Nellis AFB Warrior of the Week - Matthew D. Meese
March 30, 2007 | 1 Comment
(Contributed by Nellis Bullseye staff writer.)
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Tech. Sgt. Matthew D. Meese99th Logistics Readiness Squadron Hometown: Dover, OH |
What do you do?
- Supply any type of aircraft with an endless supply of fuel on time, every time.
What do you drive, and how does it match your personality?
- Chevy Astro van. It doesn’t match my personality.
What’s your favorite movie quote?
- It’s not really a quote, but I love the song that Adam Sandler wrote for Linda in The Wedding Singer.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
- The ability to fly. Unlimited free travel and no traffic.
If you could be an animal, what animal would you be and why?
- An eagle. I’d have unlimited freedom, and what a great view.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Las Vegas?
- Going to see all of the rock concerts coming here.
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
- Everything except anchovies.
What song do you have on your MP3 player that you wouldn’t want anyone else to know about?
- If I wouldn’t want anyone to know about it, I certainly am not including that answer.
Name one thing your co-workers don’t know about you.
- I have responded to two emergency incidents and have saved three lives.
Who’s the greatest music artist to die too soon?
- Ronnie Van Zant
What is your favorite song to karaoke?
- “Rock Star” - Nickelback
What stresses you out at your job, and how do you relieve stress?
- Low priority tasks that have high priority deadlines. Go to the Strip and make fun of the people.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what would you bring?
- A yacht.
What is your favorite AF uniform and why?
- I am sure it will be the new ABU … no more dry-cleaning.
If you could appear on any reality TV show, what would it be and why?
- Rockstar Supernova, but auditioning as a drummer instead of a singer.
How do you remember your CAC at the end of the day?
- Good question. I have had someone run my ID card to the gate a few times.
What is your favorite part of your job?
- Rising above things and meeting the unexpected challenges that come up almost daily in a fast paced environment.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
- Alanya, Turkey, so far.
How do you unwind?
- Playing Texas Hold ‘Em, seeing the shows, and hanging out at the clubs and restaurants in town.
How do you spend quality time with friends and family?
- Playing card and board games, or bowling … usually something competitive.
(The Bullseye is published by Aerotech News, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Bullseye are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.)
Historic Ybor City Box Factory Now Residential Lofts
March 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Box Factory Lofts, originally scheduled for a 12/2005 completion, are now completed and home to new residents. Closings began in early January of this year.
The project is situated in an old cigar box factory dating back to 1905. Considering it’s age, Box Factory Lofts will most likely qualify for Historic Preservation Tax Incentives which could substantially lower the unit owners’ property taxes for the first 10 years. An application is pending approval.
Located at 21st Street and Adamo Drive in Ybor City, Box Factory lofts is just down and across the street from where IKEA, the Swedish home furnishing retailer, will be opening a new store in 2009.
The developer has very few remaining units available along with a few resales.
This project turned out really nice and features true loft style living in Ybor City, Tampa’s National Historic Landmark District. The exterior walls and ceilings remain intact from the old building. Box Factory has lofts ranging from 950 to 1700 sqft. with high ceilings, stained concrete floors, concrete walls, and exposed ducts, beams and conduits. All the features you’d expect in a loft.
The exterior units feature tall, arch topped windows that provide for a very bright setting with lots of natural light. The interior units face an open courtyard that features a pool and common area. Fees aren’t too bad either. Expect about $210 for 1000 sqft unit initially. (See: “What Do Condo Fees Cover?”)
Why is this a cool place to live:
- Close to Ybor City
- Close to Channelside
- Close to Downtown
- Close to Brandon
- Close to The Leroy
Stationed at MacDill? Just hop on the Leroy Selmon Expressway for about a 10-15 minute drive. Want to see a Lightning game? Take the trolley to the Forum. Heading to the Gulf beaches? Expect about a 30 minute drive.
All in all, Box Factory Lofts is a good option for someone looking for low $200k price point loft style living in an urban setting close to it all.
See what’s for sale at Box Factory Lofts
Images courtesy of BoxFactoryLofts.com
Colorado Springs Neighborhoods - Sand Creek
March 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Sand Creek is a newer neighborhood just Southwest of Airport Rd. and Powers Blvd., in the Southeast part of Colorado Springs - just minutes from Peterson AFB and Schriever Air Field. (Check out the MAP)
The Northwest corner of this neighborhood is home to Sand Creek Elementary School, and Sand Creek (the actual creek…) runs along the south and west borders of this neighborhood, setting it apart from neighboring communities.
