Becky Clower
As I posted before Rebecca and Keith Clower are moving to Costa Rica on October 27.
She has accepted a job offer to open up a ReMax office in Playa Brasilito (near Tamarindo for those who are familiar with Costa Rica) on the Pacific Coast. Her new website will be: www.bluewaterpropertiesofcostarica.com (which is under construction) and www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com. will be the remax site. Her mother is from Costa Rica, "which is my tie to the Spanish language and the country of Costa Rica. I hope that anyone who is looking for investment property, whether is be investment, or second homes, think of me if your plans bring you to central America! "
"With that being said, I wanted to let you know that I WILL BE working up until a couple weeks before my move. Tager Realty has hired Mike Kiely, a new agent, who I have been training to help you all! . . . . Mike will be working with me until I leave and then he'll be taking over where I left off "
49 comments:
I hope he won't be rehabbing in your vein - ripping out all the historic context of the bungalows that you were so fortunate to rehab and flip "for the good of the neighborhood"
Sorry to se you go - NOT!
You must be a SH homeowner - PSYCHE! And did you mean "in vAin"? because that makes for cents.
Dear Anonymous 6/27/2006 11:51 PM,
Posting shitty anonymous comments online ? Wow. YOU SEEM STUPID.
Love,
Anonymous : 6/28/2006 7:35 AM
"vein" - any distinctive quality or strain regarded as running through one's character.
"vain" - having or showing an excessively high regard for one's self or looks, indulging in or resulting from personal vanity.
-Webster's New World Dictionary-
Makes "cents" to me.
anonymous 6/27 11:51
First, what was that (sorry to see you go -NOT!) Wow, I must really bother you huh? Yeah, I've heard that before. So sad isnt it? Out of the 36 homes I/we rehabbed in SH only one was in the Historic Distric and that was my former office on Florida and all changes were approved by the ARC. Yes, I changed wood windows and other things that you may consider "historic context" but each house had a budget and sometimes things just didnt make the cut. There is a difference between rehabbing and restoring and you know what?...everyone of the houses sold and they were better aesthitically after then when we started. So yes, I think it was good for the neighborhood. Having said that, everyone has their own opinion and I'm sure this wont change yours. And if you truly know me, why be anonymous..? Yeah, I didnt think so. I'll be sure to give it some more thought as I'm sitting on my back porch watching the waves crash in beautiful C.R.
Pura Vida
Keith Clower
You think you are lucky to be moving to a 3rd world, poverty stricken country like Costa Rica?? I hope you enjoy the beach because that is the only reason to go there. HAVE FUN!!!
Lovely. Realy. I wonder if these things would come flying out of your mouths quite so quickly if you didn't have anonymous names to hide behind. Would any one of you spew this crap to the faces of the people you seem to think your better than? Have you met Becky?
Have you ever thougt that no one wants to read your negitive bullshit and it just makes people look down on you? Jesus. Grow up all ready.
I agree with "If you can't say anything nice"... The anonymous bashers have reverted back to 1st grade name calling. Get a life!
How funny it is to read all these wonderful comments from completely uneducated people. Really, I have to laugh because some of the comments are so far off base, I can tell that they are coming out of your ass. First of all if you had a brain and used it you would know that Costa Rica is not a third world country. If you had ever been to a real third world country you would know that!!! Second, poverty stricken???? Have you ever been to Costa Rica???? Because if you had, you would know that it is much like the good old U.S.A. with a mix of all income levels...Yes, and some very rich Tico's... Oh I forgot who I am talking to.. "Tico" is how Costa Ricas refer to themselves. As a matter of fact, I have seen more homeless on the streets of Tampa than in San Jose... by the way, that's the capital of Costa Rica. So who is third world???? Please tell me world traveler!!!!! I think that people should educate themselves before they let "shit" spew out of there mouths. If Costa Rica is sooo "poverty stricken", why do more Americans live in Costa Rica, than Costa Ricans live in the U.S.A.? And how can Costa Rica have a 96% literacy rate, one of the highest in the world. Even higher than Canada???? I could give you the answeres, but you should find them for yourself.. I could go on and on, but it would not change anyones mind. I am glad for that. It helps to remind me everyday why I also want to move to Costa Rica, the third world... Also, with that attitude, I know that I will not have to worry about living next door to someone with that point of view. That way Costa Rica can stay "Pura Vida" for those who can really appreciate it. Best of luck to Keith and Becky on your new adventure. I know that me and my Tico will be joining you very soon. Anonymous, Dennis
Becky-
I wish you and Keith well. I have enjoyed working with you. Unless there is a side no one has told me about, I have been impressed by your pleasant and positive disposition and not bad-mouthing others.
It is a shame that some people hide behind their keyboards to show their true character and ignorance.
