I grew up in South Tampa and attended both the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida prior to living in Europe for 17 years. While in Europe I taught both English and basic German in the public and private sector. Upon my return to Florida at the end of 1987 I began teaching here in Pinellas County. My MA is from the University of South Florida in the field of Social Science.

Once my own two children had graduated from East Lake High School I left the education field to enter something I had always wanted to do - work in real estate! Charles Rutenberg Realty is the third real estate company I have worked with since entering this profession. I made the change to Charles Rutenberg Realty back in 2007 for many reasons, one of  which  was that I kept getting fantastic feedback about the company!   I now know it was the right decision!

I love what I do and believe that it shows in my commitment to my clients!  With years of experience in the local market, I am here for you! Whether downsizing, upgrading, relocating, retiring or looking for an investment or vacation condo, I would love to assist you in finding that perfect home or condo!

Give me a call today and let me assist you in your search for that home you always wanted here in fantastic Pinellas County, Florida! My areas of expertise include the town I live in, Crystal Beach, as well as Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, Ozona, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach and the barrier island beaches. Find out for yourself why living here is indeed living in Paradise and why those who visit keep coming back!

 

 

 

 

 

After completing high school in Tampa,  I attended the University of Tampa, University of South Florida, the University of the State of New York and Frederick Alexander Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg in Germany. My AA is from the University of the State of New York and both my BA and MA degrees are from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

I have completed the NAR Short Sale and Foreclosure Certification and the  At Home With Diversity  training provided by the National Association of Realtors, as well as trainings and workshops covering everything from short sales to wind mitigation and international marketing. This on-going training which is provided by the local board of realtors as well as the Florida Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors and the numerous seminars and workshops provided by Charles Rutenberg Realty give me the ability to provide you with the expertise needed to ensure that the transaction is completed accurately and that you receive the degree of professional service you expect and deserve.

Contact me today for all of your real estate needs! My goal is to become your Real Estate Professional For Life!

Let me provide you with a Listingbook account so YOU can search the listings like a Realtor and have CURRENT listing information!!!

727-512-0910                            

http://www.barbarajo.com

 

 

 

I just wanted to again say thanks so much for everything. You did exactly what I needed you to do to help me purchase the perfect home for Alice and I, you took this personally. Your involvement at a level far beyond that of the typical real estate agent was what made this all come together. Not only am I thankful, I am sure the seller is also!

Mike Elliott

Mooresville, IN & Tarpon Springs, FL

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I am a proud new homeowner thanks to Barbara Jo. I met Barbara one day while I was at work and we got into conversation about houses and what she does for a living. I was not planning on buying a house at that time, but several months later when I began my house hunting journey I remembered Barbara Jo and how personable and informative she was. I dug up the business card that she had given to me, I called her up and the rest is history. Barbara Jo was extremely helpful during the entire process and always had my back. Barbara worked closely with the bank that I chose to get my mortgage with and worked to get an extension on my closing date. For me the process felt like a whirlwind and I’m extremely thankful that I had Barbara Jo by my side to explain to me what was taking place, what each piece of paper meant, and to keep me sane and stress free. I will be sure to recommend Barbara Jo to those I know looking to purchase a home and plan on working with her again when I decide to purchase another house.

Amanda Blizzard

Largo, FL

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Barbara-Jo, Thank you for helping me with the sale of my condo. It was a long road, renting it and then selling it, but with your assistance, I got through it all! Thanks again, I will always recommend you! You made everything so much easier by telling me what to expect and how the market was changing. Your the best!

Carmalinda Escuder, Tarpon Springs, FL

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Barbara-Jo: We want to thank you for all of your patience and persistence in helping us find the perfect condo! After all of those months of searching, we were starting to believe it would never happen. And then the entire short sale process which could have easily been a nightmare if not for your guidance through the entire process. Thanks again for all you did! We look forward to having you over often to visit us!

Linda & David Schane, Clearwater, FL

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Barbara - Thank you for helping me and my family get our first home. Everyone said buying a bank owned house would be a lot of problems but with you telling us what to expect each step of the way, it was really easy! Thank you again for all your help!

Gazmend Kosumi, Clearwater, FL

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Dear Barbara - Thank you very much for your services in the sale of our vacation condo in Clearwater. We appreciate your taking care of those 'extra' things, like returning the cable box for us. Since we are out of state, your assistance in so many little details has meant a lot to us. We wish you all the best in your future business. (Sue & Dave Williams, Ohio)

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Barbara was very helpful to my wife and I as we searched for a new home. She provided many leads tailored to our specifications and was professional and flexible in arranging showings. Once we located the right house, Barbara helped us to navigate the bureaucracy and close the sale. Her assistance was invaluable and I recommend her highly.
 
Carl McLean

Dunedin, FL

 

 

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Barbara- Thank you for all that you did in getting us the condo we wanted in Clearwater! Not only did you get our condo at a great price, but you have been there every step of the way to let in contractors and handymen to get the changes made that we wanted done. We could not have gotten it done without you unless we flew in from Canada to let these people in ourselves!

You have been great and we are recommending you to our friends and family members that are talking about also purchasing a vacation condo down in Florida!

Thanks again for everything! Bobby and Debbie

Ontario, Canada

(a note on this testimonial: Bobby and Debbie had me sell this condo for them and are now looking for a larger condo directly on the beach here in Clearwater)

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Thanks for keeping us updated.  We must tell you that you are delight to work with.  We worked with someone else for a short time but we did not feel comfortable continuing with that relationship. You have made the process the joy it should be.

Thanks.

