ve tried to make them at home following recipes on the net and it’s just not the same. I could use some help. If you have a really good copycat recipe for these wings and the sauce (Mild or medium), please send me the recipe to try. I know it can’t be that hard to make the things!
Today's Thought
Monday August 21, 2006
Now is a great time of year to enjoy some time out on the water. Since school is now back in session there are fewer boats going out especially on weekdays. So if you have the opportunity during the week, you will be able to explore the Nature Coast and Hernando Beach at your own pace. Enjoy the tranquility of a cruise through the canals or out the channel and through the flats.
Today's Thought
Tuesday August 22, 2006
Soon Floridians will be able to enjoy Home Grown vegetables and fruits again. This will put the word FRESH back in our vocabulary. As the temperature moderates and fall approacheson the Nature Coast, we will again see local vegetables and fruit for sale everywhere, from the major grocery stores to neighborhood stands. I just can’t wait!
Today's Thought
Wednesday August 23, 2006
The kids are all back at school now. That makes it more important than ever to drive carefully, especially around our schools. There have already been some accidents, some of them involving school buses. The bus drivers and their passengers are just getting used to the routes their buses will take and how to get on and off at the approved stops. Please obey the laws that are in place to protect our children.
Today's Thought
Thursday August 24, 2006
Labor Day is not far away. This will signal the end of summer in most of the country, but in Florida this will only signal the beginning of football season. This will be an interesting College Football season in Florida. The season begins with the Florida State Seminoles vs the Miami Hurricanes on September 4th and the Florida Gators vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles on September 2nd. I will be watching every game and cheering for my favorite team. (No I’m not going to say which one is my favorite, I have relatives and friends attending several of the above mentioned schools.)
Today's Thought
Friday August 25, 2006
I love a cup of coffee in the morning… and since I discovered these new coffee creamers in great flavors like Irish Cream, Hazelnut, & French Vanilla, I have even more reason to get up early and put on a pot of coffee. The only problem is that now it’s not a cup of coffee every morning, it’s a pot of coffee every morning. And I drink my coffee while sitting on my back porch watching the sun come up and the butterflies on the flowers in the backyard. The mornings are great on the Nature Coast, they are the coolest part of the day and so quiet.
Today's Thought
Monday August 28, 2006
The past few days have been very busy for me, my wife is starting a business and I have been helping her and the real estate calls have started coming in fast and furious. I know this is a good thing, but it really keeps me running. And then there is my newsletter, Issue 9 is due out in a few days and I am working to get it to print as quickly as I can. I will be posting Issue 9 of my newsletter on my website in the next few days, so make sure to check back and read it. It's a little real estate news and a lot of other interesting information and some things just for fun. Also on my website be sure to take the picture tour of Hernando County. See the beauty of the Nature Coast.
Today's Thought
Tuesday August 29. 2006 After working 7 days a week for two weeks in a row, I know why it is important to have a day off every week. It is a drain on your body, but the real drain is on your mind. To be effective at whatever you do, you must have time to yourself. So, all you workaholics out there, make sure that you are not working so much that you become totally ineffective at what you are doing. It defeats the purpose of doing your job in the first place.
Today's Thought
Wenesday August 30, 2006
There is finally a completed home on the lot next to mine. The construction is finally done and our new neighbors will be closing on the home in the next few days. It will be nice to have some new young people in the neighborhood. The house looks great and the yard is sodded and the there is going to be a big flower bed in the front yard that we will be able to see from our side window. The fenced backyards in the neighborhood allow for privacy, while the front yards are open and encourage neighbors to get to know each other. So I am sure they will get to know everyone in a very short time.
Today's Thought
Thursday August 31, 2006
It is a beautiful morning, maybe a little rain today leftover from Tropical Storm Ernesto. Yesterday it was supposed to rain a lot because of the storm, but the rain never really came. The storm just fizzled out with regard to both rain and wind. The only thing noticable in Hernando County is that the temperature was about 5 degrees cooler than it has been in the past few days, but that could be just the approach of fall and a general cooling back into the 80's. Remember that is why I moved to Florida in the first place, to have good weather year round.