To All-
I would like to introduce myself, and as my future intentions in SH has been brought into question in the first comment, I figured this would be as good a time as any. My name is Michael Kiely and I am the new Realtor that is working with Becky at Tager Realty. I am leaving Orlando and the banking industry to move back to Tampa for the second time to start a new life with my fiancee as a Realtor in SH. My future wife's mother grew up in the heart of Seminole Heights at 5709 N Seminole Ave and we have decided to return to start our own family.
We came to this decision based on the pleasant disposition and helpfulness of people in the neighborhood like Becky Clower, who has gone out of her way to welcome me, despite the fact that she is leaving. It is individuals like her that gives a neighborhood a true sense of community, helping others with no expectation of return. All of us should strive to lead by her example, as anyone who knows Becky would agree.
Now I would like to share my views concerning my renovation of properties and the renovation of properties in general, as it seems to be of great concern to some apparent preservation purists. I have lived in and around historic properties all of my life, and as a hobby I photograph historic structures from around the world. In my spare time I have taken historic preservation courses at Rollins College in Winter Park, a historic site itself, in order to learn more. I believe that rehabilitation should always be the first course of action. With that being said, I also believe that any renovations done with the intention of improving a structure and surrounding landscape adds value to the property and, as a helpful result to all, the neighboring community. Let us not forget that whether done by an owner or investor, renovations add value to a property. This allows more property taxes to be collected, which in turn allows more money to go to schools and other community needs. These community improvements have started and will continue to attract more service industries to the area, which everyone I have spoken with seems to desire.
So in conclusion, thank you to the Clower's and everyone that has taken an interest in improving and investing in the future of Seminole Heights.
I look forward to meeting, living, and working with all of you!
MICHAEL KIELY
TAGER REALTY INC
8900 N ARMENIA AVE STE 216
TAMPA, FL 33604
phone(813)407-3571
fax(866)787-7906
bungalowmike@tampabay.rr.com
Welcome to the neighborhood Michael. Your letter was both eloquent and sincinc
WOW, not sure what happened there,,,,,,,but here is real comment!!
Welcome to the neighborhood Michael. Your letter was both eloquent and succinct. Sometimes we tend to take ourselves too seriously. Humor and kindness are life saving attributes! Here's to more of us having more of both!!!
Welcome to the neighborhood. I think you will find it to be a good choice.
I agree that every positive effort made in the neighborhood only makes it better.
regarding Becky and Keith not expecting to get anything back from their efforts is where we part ways - their efforts were to line their pockets - pure and simple - there are many doing the same thing to be sure via rehabbing - a difference is that many of those others also take the time to be an active part of their neighborhood and only expect reward through a stronger neighborhood and a strengthened sense of community. (for that extra effort I mean)
Becky and Keith's activities with the neighborhood will be missed - I remember their discussions at the Prostitution Task force - or was it the meeting with the Chief of Police regarding crime reduction - no wait I meant the Dog Days in the park committee or was it the home tour committee - OH WAIT! - that was someone else - they were too busy rehabbing 37 structures to make the neighborhood a better place. As to Keith's comment about working within the guidelines to rehab the historic district property to ARC specs - I also heard how much whining there was about having to do it - but saw that that was one of their selling points for the property. Either you don't mind doing it for a stronger rehab/neighborhood or you don't like it and don't use it as a selling point - an unwilling participant benefits no one.
Their E-mail to David was simply self serving (in my eyes) and a pitch for their new "sales" in another community. They have obviously made the decision that works for them - good luck to them.
Sorry if I seem a little critical but I don't remember any donations to any committes/projects or 10 minutes of their time invested in their community outside of their "business". I'm sure I will be corrected if I have missed any and I apologize in advance if so - but my stance is don't let the door hit ya on your way to Costa Rica.
Good Luck to them in their new community and good luck to their new community too.
Wow, interesting. I come home to this. My wife (Becky) says "dont feed the trolls", I know I shouldnt, but here it goes.
Like they say, "good pub, bad pub, its all pub." right greg? I didnt know people knew who the hell I was. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Look mom! Some tool named greg is bad mouthing us on the SH blogspot! I'm a supa-star!
Seriously though, greg, buddy, I couldnt agree with you more. We didnt make any of those meetings you mentioned (except for the home tour Becky was on, think it was 2001 and the two business meetings I went to, one with each group, thats it though) You hit the nail on the head with the comment about being "to busy rehabbing structures", past six years were just that, busy. Isnt rehabbing distressed properties and making the neighborhood more attractive to potential buyers contributing? How about giving the many, many clients my wife had gift cards or certificates to local businesses? Contributing to the hood or not? Its different than going to meetings and being part of a commitee, but to be honest, thats not for me, sorry. Different things for different people.
