Two Rivers is a massive, master-planned community in Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel/Tampa, FL. It’s built on roughly 6,000 acres and will eventually include 6,000+ homes ranging from townhomes and villas to larger single-family houses across 25 villages with every kind of floor plan you’d expect in new construction. Prices span from the $300s up into the $1M+ range depending on builder and size.

The community is designed with lifestyle in mind — parks, 10+ miles of trails, playgrounds, green spaces, dog parks, and resort-style amenity hubs like The Nest with pools, pickleball courts, and social areas. There’s also The Landing, a soon-to-open private social club with a fitness center, courts, and dining spaces.

Right now Two Rivers itself doesn’t have a big retail center inside the development, but living there puts you a short drive from all the shopping, dining, and services Wesley Chapel is known for — everything from The Shops at Wiregrass and Tampa Premium Outlets to local grocery, restaurants, and entertainment. Public schools that serve the area include a mix of Pasco County options, and a planned K-8 school is in the works inside the community.

It’s still growing fast, with homes selling now and community amenities rolling out as the build-out.

A couple weeks ago I went over and stopped by William Ryan Homes to see the model homes in the Tamarack neighborhood and took some video. I had actually never been to any William Ryan Homes before and I was really impressed with it. Of course, it’s the model home and it has all the bells and whistles and those designers new home builders use are top notch. But the homes seemed nicer than other builders I’ve seen. They had some great incentives as well at the time of my visit. Not sure if they’re still offering them as of this writing but they were offering a free swimming pool, a paid off CDD fee, or a $50,000 design center credit.

Here’s a search for homes on the MLS in the neighborhood in case you want to see what there is available now.

And below is the video I made. Watch it and also subscribe and like and all that

Chinese food is one of my go-to restaurant choices. There are a ton of options out there, but honestly, most places feel pretty similar. Even the couple of Chinese meals I’ve had in New York City were good, but not so good that I’d write off every other Chinese restaurant in the country because of them.

That’s why Shang Hai stands out to me.

They’re consistently good. I’ve never had a bad meal there, and that’s really what I care about. No surprises, no “off” nights — just solid food every time.

Their Sesame Chicken is my personal benchmark. It’s a basic, popular dish, but you can tell a lot about a place by how they handle the basics. The chicken actually tastes like real chicken, it’s cooked right, the sauce is on point, and the broccoli is always bright green instead of mushy. That alone puts them ahead of a lot of places.

Anyway, here’s a quick video I made from a visit there a while back. Give it a watch, and if you’re into local spots and real estate stuff around the area, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel too.

Are you a veteran looking to purchase a condominium in the picturesque New Port Richey, Florida area? Good news! There are several condo complexes in this beautiful Gulf Coast city that are approved for VA loans, making homeownership more accessible for veterans and their families. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to some of these VA loan approved condo complexes.

• Gulf Harbors Condominium: Nestled in the Gulf Harbors waterfront community, this condominium complex offers stunning views and a range of amenities. From boating to sunbathing, Gulf Harbors Condominium is a desirable location for those seeking a waterfront lifestyle.

• Heather Cove: Heather Cove is another VA loan approved condo complex that provides residents with a tranquil atmosphere and easy access to local amenities. The community offers a swimming pool and a serene pond, making it an ideal place to call home.

• Heritage Lakes Community: The Heritage Lakes Community is known for its beautiful landscapes, including several lakes and golf courses. It's a peaceful retreat where residents can enjoy Florida's natural beauty while still being close to all the conveniences of the city.

• Pointe West Condo: Pointe West Condo is a well-maintained complex with a variety of amenities, including a swimming pool and fitness center. Its location provides easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

• Three Westminster: Three Westminster offers comfortable living in a serene setting. This VA-approved condo complex is known for its affordability and proximity to local schools, parks, and beaches.

• Two Cambridge Commons Condo: Two Cambridge Commons Condo is a delightful community with a focus on maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Residents can enjoy the private community pool and take advantage of the nearby shopping and dining options.