Karl's Thoughts September 2006

Today' s Thought
Friday September 1. 2006
As a Realtor, I have been hit pretty hard with the high gas prices especially in the last few months. I was please to see that the prices are dropping somewhat at the pumps. It seems strange to be happy when a tank of gas for my car "only costs $41", but that was how I felt yesterday when I pulled away from the pump at my local gas station. They are predicting gas prices will be even lower in the not so distant future.
Today's Thought
Tuesday September 5, 2006
Took my boat out to the Flats yesterday to celebrate Labor Day. I also did not work in honor of Labor Day. That was my first day off in about three weeks, as I have mentioned before my wife has opened a business in New Port Richie and I have been helping her in addition to my Real Estate work. It did feel great to just enjoy the day at my leisure. Also on Saturady I saw Regular Gas for $2.55 at the Hess Station at Grand & US 19 in Port Richie. That's the best deal I have seen in a long time, but still higher than I think it should be considering the PROFITS of the oil companies. I have not seen the prices at the pumps as low in Hernando County as Pasco County, but they too have been steadily dropping in the last few day. Every little bit helps.
Today's Thought
Wedensday September 6, 2006
I went to show my listing on Hernando Beach yesterday. The people seem very excited about this beautiful waterfront home, which is good, but I notice that they were building on the vacant lot next door, also good... then I notice that the crew that was to drive the pilings for the new home (this is Hernando Beach and these pilings are mandatory) had dropped the materials (they were as long as telephone poles) in the neighbors yard damaging his lawn, making a deep hole and possibly damaging his irrigation system. This is not a good way to start the job, companies building homes in already established areas need to be very careful not to cause problems with the neighbors. There are several months of construction to go, so they need to try to be good neighbors for the time that they work on this new home. By the way I saw gas priced at $2.51 at the Racetrac Station on Ridge Road in Pasco County.
Today's Thought
Thursday September 7, 2006
$2.47 for gas at Walmart at US 19 in Port Richie... and it continues to drop! They say gas will be around $2.00 per gallon around Thanksgivving. Let's see if this is what really happens.
Today's Thought
Friday September 8, 2006
What is Miami to do? Fire Sabin or Fire Coker? I think maybe both need to go!! What do you think?
Today's Thought
Monday September 11, 2006
Ther was an earthquake about 250 miles off the Gulf Coast of Florida yesterday. They said it could be felt all over Florida, but not by me. I was driving my car, so maybe the great tires I have kept all of the vibration from being felt in the car! By the way I'm saw gas prices at $2.39 at the Sam's in New Port Richie over the weekend. Five years ago today is a day no one should ever forget September 11, 2001, our country was attacked by terrorists. We have come a long way in protecting our country from a repeat of this type of terrorism, but there are still some weaknesses in our security. All citizens should remain ever vigilant to protect themselves and their fellow citizens from terrorist that may still be living among us, both now and in the future. Say a prayer for those who died and their family and friends that horrible day in NewYork, Washington, DC & in that Pennsylvania Field.
Today's Thought
Tusday September 12, 2006
Went to but a refrigerator yesterday...to replace my refrigerator that is less than two years old and has already let me down twice. Bad compresor, just like the last time. Under warranty, just like the last time. This time I will not not trust it again, just went and bought a new one instead. Do not ever buy a Frigidaire. They are the cheapest for a reason!!!
Today's Thought
Wednesday September 13, 2006
Refrigerator delivered and it's a beauty. They had to take the doors off of it to get it through the front door of my home. When they replaced the doors on the fridge, they could not seem to adjust them so they would be level, (does anyone know how to do that?) so they will be sending me a serviceman for my brand new refridgerator, how weird! They will have to get it right or they will be getting the refridgerator back! Gas prices continue to drop. New update tomorrow!
Today's Thought
Thursday September 14, 2006
The gas prices are dropping all over the place. I think this just may prove that the last year of escalating prices was not because the oil was scarce and production low. Hurricanre Katrina must not have had as much effect on oil platforms and shipping as they led us to believe. Greed plays such an important role in the price of oil, that it is impossible for the public to truly know when there is a real problem with the supply and when there is just speculation of what may happen. Gas prices are controlled by the "what ifs" and this way of thinking truly impacts the lives of every citizen, and causes the prices of everything we buy to be raised the cover the transportation costs involved in shipping. The gas prices may be falling but the prices of the goods we buy that have increased in price due to transportion cost will take much longer to return to former levels if they ever do!
American citizens have a right to know when there is really a crisis, so they can make sure they help to save the resourses, but the past year of rising prices has not changed the way people drive, no one believed there was a true crisis. Just "Big Oil" further padding their already rich pockets at the expense of working people. We all need to be able to drive our cars and get to work, because if the average citizen can not work because they can afford gas, we will have a REAL CRISIS in this country.
Today's Thought
Friday September 15, 2006
In trying to cancel my cellular phone service with Cingular so that I could obtain service with a carrier that actually provided quality service to the area in which I live, since Cingular did not work in my living room or any other places that I happened to be. I was told that I was still under contract even though I had made no changes in my contract or otherwise signed for new service from their company. I had started out with AT&T in February 2004 in Memphis, TN and when Cingular took over AT&T in early 2005 I was among those unhappy people force to be a part of a company locked into a contract (two years originally with one year left) that I did not choose and would not have chosen because of the bad word of mouth on Cingular! When I moved to Florida in March 2005, Cingular told me that AT&T no longer existed and that Cingular would be the only company that I could deal with... I was getting nowhere, and all I wanted to do was to change my phone # from the Memphis area to a local # in Spring Hill, after many hours on the phone with Cingular telling me that I should just keep the Memphis # even though I had become a Florida resident, they changed the #... to a Gainsville, Florida #... oh good a new long distance #, when I called to complain and at that time I did"t know that it was a Gainsville #,they told me I should have told them I lived in Spring Hill and would need a Brooksville # (I'm supposed to know that?) I told them that it was their job to know the local #'s for my area and since they had my correct billing and mailing address it should have been easy. (where is their customer service, India?) Again I spent my time trying to correct their error. Today again I was on the phone wasting my time trying to correct their error again!! It was an error and they admitted it, but still would not give me their name or the name of their supervisor in case the problem does not get solved by the woman(Miss No Name) that assured me she would take care of it. With their track record I do not get that warm and fuzzy feeling that all is well between myself and Cingular. If you are thinking of opening an account with Cingular think long and hard, because they will be able to ruin the experience for you and you will feel that they are doing something unethical or are trying to in some way cheat you, their valuable customer without whom they would not be in business in the first place.
Today's Thought
Monday Septenber 18, 2006
This is one of the best events in the area. Make plans to attend, you'll have a great time.
11/11/2006 - 11/12/2006
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
32nd Annual Homosassa Arts Crafts & Seafood Festival
Hours: Saturday 8:30 - 5:00 pm, Sunday 8:30 - 4:00 pm