The homes in Sand Creek were built from 1997-2000 by Richmond American Homes (national builder) and Keller Homes (local builder). Most homes are either 2-story or ranch style. The average home has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 2-car garage and about 2,000 sf. But some homes have as many as 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and over 2,600 sf – probably due to a finished basement. The standard construction is wood frame and composition siding, but there are a few stucco siding homes throughout the neighborhood as well.
The Sand Creek housing market consists of homes ranging from the high $100k’s to the mid $200k’s. As of today, March 28, 2007, there are:
· 13 Homes actively on the market, with an average price of $209,403
· 4 Homes are currently under contract, with an average sales price of $189,450.
· 6 Homes have sold in the past 6 months, with an average selling price of $207,083
· The average “days on market” is about 3 months, or 99 days. This is lower than many other parts of Colorado Springs.
· Sand Creek Elementary School
Located just minutes from the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport, Peterson AFB, Schriever Air Field and a short drive from Fort Carson, this neighborhood offers convenience and a great community to call “home” …
Posted by: Mariana Wagner ‘Springs Realty Scoop Colorado Springs Real Estate Monument Real Estate
Nellis AFB Warrior of the Week - Amberlyn Garay
March 23, 2007 | 1 Comment
(Contributed by Nellis Bullseye staff writer.)
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Senior Airman Amberlyn Garay763rd Maintenance Squadron Hometown: Oceanside, CA |
What do you do?
- I work on weapons systems on the HH-60.
What do you drive, and how does it match your personality?
- Toyota Tundra. It’s now what people expect, kind of like me.
What’s your favorite movie?
- Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
- I don’t need a superpower. I’m pretty happy the way I am.
If you could be an animal, what animal would you be and why?
- A turtle because they don’t do much.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Las Vegas?
- Stay home with my husband and my dog.
What are your favorite pizza toppings?
- Mushrooms and olives.
What song do you have on your MP3 player that you wouldn’t want anyone else to know about?
- If I told you then everyone would know.
Name one thing your co-workers don’t know about you.
- My favorite color is purple.
Who’s the greatest music artist to die too soon?
- Bradley Nowell
What is your favorite song to karaoke?
- I don’t sing.
What stresses you out at your job, and how do you relieve stress?
- I don’t get worked up about much. When I have a bad day I go home and play with my dog.
In high school, what were you - a dork, jock, or something else?
- I didn’t really fall in to one clique. I was a little of everything.
If you were trapped on a deserted island, what would you bring?
- Chapstick and water.
What is your favorite military uniform?
- I like the BDUs.
If you could appear on any reality TV show, what would it be and why?
- I wouldn’t.
How do you remember your CAC at the end of the day?
- I keep it in my pocket unless I’m using it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
- The people I work with.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
- Any beach in Southern California.
How do you unwind?
- Read and listen to music.
What is one thing you would recommend to everyone to do while living in So. Nevada?
- Go to the Super Cross finals.
How do you spend quality time with friends and family?
- Playing with my niece and nephew. BBQs are always fun.
(The Bullseye is published by Aerotech News, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Bullseye are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.)
Peterson Air Force Base Updates Shopping
March 18, 2007 | Leave a Comment
On June 5th, 2007, Peterson Air Force Base will open it’s doors to the new Shopping complex on the East side of the Base.
The new Stores will include a BX (Base Exchange) and a Commissary. Both will serve Active Duty Soldiers, their Family Members, as well as retired soldiers and their Families.
The new Commissary will be able to hold almost 50% more products than the current one, which should reduce the need for constant re-stocking, and the new BX will increase by almost 50%, which means, that in addition to offering more products, it will also be able to offer a larger food court, an Optometrist, a Bank and a Nail Salon.
Access should be easiest through Peterson’s East Gate, which will adjust it’s hours of operations to accommodate Shoppers. The Grand Opening Celebrations will last from June 5th through the 9th and will include Activities and Giveaways.
Fairly Stable Week for Tampa Real Estate - Market Report
March 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment
The number of homes listed for sale in Tampa crept slightly upwards this week, while the number of pending contracts followed suit.
And 135 residential properties went under contract in Tampa since March 9th (as of this post).
Some facts about those homes:
- Average List Price = $282,028
- Average Bed/Baths = 3/1.89
- Average Size = 1645 htd/cooled sqft.
- Average Year Built = 1980
- Highest Priced Home = 7307 Pelican Island (Dana Shores Area) Listed by Coldwell Banker
MLS grid WO16 has the most new contracts with 6! This is the Palm River Townhomes off of US 41 and Palm River Rd.
