Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Haviland Homes?
Haviland Homes a brand of Heather Haviland, REALTOR® | Keller Williams St. Pete Realty is a locally focused real estate brand led by a dedicated local expert who specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Pinellas County market with confidence. The business is built on deep neighborhood knowledge, honest guidance, and a hands-on approach from start to finish.
What areas do you specialize in?
Haviland Homes focuses primarily on:
- Dunedin
- St. Petersburg (St. Pete)
- Clearwater
- Palm Harbor
These communities aren’t just service areas, they’re places we actively study, track, and spend time in. From street-by-street pricing trends to neighborhood lifestyle differences, local insight is a core part of how we serve clients.
What makes you a local expert in Dunedin, St. Pete, Clearwater, and Palm Harbor?
Local expertise means more than knowing list prices. Haviland Homes brings value by understanding:
- Micro-neighborhood price differences
- School zones and zoning nuances
- Flood zones, insurance considerations, and elevation changes
- Walkability, bike paths, beaches, and downtown districts
- New development, redevelopment, and future growth plans
Clients benefit from guidance that reflects how people actually live in these areas — not just what shows up on a listing sheet.
Do you help both buyers and sellers?
Yes. Haviland Homes works with:
- First-time buyers
- Relocating buyers
- Vacation and second-home buyers
- Long-term investors
- Homeowners looking to sell
Each strategy is customized. Buying and selling in Dunedin is very different from St. Pete or Palm Harbor, and we tailor our approach accordingly.
How is the market different in each city?
Each area has its own personality:
- Dunedin offers a charming downtown, strong community feel, and high demand for limited inventory.
- St. Petersburg features diverse neighborhoods, arts and culture, and a wide range of price points.
- Clearwater blends beachside living with residential communities and redevelopment opportunities.
- Palm Harbor is known for family-friendly neighborhoods, strong schools, and suburban comfort.
Understanding these differences helps clients make smarter decisions about timing, pricing, and location.
Can you help me decide which area is right for me?
Absolutely. One of the most valuable services we provide is helping clients compare neighborhoods honestly. We ask the right questions about lifestyle, commute, budget, and long-term plans then guide you toward areas that truly fit, not just what’s popular online.
Do you assist with relocation to Pinellas County?
Yes. We have successfully helped others with the move to this paradise in Florida. If you’re moving from out of state or another part of Florida, Haviland Homes provides clear, practical guidance on:
- Neighborhood selection
- Local costs and taxes
- Insurance and flood considerations
- New construction vs. resale homes
- Timing the market
Relocation clients receive extra education and local context to avoid costly surprises.
Additionally, if you are selling your Florida home to move out of state, we have also helped other clients accomplish this and connect with a trusted realtor in their target relocation state to make the process something to look forward to.
How do you price homes for sale?
Pricing is based on hyper-local data, not generic averages. We analyze:
- Recent neighborhood-specific sales
- Active buyer demand
- Condition and upgrades
- Lot size, elevation, and zoning
- Seasonal trends unique to each city
This results in pricing strategies designed to attract serious buyers while protecting seller equity.
What is your approach to communication?
Clients work directly with Haviland Homes without any handoffs, or confusion. We prioritize:
- Clear expectations
- Fast response times
- Honest advice (even when it’s not what you want to hear)
- Proactive updates throughout the process
Are you familiar with flood zones and insurance requirements?
Yes. Flood zones and insurance costs are critical factors in Pinellas County real estate. We help clients understand:
- FEMA flood maps
- Elevation certificates
- Insurance implications before making an offer
- How location impacts long-term ownership costs
Do you work with investors?
Yes. Heather actually has a portfolio of her own investment properties between her home state of Michigan and a few here in Florida.
We assist investors looking for:
- Long-term rentals
- Short-term or vacation rentals (where permitted)
- Value-add opportunities
Local regulation, zoning, and neighborhood rules vary widely, and we make sure investors understand the full picture before buying.
How do I get started?
The best first step is a conversation. Whether you’re months away or ready now, Haviland Homes offers clear guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
Reach out to schedule a no-pressure consultation and get local insight you can trust.