Location: Corner of Yulee Drive and Mason Creek Rd in Old Homosassa, FL

Cost: $2.00 -- 12 and under free
All proceeds go to charity

Visit a rustic river town for a delightful weekend. Old Homosassa will come alive for the 32nd Annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival sponsored by the Homosassa Civic Club. Juried art shows, exhibits and holiday gifts. Southern delicacies, fresh seafood and arts and crafts booths.


Today's Thought
Tuesday September 18, 2006
Update on my new cellular service... after a few little bumps in the road, all is well. The devices work well and the signal is so much better than my Cingular signal. What provider did I choose? Sprint/Nextell I have heard some not too good things about them as well, but I giving them a try. My office requested that if I changed services, their system was set up for Nextel, and that most of the other realtors also use Nextel. I will even be able to get the text messages they send. Another thing Cingular did was to restrict text messages to only other Cingular customers, at least in this area. What's the point in that? Oh well, glad to be rid of them. I did write a complaint to whoever gets the mail at their complaint dept., whatever that is worth!! By the way I paid $2.22 a gallon for regular unleaded at the Sam's store in Spring Hill/Brooksville on Sunday Morning. Best price in over a year.
Today's Thought
Wednesday September 20, 2006
Another coming event in the area is the Cottee River Bike Fest, make plans to attend, you'll be glad you did.
October 14-15, 2006 www.coteeriverbikefest.com
Today's Thought
Thursday September 21, 2006
Visit  http://www.khosp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=975 for interesting information on Hernando County. Pictures of the area, information on Real Estate, links to newcomer information, school sites and sporting events in the area, plus much more.
Today's Thought
Friday September 22, 2006
Keyboard Malfunction forces Shutdown!
Today's Thought
Monday Spteember 25, 2006
Thank goodness for overnite deliveries! New keyboard arrives as scheduled from Dell. It is a little different might take some getting used to, but seems to work great. Spending a day without a keyboard, (none of my backups would work on this computer) was not easy. You can't even answer your email or do a search. I guess I'm spoiled, what did we ever do without a computer. Even though I could have set up my old computer it would not have been the same. It's too slow, that's why I bought a new one about 3 months ago, nothing is made to last these days, keyboard broken in only three months! By the way gasoline prices in this area are around $2.15 per gallon, pretty good I'm waiting for under $2.00!
Today's Thought
Tuesday September 26, 2006
Looking for a House Band for a new club is not an easy task. There seem to be plenty of bands but even after you weed through the ones that do not match the needs and customer base of the club, most are too expensive for a start up club to afford. My friends are in the middle of this mess, they really want a live band for their club, and are fairly open to different kinds of music, but just can't seem to find the right combination of music and price.
Today's Thought
Wednesday September 27, 2006
I received a call yesterday from a client to whom I sold a home 6 months ago wanting to know what company installed the new A/C in the home a year before he bought it. Since I didn't know I called the previous owner and luckily she was able to supply me with the information. Keep in mind that this was not for a service/repair call, my client wanted to purchase a service contract from that company to maintain the unit. Attention ALL A/C companies, it would be a good idea to apply a sticker to the unit that will give the information on how to contact your company in the future should the unit need repairs or should they want to purchase new equipment or services. Some sellers do provide the paper work on equipment and services they use and some do not. Why take a chance on losing a sale, advertise your company directly on the piece of equipment, then the next time they need similar service they will have your company name and phone number easily available. Doesn't cost much and could get you new business.
Today's Thought
Thursday September 28, 2006
Just a note to say that real estate is the reason that I write this blog, and every day I wonder why the other realtors don't do the same thing. There are a lot of homes on the market and every buyer has a wide choice of homes from which to choose, but the homes that are best prepared for sale will sell fast and for the most money. Make sure your home is among the homes that sellers are looking for in this tight market. Do the best you can to make sure that your home is exactly the home that people want, just put the home in the best light and it will sell itself.
Today's Thought
Friday September 29, 2006
Today I am going to spend a little time at the Founder's Day Celebration in New Port Richey. This family friendly event promises to entertain everyone from the childen to adults. There will be everything from crafts to music.
It will continue through the weekend ending Sunday evening. See you there.