Once again you are right about me whining (its a bad habit I have, just ask my friends, I'm working on it though) My problem was that I was going against the ARC (with limited resources) while others, maybe you, were fighting to relax the guidlines for people like Starbucks (more resources than me) However, in the end, I think most people would agree that it looks better for Florida Ave. I wonder why there are no mom and pop places huh?
And again, sorry about missing those meetings. I was busy working two jobs to float the note while the ARC made a decision. One more time (dude, youre good!) you are soooooo correct with the comment about rehabbing homes to line my pockets. Why do you work? I do it to make money. I have a feeling you wouldnt do your job if they asked you to do it for free. I started rehabbing homes to pay off student loan debt and it took off from there. I didnt want to spend my entire life paying it back and rehabbing homes allowed me to do it in two years (insert picture of you patting me on the back here)
Your final comments about the email to David about being "self serving", (you're so brillant, cant put anything past you huh?, here's your jr. deputy badge). Correct, its called marketing genius. That email was sent to over 100 investors and friends and we never asked David to post it. Ask him. Thanks David.
Finally, Thanks to our frineds, clients (both current and former) for everything. We will miss you. And for the others, thank too. Your comments will only help us grow as people. However, do find it funny that someone dont even know seems to know so much about me and my wife. Peace.
May your good karma follow you.
Dear Greg,
Please get your head out of your ass. Talking smack on the internet only makes you look like a tool.
Love,
The person who thinks you are a tool.
Rebecca and Keith-
Oh my GOD. You guys are just like, soooo horrible.... Reading the new posts, wow!!!!!!!!!! Is anyone in this town educated????? After reading these comments, I think that some of these people have a third grade education. What happened to doing your homework before you open your BIG MOUTH!!!!!!! Going to a neighborhood meeting is like going to church... If you go just to be "seen" by the neighbors, why bother... Just because someone is not "seen" doing something for the community, does that mean that you have not also contributed?? Do you have to be seen for your contribution to count? I don't think so.. Being the neighborhood busybody makes you nobody. As far as rehabbing for money... You know what that is such a stupid comment, that I don't have words to respond. Keith, I have rehabbed almost as many properties as you have but until now I never really knew how people felt. But I do now. I guess all my pockets are lined tooo. Wow. It feels good!!!!!!!! Keith, let me know when you need help feeding the trolls. Dennis
Dennis,
you are correct - Keith and Becky have added a lot of value to the neighborhood with their rehabs - take for example the house up on Broad Street where they took out the existing sidewalk and granite curbing and put in an illegal driveway that ends at the front bedroom window and then sold it to the new owner knowing full well that it was an issue with code. Now the new owner is having to deal with a driveway that does not comply with code or the overlay district guidelines. I'm sure he likes his new and improved house.
Knock knock anonymous 3:44 pm, if you did your HOMEWORK as Dennis stated in the previous email, you would know that Keith and I DID NOT rehab that house. Look it up in public records genius. Just in case you need the website, it's www.hcpafl.org. I wasn't even going to reply to this nonsense, because it's just that nonsense, but I also can't sit by and have people flat our LIE. So, my advice, do your homework, don't accuse people of doing things when it's not even true. You are a true Seminole Heights busy body that has nothing better to do than falsly accuse people. Aren't you so great. Bravo.
And to Dennis, thanks for your kind words. Nice to know we have friends out there LOL!
How do you know what the new owner is having to deal with? Did they tell you? Is your life so meaningless you have to make shit up on a web site? I will pray for you to find a life.
Well the person to know about it would be bungalowlady herself. It is her street afterall. She was so gleeful in anouncing the new owner's predicament at the last OSHNA meeting.
Who is bungalowlady? Susan Long. The old owner of the house on Broad is RJ lending from Sarasota, not the Clowers. If bungalowlady was telling lies at the last OSHNA meeting, that's really low. Hopefully she'll respond to this if she's willing to tell what happened.
Thanks for the anonymous post Becky. If you had gone to the last association meeting you would know that she was giving a code update at the meeting - the Clowers name was not even mentioned.
She co-ordinates all the code issues from around the neighborhood with the specific inspectors. This specific issue is of concern to many as it is a violation of the overlay district. The issue was brought to her attention by the code inspectors for the area.
Why would she tell lies when she is giving an update regarding code issues that inspectors are working on - wouldn't that be too easy to verify? What would be the point??
I for one appreciate her efforts in co-ordinating neighborhood complaints with code to get all the crap cleaned up throughout the area. I'm not talking overgrown grass or painting - it's trash acclum and excessive abandoned/non working cars, etc - true code violations - not busybody crap.
As has been stated on here before - code can't be everywhere and if they don't know about an issue then how can they address it and make all the neighborhood happy?
Don't attack the messenger.
That really is a good excuse.
Blame it on code.
Do you think it is bothering him that much?
Don't you think they would rather be stuffing their faces with a $5 value meal than worrying about the granite drive?