Dianne and Bob

Seminole, FL

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Barbara-Jo

We want to thank you again for all that you did. You explained everything and followed up to make sure we got our paperwork from the title company in Texas. My mother is so happy to have a condo in Florida now. I also have a referral for you and will be sending you his phone number.

Zeta and Effie

Mississauga, Ontario

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Barbara,

We can't thank you enough for helping us get the house we wanted. You were quick to get us in to look at every one we wanted to see. We seemed to click right away. You understood just what we were looking for and had knowledge that steered us away from what wouldn't work for us so neither of us wasted time. What looks good in web pictures can't tell us about the surroundings like you could. We got it all, the cul-de-sac, the water, the unique style and the quite neighbor we wanted. Thanks again for making our home buying experience easy.

Sincerely,

Kathy and Dave Desautels

Clearwater, Florida

 

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Barbara- With all the help you provided in getting our home closed, you are the best. You got the impossible turned into the possible by making me a new home owner. I will always recommend you, Barbara. Buying a short sale was easy with you telling us what would happen next. We could not have done it without you!

Angelique Seger, Seminole, Florida

*************************************************************************************The following testimonial was received from Heather C., Loan Officer at Third Federal Bank in North Olmsted, Ohio:

This has been the smoothest deal for me this month.  You have been a real pleasure to work with.  I have never had a realtor be so on top of things the way you have been.  I look forward to working with you in the future.

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STEPHANIE & I  WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND TIME FOR HELPING US FIND OUR HOME!!  I KNOW YOU SPENT A LOT OF YOUR TIME WITH US WHILE WE WERE IN FLORIDA FOR ONLY 4 DAYS.  HOWEVER YOU WERE THERE FOR US AND WE FOUND WHAT WE WANTED!  WHEN WE STARTED LOOKING FOR A HOME IN YOUR AREA, WE WENT UNDER GOOGLE AND FOUND YOUR WEBSITE.  IT WAS VERY HELPFUL AND UNDERSTANDING.  AFTER MONTHS OF REVIEWING ALL THE LISTINGS, WE WERE FINALLY READY TO MAKE THAT CALL TO YOU FOR ALL THOSE SHOWINGS (SORRY THERE WAS SO MANY). AFTER THE FIRST DAY OUT OF FOUR, WE KNEW THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BE OUR REALTOR. YOU WERE VERY HELPFUL AND NEVER PUT ANY PRESSURE ON US TO BUY ANY HOUSE. WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK HOME, WE CALLED YOU AND NEGOTIATED AN OFFER WITH THE SELLER.  AFTER THE AGREEMENT WAS MADE, THE HOUSE WAS OURS IN APPROX. 3 WEEKS.  MY BANK CALLED ME AND TOLD ME TO TELL YOU IF YOU HAVE A CUSTOMER THAT NEEDS A HOME LOAN TO PLEASE CALL HER. SHE SAID THAT YOU WERE THE BEST AND MOST ORGANIZED REALTOR THAT SHE EVER DEALT WITH.  I WANT TO THANK YOU ALSO FOR HELPING ME GET INSPECTIONS THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF BEFORE BUYING A HOUSE.  YOU SEEMED TO HAVE MADE BUYING OUR HOUSE SO EASY!AGAIN THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!

 

DOUGLAS & STEPHANIE LEWANDOWSKI

Punta Gorda, FL

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Just a big "Thank You" for all you did for us.  

In November, 2006 we received a phone call from Barbarajo regarding the sale of our home in Punta Gorda, Florida.  We met with her the next day, and her personality was outstanding.   We knew the selling market was slow, but Barbarajo never once looked at that or said to us "You know that the market is bad."  She listed our home and within one month had an open house. 

The home was busy with prospective purchasers, but no offers.   Barbarajo continued to market our home in the newspaper, radio and flyers, etc.   In August, Barbarajo came to our home with a couple that were visiting the area.  We had an offer the next day.  The house was sold 3 days later.  

Barbarajo never gave up on our adventure and our dream to move to Tennessee.  Whatever, she did she would notify us through phone calls, voice mails, emails, etc..... If we had questions, she would answer them.  Although the market is slow, she never gives up and always has the good insight for the future.

Again thank you for everything you did for us and for becoming a wonderful friend in the process.  

James and Annette Graley

Punta Gorda, FL  

PS:  We will miss you!

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This testimonial comes from Renee. Her family was 4 months behind on their mortgage and had a second mortgage too! The bank was about to foreclose when she called us and asked for help. She had had two deaths in the family during the last year and both she and her husband had their hours at work reduced.

I was able to negotiate with her mortgage company, get the second mortgage forgiven, the payments lowered and the outstanding penalties added on to the end of the loan. They are able to remain in their home!!!

Here is what Renee in Port Charlotte has to say:

"I was at my wits end, I called Exit Realty and Barbara Jo came to my home and spoke with my husband and myself in a caring and concerned manner.

She didn't try to push us into a sale or coerce us into signing papers we didn't understand, or try to make herself richer and leave us homeless. She wanted to know what was the plan if we had one or not. Once we explained our situation to her, she began to act.  

Thanks to Barbara Jo's strong negotiating skills I am now able to live in the home of my dreams."

It gives you a good feeling, knowing you saved someone their home!!!

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 Barbara-Jo made the process of purchasing my first home and getting a SHIP loan a breeze! Not only did she make sure I kept up with the paperwork, she was there to make sure I got the right inspections and that the closing went off without any delays. She made my dream of owning my own home a reality!!! Thanks!

                         Kevin Phillips, Port Charlotte

 

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