Karl's Thoughts October 2006

Today's Thought
Monday October 2, 2006
I seems that we are back to the "no rain" season so if your home is currently for sale or you are thinking of listing it, make sure to water on your assigned days. A lush green yard will make a difference to your prospective buyers.
Today's Thought
Tuesday October 3, 2006
A trip to the Post Office should be simple, especially if you go after hours. The problem is if you need to purchase stamps from the machine, it never works. Postal employees should be required to check the machines before they leave everyday. If it doesn't work there needs to be a sign place on it so people do not lose their money or better yet fix it!
Today's Thought
Wednesday October 4, 2006
Gas prices seem to be leveling off at around $2.15 per gallon, I haven't seen any real change in more than a week. Still waiting to see if it reaches the $2.00 mark!!
Today's Thought
Thursday October 5, 2006
One of my listings was expiring yesterday and when I called them to okay the renewal they said that they wanted to go with a bigger company to sell their home. My company, ERA is one of the largest Real Estate Companies. I wish them luck but they wouldn't listen when I told them that they had an unrealistic asking price for the home, so I only hope the new realtor can convince them that they need not over price the home again. The market is shifting in favor of the buyer, so sellers can no longer use their wish for price, instead they must use a current CMA to arrive at a price for which the home will sell in a timely manner. Otherwise they will be back in the same position in 3 - 6 months.
Today's Thought
Friday October 6, 2006
If you purchase an item for pick up on a different day, make sure the store marks the item with your name and a pick up date. I didn't and they place my purchase back on the floor to be sold again. Luckily it was still there when I returned to pick it up the following day!
Today,s Thought
Monday October 8, 2006
More trouble with Cingular Wireless and they are not even my service provider anymore. Now they just bill me for providing NO SERVICE which when I think about it, is pretty much what did for the entire length of my contract. The following is my letter to The Office of the President Cingular Wireless in Ocean Springs, MS:
Cingular Wireless
Office of the President
3051 Bienville Blvd.
Ocean Springs, MS 39564

Dear Mr. Sitton,

I was directed to you for help in solving my problem with Cingular Wireless, so here is the problem. I was told when I changed cellular service that I was still under my TWO YEAR contract and would have to pay $400 for the privilege of canceling my service. I explained that I didn’t have a contract since it expired in March 2006. She in no uncertain terms told me again that I did have a contract and I renewed it in March 2006. After a while on the phone she emailed AT&T? and they confirmed that I did not have a contract. She says she will make sure that I am not billed the $400. As you can see from the enclosed bill she did not make that correction.
I sent a letter to Customer Service in Tampa, Florida asking them to investigate my complaint and let me know how this happened. No response, just the bill for $400 plus the amount of the bill for services for a partial month. The letter is enclosed so you can see for yourself.

When the bill for $400 plus arrive I again called customer service and again they told me they would take care of the problem and call me in 5 days and let me know how much I need to pay, I told him that I would need this in writing with an explanation. He said Cingular does not write letters to their customers. I asked for a supervisor, his name was Joe(?) he told me the same thing. I asked for his supervisor, her name was Jennifer(?) she told me the same thing and added that Cingular just has too many customer to write a letter.