• Two Westminster Condo: Similar to Three Westminster, Two Westminster Condo is a budget-friendly option that's close to everything New Port Richey has to offer. Residents can enjoy a peaceful lifestyle while being conveniently located near major roads and amenities.

When considering a VA loan for a condominium in New Port Richey, it's essential to ensure that the condo complex is VA loan approved. These complexes provide veterans with an excellent opportunity to own a piece of Florida's Gulf Coast while benefiting from the financial advantages of a VA loan.

Keep in mind that VA loan approval for condos can change, so it's advisable to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent or lender who can guide you through the process and provide you with up-to-date information on the status of these condo complexes. With their assistance, you can turn your dream of owning a New Port Richey condo into a reality.

The current real estate landscape is one of rising prices and high interest rates, making it a challenging terrain for both buyers and sellers. However, by implementing strategic approaches and staying informed, you can successfully navigate this market. Here are some practical tips to help you make informed decisions:

1. Stay Informed and Educated

In fluctuating markets, knowledge is your most valuable tool. Regularly researching market trends, understanding local supply and demand metrics, and keeping abreast of interest rate forecasts can position you ahead of the curve. Additionally, working with a reputable real estate agent who is well-versed in the local market can be invaluable.

2. Assess Your Financial Flexibility

High interest rates can drastically affect your monthly mortgage payments. It's crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know your buying power. This not only helps in setting a realistic budget but also signals to sellers that you're a serious buyer. Remember, there's a difference between what you're approved for and what you can comfortably afford. Aim for the latter.

3. Be Patient but Ready to Act

Given the current conditions, it's understandable to adopt a "wait and see" approach. However, if you find a property within your budget that ticks most of your boxes, be prepared to act quickly. Ensure your finances are in order, and be ready to make an offer, as desirable properties can sell fast, even in a high-priced market.

4. Consider Alternative Locations

If specific neighborhoods are out of reach due to high prices, consider looking at adjacent areas that might offer better value. Emerging neighborhoods can provide a similar lifestyle at a fraction of the cost and might offer better long-term investment potential.

5. Negotiate Intelligently

While it might seem like a seller's market due to high prices, the rising interest rates can be a deterrent for many buyers, making some properties sit longer on the market. This scenario can offer negotiation leverage. Always be respectful in your offers, but don't be afraid to negotiate terms, prices, or request concessions.

6. Stay Grounded

It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of a challenging market. Remember, purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make. Ensure that emotion doesn't cloud your judgment. Always return to your research, budget, and long-term goals when making decisions.

In conclusion, while the current real estate market presents its challenges, opportunities still exist for the discerning buyer or seller. Arming yourself with knowledge, surrounding yourself with experienced professionals, and maintaining a clear vision of your goals will be the key to successfully navigating this market.

Check out my video tour of Westgate at Avalon Park in Wesley Chapel, a new home community by D.R. Horton. It's located off SR 54 at River Glen Blvd just east of Meadow Pointe Blvd. You can see a brief drive-through of part of the community and then I take you inside the homes they have there for us to view. They have the Cali, Elston, Lantana, and Camden models. Check it out! Also, please SUBSCRIBE to my channel while you're at it! 

Here's a search for homes currently for sale in Westgate at Avalon Park and Avalon Park West. 

Did you know that the Florida Hometown Heroes Downpayment Assistance Program is back and better than ever. In the past it was only for certain occupations but now it is open to any homebuyer in Florida who meets certain criteria. The basics are:

• Be a first-time homebuyer
• Be employed at least 35 hours a week by a Florida-based employer,
• Have a 640+ credit score
• Make no more than 150% of the area median income

Watch this quick video! 

@brad_gordon Have you heard about the new #floridahometownheroes down payment assistance program? No longer occupation based and up to $35,000 #downpaymentassistance available to #florida workers. #bestcallbrad #joneshometeam #daltonwade #tampabayrealestate ♬ Summer Instrumental

The program provides a 5% downpayment with a maximum of $35,000. This is a decent amount with today's home prices and can certainly be a maker or breaker of your home-buying chances. Do keep in mind that it must be repaid in case of you selling your home or refinancing your loan. 

