Florida is many things. A vacation destination, a state replete with the best beaches in America, home to the oldest city in the country, a place with a booming economy and an emerging arts scene. The Sunshine State also tops out another list. Florida has the highest homeowners insurance rates in the country. What’s the root cause of this surge, and what do you need to know about homeowners insurance in the Sunshine State. In a process created by noted industry veterans, your Realtor and BKS risk consultant partner to ensure the intricacies of your property’s architecture, location, and purchase logistics are all taken into consideration for a smooth closing. Smith’s risk consultants assess more than 25 insurer partners to customize an insurance program…

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Curating art that is right for your taste and your space is equal parts enchanting and frustrating. Fortunately, in Tampa Bay, a host of enigmatic artists have diversified the art scene to a point where every taste is reflected on local gallery walls. For those looking to begin or continue their art collection, has featured here 5 artists we are more than enamored with. Our appreciation of their collective works only grows with time.   

Ya La’Ford

Ya La’Ford is a Tampa Bay-based, world-renowned artist whose mesmerizing labyrinth-like murals can be viewed at cultural touchstones across the country but most especially locally. La’Ford has leant her alluring talents to nonprofits in Tampa Bay, and has worked assiduously to support young, aspiring…

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With meticulous attention to detail, these designers and creatives can craft the home of your dreams. These Tampa Bay-based entrepreneurs offer myriad options for even the most discerning designer.  These 5 firms and shops tailor the design experience to your needs. From handwoven fabrics to stunning hand-cut finishes, everything you find from these designers is absolutely one-of-a-kind.  

David Calvin Furniture Studio 

David Calvin is a St. Pete local whose eye for photography and design has earned him notoriety throughout the city. David applied his talents to two decades in the aquatics industry, where he designed and built waterparks and large natatorium pools in the Midwest. While advancing his career, he became deeply interested in woodworking…

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One way we can transport ourselves from the stark realities of 2020 is to consider some of the recent luxury real estate design trends.

You don’t want to have your home stuck in 2010 with outdated décor and out-of-fashion interior design ideas. Keep your luxury home “au courant” with the latest decor trends. This will improve your living space and make it more enjoyable as we fight the pandemic—plus, it will add value to your property. 

a open simple elegant living room with a bookshelf

Simple and Laid-Back Luxury is “In"

Gone is the trend of luxury homes with rigid and uber-formal interiors that transformed luxury homes into showrooms rather than functional living spaces. Giving that we must now spend more time at home, today luxury homeowners are getting a bit more relaxed and less complicated.…

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2020 has been anything but a regular year. And that holds true in the trends for real estate across the nation and here in Tampa-St. Pete.

Not the Usual in an Unusual 2020

Realtors know that home sales usually decline as we get closer to the end of the year. However, to add one more wrinkle to a crazy year, this September, sales rushed ahead of last year’s numbers, according to new figures released recently. Despite nearly 11.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.S. and over 914,000 here in Florida, sales of single-family homes—as well as townhomes, condos, and co-ops—were 20.9% higher than last September, and 9.4% higher than August, according to the National Association of Realtors. The real estate industry is continuing to move the…

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“The Long Nights: How the Light Gets In” Offers Rediscovery Through Poetry and Art

Smith & Associates Real Estate, in partnership with The Poetry Bar, presents an immersive art experience celebrating the radiant power of light as a tool for connecting and inspiring joy in our lives. The art installation, "The Long Nights: How the Light Gets In," will be displayed on the terrace steps of Smith's Beach Drive showroom for a limited run of four nights culminating on the final night for the Winter Solstice. Inspired by the Leonard Cohen quote, "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in," celebrated local artist Katee Tully has created an artistic event that weaves poetry, people, music, and objects to help reveal how light travels into…

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Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Well, if you look at these awesome listings, you’ll see that gardens are growing quite well in these Tampa/St. Pete luxury neighborhoods.

Whether you’ve got a green thumb or you’re all thumbs, you’ll be able to appreciate these listings.

There’s the tranquil beauty of Mediterranean, classic, continental romantic, and tropical gardens; the positive and meditative effects of sensory, therapy, feng shui, and Japanese gardens; as well as practical benefits of herb and vegetable gardens.

Let’s look at these great luxury listings with fantastic gardens…

 

1. 237 6th Avenue NE | St. Petersburg

There is plenty of outdoor space at this Old Northeast home. Relax on the large front porch, back…

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Doug Swain Joins Tampa Bay’s Top Luxury Brokerage Firm

Smith & Associates Real Estate welcomes Doug Swain as Director of Career Development. Swain brings almost thirty years of sales and management experience in the real estate industry. In his new role, Swain will be responsible for career development, agent recruiting, and employee retention. Smith is the market leader for luxury real estate in Tampa Bay and offers agents unparalleled access to career development and educational opportunities.

"Smith's associates are admired in the community for their professionalism, passion for customer service, and market knowledge. To work for a luxury brand that is so highly esteemed and that functions as a big family is exciting, and I can't wait to share my…

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It's the season of gratitude, and you will be THANKFUL for these kitchens as you prepare your holiday meals. Here are 22 Homes for sale with kitchens perfect for preparing your Thanksgiving dinner:

 Kitchen at 1117 Abbeys Way

1. 1117 Abbeys Way | Tampa
Presented by Traci Burns
 

2. 176 4th Avenue NE #1801 | St. Petersburg
Presented by Christopher Pitre & Ali Bearnarth
 

3. 4605 Bayshore Boulevard | Tampa
Presented by Sarah Weaver
 

4. 1325 Snell Isle Boulevard NE #402 | St. Petersburg
Presented by Daniel Reichard
 

5. 58 Bahama Circle | Tampa
Presented by The Stephen Gay Group
 

6. 2908 W Bayshore Court | Tampa
Presented by Sarah Weaver
 

7. 16 Franklin Court S #B | St. Petersburg
Presented by The Malowany Group
 

8. 400 64th Avenue Ph-A | St. Pete Beach
Presented by Tia Hockensmith & Anna…

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