Please note that my bill has a past due on it, for I don’t know what reason since this is the first bill I have received since changing providers and at the time I was current, how could I have paid a bill without knowing how much the prorated charges would be. I will need the letter saying the mistake was Cingular’s to send to the credit bureau, since I am sure I will be reported for non-payment based on how Cingular has handled my account concerns in the past.

A letter from Cingular will let me feel secure that this was an error and that it is not the regular practice of Cingular. It seems to me that Cingular may be doing the same thing to many customers and hoping that some of them will just pay because it is too much trouble to fight it or because they just don’t understand the bill and think since you billed them they must pay and you must be right. The whole thing smells fishy to me. Maybe you should take a look around and see that other than your commercials, almost everything that is printed about Cingular is negative. Maybe that is because Cingular just doesn’t care.

All that I am asking for is a letter explaining what happened and why and what is being done to correct the problem, so it will not happen in the future, why is that so hard to get through to Cingular’s customer service reps? The truth is Cingular customer service is very, very bad.

I could go on for several more pages to list the problems I have had with Cingular in the last two and a half years. If you want to know more just ask me and I’ll be happy to give you the details.
I’m sure that it is noted on my account that I am not very nice to your “customer service reps”.
I can assure you that if you had spent as much time talking to them as I have and getting no results, you would be mad also and they would no longer be a Cingular customer service rep.

I have attached the previous letter that I sent to your Customer Service Dept in September. I also lodged a complaint with consumer affairs and posted the complaint on as many websites as I could find. I AM NOT ALONE IN COMPLAINING ABOUT BAD SERVICE FROM CINGULAR.

I am sending a copy of this letter to Stanley T. Sigman and Kathleen L. Downing.
Please help me resolve this matter soon. I’ll be waiting for your written reply.

Karl & Gail in Spring Hill, Florida
I am hopeful that this will help, but I was hopefull with the first letter. We will just wait and see if there is actually someone at Cingular Wireless other than just the computer to do re-occuring billing!!!

Today's Thought
Tuesday October 10, 2006
Last nite I played Texas Hold'em Poker at Prowlers in New Port Richey. It's the free kind and the winners will play in a championship tournament for a chance to get paid entry into Las Vegas Tournament. So far I don't have to woory about packing for Vegas, since I did not win last nite. I did however, enjoy myself very much and plan to play again next week.
Today's Thought
Wednesday October 11, 2006
Remember when you are using a coupon or gift certificate, that if it says you can not get cash back or it is a single use card then you must use up the full amount or forfiet the remainder. You can not tip your server with the remainder! Your server will not receive the money from his or her employer.
Today's Thought
Thursday October 12, 2006
I'm for some ideas for party games. This party is not for close friends, so the games must be suitable for all adults at the party both couples and singles will be invited. Remember that most of these people will not know each other.
Today's Thought
Friday October 13, 2006
Friday the 13th and in October to boot. Great day to just stay home and out of trouble.
Today's Thought
Monday October 16, 2006
This is still a great time for anyone who is thinking of buying an home. It is a buyers market for the first time in quite a while. Buyers can get great deals on homes right now. This market trend won't last too long, so if you're considering purchasing a new home just look around, there are many to choose from in all price ranges. You may even find some real bargains out there!
Today's Thought
Tuesday October 17, 2006
I think my wife is going to sell the small kithcen business she is currently operating. Since it is located in New Port Richey about 25 miles from our home , I won't say that I am too sorry to see it go. She wants to buy another business and I am sure that she has something else in mind to do. I am hoping that she finds something that operates less hours than a restaurant kitchen, but we'll see.