The house on Broad St. has an illegal driveway. Tager Realty listed the house. The driveway was put in early one Sat morning when no one was supposed to be looking. Anyone who attended the OSH meeting where I discussed the driveway will note that I never accused Becky of putting in the driveway. Only stated that it was illegal. Yes, the current owner has been found guilty by Code Enforcement Board of having an illegal driveway (that was Wed, 6/28th). He has been given until 11/1 to fix the problem or get a variance from VRB. Becuase it is impossible to park on the driveway with tyhe car nose up to the house without obstructing the sidewalk, it will probably not be approved. It is also impossible to park on the driveway between the sidewalk and the street without having the end of the car hanging out on the street. Thus, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that this driveway will be granted a variance.
The issue was never WHO put in the driveway. Only that it was done sneakily and it was a direct violation of the overlay.
God!
Did I read it right. There are those that don't see bunglowlady as the savior of Seminole Heights?!
Not when she acts one way to your face and talks crap about you behind your back and then gets you in trouble for a granite drive.
-Then is just oh so overjoyed to announce the findings of the investigation at the neighborhood meeting.
What's next? Do you not like the brand of underwear I buy?
It's Hanes for him but if you want me to switch to Fruit of the Loom please order me to do so.
Anonymous 11;19
Whatever! You're talking as much crap as you profess Bungalowlady does - give it a rest.
The truth hurts eh-
That was not bungalowlady posting anonymously. It was someone that lives in the neighborhood and appreciates her co-ordination of complaints that others in the area turn in.
The anonymous post referencing bungalowlady was not posted by Becky or Keith. Read the post. It did not say that bungalowlady named the rehabber as Becky. The jackasses making these posts do more harm to the neighborhood most of the rehabbers. Many of the nicely restored homes were rehabbed once or more before being restored. First step make them liveable.
After reading the posts I have to ask the question?
What is the big deal about the driveway?
There are so bigger things to worry about.
go get in your car and park it directly in front of the windows on your house that face the street and ask your neighborhs how excited they are to see your car parked in your front yard - now imagine that every day.
It was written into the overlay district specifically to prevent this type of thing from happening. I don't see a problem with not having driveways stop directly in front of the house and I'm not talking about in front of the garage.
I have noticed a lot of people in Seminole Heights do park in their front yards, particularly the rentals that have multiple tenants. While I don't really dig it, I didn't think it was against the law. Does code address this too?
Unless they park on me or on my yard I can't say I really care where my neighbors park there car. In front of the house, half way in their house. I just don't care.
actually, I have heard that there is a code out there regarding consistant excessive parking on the yard as is apt to happen with rentals or houses with too many tenants. Ask your code person to look it up.
to anon 9:59
Then once the yard turns to mud and what's left of the grass isn't mowed and then the garbage isn't picked up and the downward spiral begins.........who cares where they park their cars.
I have a prime example of that on my street - the house shows that no one cares and the last place you expect to see a car is in their driveway.
What if they just don't have a driveway? The house that started all this conversation didn't before someone sneaked one in correct? Did the lack of driveway that turned them to a life of crime? Into a deep dark spiral of tall grass and mud? Maybe if I get a driveway it will save me too! Thank you for your broad generalizations! Thank you!
actually it had a shared driveway that went to the back of the lot but now they don't have to use it as it is much easier to park in the front yard now.
You all are just way to involved in our neighbors businesses.
Don't you have anything to do at all?
Crap filled yards are one thing but this???
Wow! I was thinking of investing in Seminole Heights.....Glad I saw this....nice neighbors & friends! Thank You!
Re: the above statementTrolling trolling trolling
See, David is the real winner in the troll spelling bee.
Can't anyone have any fun anymore?
I am so glad that we live in a free country where we can do what we want with the houses we pay top dollar for. NOT!!!!!!!!! What has happened to our freedoms? Is anyone else concerned that you have to have permission for every little detail you what to change or add to your own property? And on top of that, with the property taxes we pay? What about our roads and other below average services in the community? With many of these comments, I guess not. Are we now living in a police state? Looks like it to me. Dennis
Yes..be glad because now your kids and wife can walk down the street and not get pistol whipped and robbed.
Thats all I ever asked for. A pistol whipping free zone.
Majority rules so take your happy butt back to the drawing board.
You won't be complaining when you cash out and make a 1/2 mill or so on your house because everyone wants to move here.
"Majority rules"
Yes, it's such a great way of deciding things. Like 2 wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner.
Yes-
Are you the sheep?
The black sheep that is.
Take your hairy butt in the yard and pick up your kiddie sheep droppings, throw your wool in the trash can instead of down the sewer pipes and in the road, and stop throwing mutton parties until 8 the next morning.
Baaaaaa-
Then we will accept you into the farmer family.
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