Let's Get Acquainted

Welcome to the premier issue of Tampa Bay Homebuyer. We're excited to be here—and we look forward to spreading the word about what a terrific place our region is in which to live, work and play.

First, though, a little about us. You'll notice that Tampa Bay Homebuyer is not a typical real estate magazine—and that's because we're not a typical magazine publishing company.

Our parent company, CurtCo Media, publishes a powerful network of leading lifestyle magazines, including the world-renowned Robb Report. In Florida, CurtCo's publications include SARASOTA Magazine and Gulfshore Life (Naples) as well as Homebuyer titles in Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, Sarasota" target="_blank">Charlotte County and Naples.

SARASOTA Magazine and Gulfshore Life are widely regarded as among the finest city/regional magazines in the country. And the award-winning Homebuyer titles are without question the most influential publications of their kind in each of their markets. Jacksonville Homebuyer and Orlando Homebuyer, for example, are both two-time winners of the building industry's "Best Consumer Magazine" award.)

The reason for our success elsewhere—and the reason we've gotten off to such a strong start in Tampa Bay—is simple: We believe real estate magazines should be real magazines—not just incomplete listings around which advertising can be sold. We believe a good real estate magazine should be a one-stop resource for everything a buyer needs to know-from truly comprehensive new-community directories to up-to-date public school scores to reader-friendly neighborhood profiles.

And it's all here—and much more—between these covers.

As for me, I'm a Tampa native—and I love real estate. I started selling land in college and have been hooked ever since. I began my career in media working on real estate publications and later, as an advertising manager at the Tampa Tribune, I worked primarily with home builders. I've been involved in the Tampa Bay Builders Association, the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors and other organizations that promote homeownership.

The Bay area is home to me—which is one reason I'm so thrilled to be introducing a publication that I believe really conveys what makes my hometown so special.

Take this issue, for example. We tell the heartwarming story of Chad Horne and Windward Homes, whose efforts on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society have raised nearly $1 million for research. We look at the luxury condo boom throughout Tampa Bay. And we educate you about the newest generation of fireplaces, which have never been cheaper, easier to install or more beautiful.

You'll also find without question the best, most comprehensive new-community directory anywhere in print, as well as a roundup of the Bay area's diverse neighborhoods told from an insider's perspective.

Are you considering a move? Just about everything you need to know to make an informed decision is right here. And if it's not, drop me an e-mail at bethannd@florida-homebuyer.com and let me know how we can be more helpful.