Today's Thought
Wednesday October 18, 2006
I have friends visiting from out of town. Need to take today to take them around to see some of the sites on the Nature Coast. Maybe even take the boat out for a few minutes.
Today's Thought
Thursday October 19, 2006
Took a boat ride with friends visiting from TN yesterday. It was a great day out on the Gulf. The tide was high and allowed us to get back in the small islands without worrying about running aground. This turned out to be one of the best times on the boat this year. The weather was beautiful and the Gulf was unusually calm for this time of year. The friends could not believe that they could enjoy the Gulf in the middle of October. Just the way it is year round on the Nature Coast.
Today's Thought
Friday October 20, 2006
Where did the month go!! Seems like time is passing so quickly these days leading up to the holidays. Hallloween almost here, Thanksgiving around the corner, Christmas will be here before you know it!! These are the days when everything becomes hectic and you can become overwhelmed. Planning is the key to keeping your life under control during the holiday madness. It may seem silly, but if you plan your days completely they will be much less stressful. Also remember to take some time for yourself evey day. This is very important to your health during times of stress.
Today's Thought
Monday October 23, 2006
If you have been looking for a home to buy in Spring Hill, Florida, I have the perfect one for you. Three bedrooms, two baths, stainless steel appliances, stone counter tops, swimming pool, hot tub, fenced vegetable or flower garden covered with a pergola, lush landscaping, sprinkler system on a well, stone floor to ceiling fireplace in huge great room, central vac system, attic fan and much, much more. Click on the link below for a virtual tour of this property:
http://khosp.com/FeaturedListings/13124FishCoveDriveSpringHillFlorida34609/tabid/1110/Default.aspx
Today's Thought
Tuesday October 24, 2006
A little change in the weather, something subtle, just a few degrees. Time to open the windows and letyour home air out from the summer of air conditioning. Let the breeze act as your air freshener. Remember that a fresh smelling home makes trying to sell the home easier. Plus, the fresh air will be good for you and your family.
Today's Thought
Wednesday October 25, 2006
I am waching the real estate market for you every day. If you are confused by what you hear or read in the news, call me and I will help you understand the changing market. Whether you are selling or buying the more information you are armed with the better decisions you will make when you enter the real estate market.
Today's Thought
Thursday October 26, 2006
In Hernando County the real estate market is currently a buyers market. There are many homes from which buyers can choose and some are bargain prices. Royal Highlands is a growing neighborhood in northwestern Hernando County bordered on the west by Weeki Wachee, on the south by Spring Hill, on the east by Brooksville and on the north by Sugar Mill woods in Citrus County, where there are new homes for sale at very reasonable prices. Take a look at what your money can buy in this beautiful residential neighborhood of new homes all of which are on at least ½ acre of property.
Today's Thought
Thursday October 27, 2006
Soon you will be able to get all the information you need on living in Hernando County and the entire Nature Coast by just visiting www.khosp.com There are links to everything from sporting events to the St. Pete Times & Tampa Tribune to how to get your utilities turned on to obtaining a Florida Drivers License. I am striving to make www.khosp.com as useful as possibl, take a look, your input is welcome. Use the searches to find your dream home.
Today's Thought
Monday October 30, 2006
Real Estate seemed to be more active this past weekend. I've shown several homes and my business listing. This could mean that the market is changing slightly. If you are a buyer now could be the time to make that purchase. New homes are plentiful and are priced very reasonably.
Today's Thought
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Trick or Treat! Well it's that time of year again, if you will be welcoming little goblins, make sure that your yard, sidewalk and driveway are safe and turn on your front lights. If you are not participating in the Halloween festivities, turn off your front lights early this evening. You can put the lights back on after about 8:30 PM.