The Palm River Townhomes are an excellent choice for those commuting to MacDill AFB. They are situated very near the Leroy Selmon Crosstown Expressway, which provides easy access to the base. These are brand new townhomes and a 2/2 starts in the low $200s. Drive time between these townhomes and MacDill AFB is approximately 15 minutes.
Colorado Springs Neighborhoods - The Chateau at Antelope Ridge
March 9, 2007 | 3 Comments
The Chateau at Antelope Ridge is neighborhood of newer homes located in the northeastern part of Colorado Springs, just a few minutes from both Peterson AFB and Schriever Air Field. There are sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, and it is close to parks & schools, just minutes from the Powers Corridor– shopping, movies, restaurants, recreation and just a short drive to the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport.
In a Colorado Springs MLS search, the homes for sale in this neighborhood are quite enticing, as 3 Bed 2 Bath 1300+ s.f newer homes, in nice condition and in a popular part of town are priced at between $80,000 and $160,000 – Almost $100,000 LESS than the average sales price in Colorado Springs. So close to base and so affordable - Wow!
But, why are these homes priced so low?
We get a lot of inquiries about this neighborhood, especially from people looking to transfer to Colorado Springs and want a buy home close to Peterson AFB or Shriever Air Field. We have done a lot of research for you, and really understand both the pros and cons of this neighborhood. Here’s the Scoop:
The homes located in this community are modulars and there are two types currently available. The older homes (built before 2005) were built as HUD modulars and the financing is limited. From our research, these homes all require at least 20% down. The newer homes (2005 and newer) can be purchased with traditional financing, as they are constructed differently. (In fact, there is still a sales office in the neighborhood that is offering new build homes in the mid-$100’s.)
Also, homeowners who live in the Chateau at Antelope Ridge do not own the land that their home is on, but the homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of their immediate yard. Homeowners “lease” the land that they are on. Some homes are on a 99 Year Land Lease, and some are on a 30+ year land lease. This “lease” and HOA’s cost the homeowner about $400. a month – on top of whatever mortgage that the homeowner has. For example, a home purchased for $100,000 would be making the same TOTAL monthly payments that a homeowner with a $130,000 mortgage on a traditional home would make. However, residents do not pay real estate taxes – as they do not own the land. The community is currently owned by BaseCamp Communities LLC.
What’s more, the appreciation values on these homes are drastically lower than “traditional” homes in Colorado Springs. Someone looking to buy a home in Chateau at Antelope Ridge must be willing to live in it for 5-7 years to see any noticeable appreciation.
No. This neighborhood is not for everyone - Especially someone who may be transferring OUT of Colorado Springs in the near future.
However, it IS a great choice for someone looking to live in a quiet, peaceful community with great amenities and would be willing to hunker down and call this low maintenance “Resort-Like” community “home” for several years.
So, now that you understand the nuts and bolts of the pricing, let’s take a look at what the HOA fees cover and the benefits the Chateau at Antelope Ridge has to offer its residents…
Amenities for Homeowners:
· 4,000 s.f. private community center
· Private 9-station fitness center
· Private 24-hour business center, which includes:
- Internet Access
- Fax Machines
- Copy Machines
· 2 Outdoor swimming pools
· Playground
· Planned social activities– year round!
- Movie Nights
- Tuesday Coffee
- Bingo
- Holiday Parties
Other Homeowner Benefits:
· Pet Friendly (about a 40 lb. weight limit)
· No Renters– All homes are owner occupied.
· Homeowners pay NO Real Estate Tax.
· On-Site Management
· Privately maintained roads
· Snow Removal
· Community landscaping
· Green Areas
· Mature landscaping
· Well-cared for community
Schools: Falcon School District 49
· Springs Ranch Elementary School
They are still building homes (Genesis Homes) and have some great lots with stunning views to choose from.
** HOT TIP for Internet Home Surfers ** To quickly identify homes in this community while searching for homes for sale in Colorado Springs… here is a list of the streets that make up the Chateau at Antelope Ridge:
Black Bear – Crested Jay – Grey Fox – Grizzly Bear - Grosbeak – King Fisher – Marmot – Pika – Pine Marten – Valley Quail – Whip Tail
As you can see there are definate pro’s and con’s to consider when choosing this neighborhood as your next home. Hopefully this will help in your Colorado Springs home search.
If you are looking to transfer to Peterson AFB, and would like to know more about the different neighborhoods of Colorado Springs that would fit your needs, please visit us at: OnlineHomeConnection.com, or call us direct: 719-570-7715.