I have some great lenders I can recommend to get you started on the process of applying for the program, then I can help you find your new home. Don't hesitate to reach out and let me know what I can do to assist you in your home purchase journey. 

Today starts Hurricane Season in Florida and other Gulf states. Each year in Florida, actually twice a year, there is a sales tax holiday for disaster preparedness supplies. It started May 27 and goes through June 9. This applies to such items as batteries, generators, candles, tarps, smoke and CO detectors, Pet supplies, household supplies, and more. Check out the photo attached. Also, check out the official publication with all the details including any exclusions and limitations on the sales tax holiday. You can download a PDF of it. 

So don't wait till a Hurricane is announced and pay full tax and also have to deal with the hordes of unprepared people. Get your supplies by June 9th and save money and make it easier on yourself at the same time! Just a helpful tip from your favorite REALTOR Brad Gordon, with the Jones Home Team at Dalton Wade Real Estate Group. 

Wesley Chapel, Florida has seen a recent surge in real estate activity as the housing market continues to boom. The months of April and May 2023 were especially busy for both buyers and sellers alike.

Home prices have increased by an average of 15% in Wesley Chapel compared to the same time last year. The median sales price for a single-family home in Wesley Chapel is now at $350,000, up from $300,000 in 2022.

Additionally, homes are selling quickly with an average of 20 days on the market. For those interested in selling their home in Wesley Chapel, now is the time to take advantage of the demand and high sales prices.

New construction homes are also popular in Wesley Chapel, with several new developments underway. These homes offer modern amenities and can be customized to meet the needs and tastes of buyers.

Perhaps the most significant factor driving the real estate market in Wesley Chapel is the high quality of life in the area. With excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of opportunities for shopping and entertainment, Wesley Chapel is an ideal place for families and young professionals looking to settle down.

As we look towards the rest of the year, it is uncertain if the current growth trends will continue. However, the strong demand for homes in Wesley Chapel suggests that the market will remain stable and active for the foreseeable future.

*This is an AI generated post*

Here's a quick video I made a couple of weeks ago but am just now posting. It shows a portion of SR 56 going west from 301 towards Morris Bridge Road in Wesley Chapel. For now, it's mainly just former ranchland, although a few areas have been cleared and infrastructure and homes started to be developed for the Northwater and Chiders areas. It is going to be a HUGE (6000+ acre) master-planned community called Two Rivers. Slated to have over 6000 residential homes, townhomes, apartments, and villas as well as:

• 1,335,000 square feet of office and industry
• 630,000 square feet of retail space
• 246 acres of conservation
• A 77-acre campus with a new high school, middle school and elementary school
• 80-acre district park
• Library
• And much more

I'll post more about it as time goes by. You can follow along with the creation of it with me here on this blog. Why not get a first-hand seat and buy yourself a home there, or nearby? I can surely help you with that. Just contact me and let's get started! 

If you live, or want to live, in Wesley Chapel, Florida you are familiar with SR 54. Particularly the stretch from Curley Road to Meadow Pointe Blvd. They have been working on it for nearly 10 years and it is the worst stretch of road in the area. It would take me 10-20 minutes to drive the 1.3 miles between the lights. As of yesterday though, I can now say it WAS the worst stretch of road as they have opened up the turning lanes at Meadow Pointe and both east and westbound roads are opened (one lane each way) which has greatly alleviated the congestion. 

I won't have to plan my trips around the traffic as much anymore. Sometimes I would need to go to Walmart for something but if it was at either lunchtime or school pickup time or getting off work time I would have to seriously consider whether or not I really needed whatever because it meant sitting in the line waiting to get through the light. 

They say the entire road from Curley to Zephyrhills will be done by the end of 2023 so that'll be great if it does indeed come to pass. 

I made a video of my first trip on the newly opened road yesterday. It might not mean much to you if you haven't lived (drove) through this for so long but it was pretty cool to me! Check it out and also don't forget to SUBSCRIBE while you're there! Have a great day!