Karl's Thoughts Novermber 2006

Today's Thought
Wednesday November 1, 2006
I drive on US 19 in Pasco County almost every night and this is the third time in the last month that I have driven past an accident where someone has lost his or her life. First it was a bicyclist who ran into the side of a moving vehicle in New Port Richey who was killed, then it was the motorcyclist killed in Hudson, and tonight it was a pedestrian crossing 19 just north of 52 in front of Bobkatz. When are we going to learn that US 19 is not safe for bikes or pedestrians, how many more people need to die before they enforce the laws regarding bicycles and the rules for riding on the streets and jaywalking. Jaywalking is the biggest problem for drivers on US 19; if you are driving you are constantly dodging jaywalkers, especially in Pasco County. Are these people just dumb or do they have a death wish? If you walk, hitch, or ride a bike, you are responsible for obeying the laws, as are drivers of vehicles. Just give the motorists a fighting chance by not riding your bike or walking straight into their path or vehicle. Police officers take note, save lives by enforcing the laws for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as motorists and motorcyclists. This will help especially in the congested areas of US 19. I do feel sorry for the folks that do not have a car and must cross US 19 on foot to go to the stores or work, but they must cross at crosswalks with a traffic signal to be safe, even if it means going a bit out of the way to do it. Too many people are sad today because this person lost their life, their family, friends, the driver of the vehicle, their family and friends, the list of people affected by this is too long to mention. Please think before you jaywalk the next time or ride your bike against traffic with no lights, if your life is not important to you, at least think of the person driving the vehicle that kills you, they do not deserve to have their lives ruined just because you don't care.
Today's Thought
Thursday November 2, 2006
There is a big Bike Show & Pig Roast this Sunday November 5th beginning at noon at Prowlerz7430 US Hwy 19 North in New Port Richey. It will be fun for everyone, even if you don't have a Bike.
Today's Thought
Friday November 3, 2006
Everybody is sick around here and I don't feel so well myself. Knew I should have gotten a flu shot last week. Last year I got my shot early and was never sick one day. Will I never learn.
Today's Thought
Monday November 6, 2006
Well , I got it, the flu that is. Maybe I'll be able to think better tommorrow.
Today's Thought
Tuesday November 7, 2006
Wonder how long the thing lasts. Seems like forever already, the days seem really long when you don't feel well.
Today's Thought
Wednesday November 8, 2006
Today is my wife's Birthday, can't forget this one. Still a little sick, but on the mend. At least I feel like I can breath again. Need to get things done around the house that I have been putting off for a few days so I could recover from this cold. It seems like everyone has it, where ever I go.
Today's Thought
Thursday November 9, 2006
Today will be a long day still feeling bad and need to get ready to show homes to buyers from Pembroke Pines, Florida. They have a long list of properties to see on Hernando Beach, hope I can talk by then.
Today's Thought
Friday November 10, 2006
The weather is beautiful. The air is crisp and clean. The humidity is very low. The temps are moderate for November in Hernando County. This is a great place to live and everyone living in and around the Nature Coast area knows to appreciate it. This is the reason hundreds of thousands of people from the North make the trek to Florida to spend November - March year after year. Whether you visit the Nature Coast or other parts of Florida, the winters are very mild and outdoor activities are available year round. If you are interested in spending the winter months in Florida, just call me, I have winter homes for sale and rental property. You can reach me, Karl Hosp at 352.650.6823 or visit http://www.khosp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=121
Today's Thought
Monday November 13, 2006
This weekend I went to see about 30 homes that are for sale in Hernando Beach, so that I would be better able to answer questions from buyers online and over the phone when they are just starting to shop for a home in that area. By knowing what is for sale in Hernando Beach and listening to the buyers list of what they want in a home they are purchasing, I will be able to better match that list with the homes that will best suit their needs. If you are looking for waterfront property, Hernando Beach may be just the spot for you. More information at  http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6195583025719744103&q=hernando+beach or call Karl at 352.650.6823.
Today's Thought
Tuesday November 14, 2006
When you start to look for a home to buy, get prequalified for a mortgage. This will make it easier for you to pick homes that are within your price range and you will know about what your payments will be per month, as well as taxes and insurance. There will be a much less chance for disappointment since you will will only be looking at homes that you can potentially afford to purchase. I can help you find the right home at the right price, just call Karl Hosp at 352.650.6823.
Today's Thought
Wednesday November 15, 2006
The work is really piling up now. I guess it is a good thing to be busy. I would not be happy if I had nothing to do, or would I? I really have never tried doing nothing for more a day or so, usually when I'm sick!! Working on the real estate business in addition to helping my wife with her business in the evening is keeping me on the go all the time. Really, no complaining here we love our work and the businesses that we have, even if they do make us crazy at times. Oh well, I'm off to the office this morning need to get a contract completed and schedule an open house for this week end. You can see the open house home at http://www.khosp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1110 the home is on Fish Cove Drive and there is a vitual tour available on the site.

Karl's Thoughts December 2006

Today's Thought
Monday December 18, 2006
This is my first day back. I have been ill and in the hospital for a short time in the last month. I hurt my back, but the hospital could not find anything too bad. I still feel not so good, back hurts, arm hurts, chest hurts, but the doctors say "nothing really wrong", it will get better. Still waiting... at least I feel well enough to go to work again and according to the doctors it was not a heart attack or stroke. I will be working out of the ERA Pearson Realty Beach Office, but you can still reach me at the same telephone number 352.650.6823 for your real estate need on The Nature Coast. I have been updating my website in the last few weeks, there is still a ways to go but it's getting there. Check it out at www.khosp.com there are some new features available. I am in the office today til 3 PM.
Today's Thought
Tuseday December 19, 2006
Spending the day in the office. Gettting caught up on some things I have been meaning to do for quite a while. I am working on a new way to do virtual tours for my listings, I want to be state of the art when it comes to advertising the homes I have listed for sale. If you are thinking of selling your home, call me at 352.650.6823 and we can put together the perfect marketing plan to maximize you profits and sell your home in the shortest amount of time.
Today's Thought
Wednesday December 20, 2006
Well, it's time!! Christmas is 5 days away, so I guess I 'll go shopping. Actually it's earlier than I usually shop, but I saw something in an advertisement in the paper Sunday (I hope they did't sell out by now) for my wife. I am sure she has already purchased my gifts and wrapped them, but I always wait till the last minute, I think it is a "guy thing". I do not like to shop and at Christmas it is even worse than at any other time, but it is necessary to keep the peace in my house and so that Christmas will be "merry".
Today's Thought
Thursday December 21, 2006
Again I am spending the day in the office, seems like every one wants to be off to do something for Christmas. I have finished my shopping, I really don't have too much shopping to do so I can't complain. I am still working on my website to add tours of more homes, but now the real focus will be on making tour of entire neighborhoods. This way when people visit my website thay can not only see a Virtual Tour of a home, but also see a Virtual tour of the community where the home is located. Visit my website to see my progress.
Today's Thought
Friday December 22, 2006
My first Virtual Tour of a community is now on http://www.khosp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1474 Aripeka is a very small community on the Central Gulf Coast of Florida. The tour is not very long, but it shows the rustic "old florida" flavor of tiny Aripeka Florida 34679. Hope you enjoy seeing the tour.
Today's Thought
Tuesday December 26, 2006
Good News, Christmas is over now I can go back to just the everyday way I normally live. The pressure is of for at least 330 days. Back to work after my 3 days off, I'm really glad that is all I have to do. I did take a little time to do what you can really only do in Florida on December 23, I went to the beach. The temp. was about 80 degrees, but because I am used to the water being much warmer, swimming was not an option for me. They say the water temp was 70 degrees but ... that was cold too me. Still I am just happy I had the option of spending the day at the beach, Clearwater Beach no less. Clearwater Beach is a beautiful white sandy, very wide stretch of beach on the Central Gulf Coast of Florida. It is a place that you must visit anytime you are in this area of Florida. See my link to pictures of Clearwater Beach at  http://www.khosp.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1477
Today's Thought
Wednesday December 27, 2006
Still haven't ventured out to the stores for the after Christmas sales. I have pretty much decided to go on Thursday, before I leave for my trip to Virginia. Need to pick up a few clothes that are suitable for winter weather in case I encounter any snow or ice. (I hope not) So far the forecast looks good around 50 degrees in the daytime and around 30 degrees at night. That's why I live in Florida, those temps are to cold and last too long for me. Virginia, it's a great place to visit!
Today's Thought
Thursday December 28, 2006
Great day to shop for a coat it's going to be 80 degrees! Leaving Friday AM will detail the trip along the way. Maybe even a few pics to go with the story. I am going to visit my Mom and the house I grew up in. The friends from high school, the old places I used to go, if any of them still exist. Should be fun and interesting, we'll see.
Today's Thought
Friday December 29, 2006
It's time to go. I had to get up very early since I didn't pack last night. I decided I should play BINGO, good decision I won twice. Thoughts from Virginia on Monday!!

Karl's Thoughts January 2007

Today's Thought
Monday January 8, 2007
The trip was great, the weather was warm, the internet service was not available! Dial up was just too hard to use to update my site, so I just decided to wait till I got back. (I did check my email everyday) Every time I visit Virginia i am still amazed by the beauty of the mountains, especially in Roanoke, looking up from the valley. Big game is tonight, National Championship! I'll be watching.
Today's Thought
Tuesday January 9, 2007
Well, it's the Gators!!! Whether you like them or not they played a great game and clearly beat Ohio State. As the saying goes "on any given night". I think of the teams playing last night they were the better team. So the BCS questions will go on for another year, some things never change. Coming up with a fairer way to decide a National Champion could make someone very rich! Visit the Gator Zone http://www.gatorzone.com/
Today's Thought
Wednesday January 10, 2007
While I was in Virginia, I checked out some real estate in the Smith Mountain Lake area. There are truly some beautiful lakefront homes, building lots and even some acreage currently for sale. The Smith Mountain Lake area is beautiful year round but the water sports season is really late spring to early fall. Boating, sking, wake boarding, fishing and just about any other water sport you can think is available in this lakefront community located about 35 miles from Roanoke Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby and is a great place to view the fall colors. If you would like to learn more about the properties for sale in the Smith Mountain Lake area visit email karlhosp52@gmail .com I would love to provide you some imformation about the place I grew up in and called home for more than than 20 years.
Today's Thought
Thursday January 11, 2007
Today is BINGO day. Since I started playing at the Moose Lodge #521 on Mariner Blvd. in Spring Hill, Florida, I have enjoyed it so much. Unless I have something really important to do, I try to be there every Thursday night. I have met some of the nicest people since joining the Moose in 2005. Membeship also provides me with a way of meeting new people when I travel. On my trip to Virginia, I stopped in the Salem Virginia Lodge and also in the Bedford Virginia lodge. The Salem lodge began in 2001 and since it was a Saturday afternoon when I visited there, many people were there with their families. Saturday December 30, 2006 was the date and at that time all everyone was waiting for the Virginia Tech vs Georg