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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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Toni Everett Company
5000 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
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Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Neighborhoods in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buyers, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle!

Tampa is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which includes Central Command, Centcom, as well as SoCom.  The entire Tampa Bay area is filled with military families from all branches, as well as civilians who are employed as military consultants.

This summer,  I have been busy relocating several military families into the Tampa area. In the Tampa Real Estate Market, there are many neighborhood choices for military families.

Their  questions are always the same…Where are the best school districts in Tampa and…Which neighborhoods are affordable, and convenient, to MacDill Air Force Base?

 Families with children are often on a budget and need a combination Boxes_moveof larger homes, good school districts and reasonable prices. Most families dont want to commute more than 30 40 minutes to get to MacDill AFB, so that narrows their focus to Westchase, New Tampa or the Brandon, Valrico, Riverview areas. For those with smaller families, singles, or couples, they may want to live close to the base in South Tampa. Housing prices are higher, but offer many options with condos, townhomes and single-family homes in historic neighborhoods. Living in South Tampa keeps them close to the base, as well as downtown Tampa, and just minutes to the airport, and the neighborhoods include some of the top-rated schools in the U.S.

 Check on the Tampa Neighborhoods section on right sidebar on The Real Estate Sizzle, or you can search for any category in the search box on the right, for more information on the Tampa Real Estate Market.

You can read some of my previous articles on Tampa Neighborhoods:

Palma Ceia…the “Plant High School” neighborhood

Hyde Park..a historic neighborhood in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Golf Course Communities:

Cheval

Hunter’s Green

Westchase

Davis Islands

I can help with your move to any Tampa Neighborhood, or provide information on the Tampa School Districts, contact me today!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.19.2008

The Tampa Real Estate Market is a “Bargain”…See the Most Overpriced Markets in the U.S.

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Looking for a bargain? The Tampa Real Estate Market is one of the best values in the U.S. this year. With housing prices down 20%, and more, over 2007, Tampa Real Estate is the place to invest!

In contrast, have a look at some of the most “Overpriced” Zip Codes in the U.S., as announced this week in Forbes Magazine.

Looking a home in the Tampa Bay area? Send me an email and let me know what area and price range you are looking for…and be glad you aren’t looking in San Jose California!

You can read some of my previous articles about the Schools in Tampa and Information about moving to Tampa.

Hyde Park…One of the Top-rated School Districts in Tampa and the U.S.

New Suburb Beautiful

Tampa Schools Receive Top FCAT scores

What is the Best Tampa Neighborhood for YOU?

For information on any neighborhood in Tampa, homes in the highly-rated school districts, or if you are relocating to Tampa, please contact me.

It’s a “Buyer’s Market” in Tampa! If you would like to receive listings in a certain neighborhood, or price range, just let me know! Looking for Real Estate in Tampa or information about the Tampa Real Estate market? Moving to Tampa? Are you looking for assistance in choosing the best neighborhood in Tampa for your lifestyle? I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate contact me!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   07.30.2008

The Tampa Real Estate Market and CDD fees in Neighborhoods

Filed under: Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

This summer I am relocating many families to Tampa, and explaining the various “nuances” about the Tampa Real Estate Market.  One of the “most asked” questions is “What is a CDD fee?” Since that term is very unfamiliar to most buyers who are moving to Tampa from other cities, here is a brief explanation of CDD fees.

A CDD is short for Community Development District, which finances and manages community developments.

Tax-Free Bonds are issued to the developer to finance the cost of building the infrastructure of a development, including roads, utilities and many amenities including, pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, golf courses, etc. Homeowners in the development pay the costs of the CDD over the span of 15 to 30 years. There are a number of communities with CDD fees in Tampa, and throughout the State of Florida, so if you are looking for real estate in Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, you should know about these fees.

Can CDD fees go up? Yes. The CDD fees appear on the homeowners tax bill. Each Community has a CDD board, initially appointed by the developer, which decides whether to include additional assessments into the CDD fee. If a community decides to do additional Chev_1landscaping, revamp the golf course, add gates, or any other amenities, those costs may be added to the existing CDD fees. That would increase a total tax bill and increase the escrow required by your lender.

What can you do if you live in a community with a CDD fee? Stay informed. Know who the members of the CDD board are and attend any meetings regarding CDD fees.

 You can find a list of all communities with CDD fees in Florida here. For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me.

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate contact me today!

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   07.29.2008

Live in Culbreath Isles..A Gated Waterfront Luxury Community in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Real Estate Sizzle is Your Best Source for Tampa Real Estate Market Newsevery day

Another article in my Plant High School District Neighborhoods

Culbreathisleshome

Culbreath Isles is one of the few gated, waterfront communities in South Tampa. Deep-water canals, fabulous open-bay views and elegant custom-built homes make Culbreath Isles one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Tampa. It is a yacht-owners paradise!

Located just West of Westshore Boulevard, between Estrella and Bayway, this exclusive community has much to offer the most discriminating Tampa home buyer. Culbreath Isles is located in the Dale Mabry Elementary, Coleman Middle and Plant High School District. It is just a 5 minute drive to Tampa International Airportthe perfect neighborhood for the frequent traveler.

You can see the current homes available in Culbreath Isles. Please contact me for more information about Culbreath Isles, Tampa neighborhoods, or to schedule a private showing of these homes.

Enjoy some of my other articles about Waterfront Homes and Gated Communities in Tampa:

Harbour IslandA Gated Community in Tampa

Tampa Waterfront Home Buyers Have Many Choices

For more information about Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles. South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   05.30.2008

Pet Rules in Condominiums…Don’t Assume They Were Made to Be Broken!

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Condominiums, Florida Real Estate, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation

The Latest Information about Moving to Tampa, or buying Real Estate in Tampa, or anywhere in the World!

Another article in my Pet Friendly series.

Florida is the Land of Condominiums , and I sell plenty of them! Each building has its own personality . From the concierge services, to the pool, common areas, floor plans, demographics and rules , you need to find the building that is best suited to your needs and yourPu_g personal life. A building known for its weekend pool parties is probably not the right place for someone who enjoys a more sedate lifestyle, so it is really important to ask the right questions when you are looking at condominiums and visit the property on various days, and at various times, so you can get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Likewise, a Building where someone scowls at your Pug in the elevator, and asks how much he weighs, may not be the most pet-friendly place in town.

One of the biggest issues, and one often overlooked, is a buildings Pet Rules . Are pets allowed? How many pets? What type of pets? Is M_cthere a weight limit? These are basic questions that the listing agent should know and the information should be in the MLS. Buyers agents should not assume that all pets are welcome and should ask the buyers specific questions about what kinds of pets they may have. A pot-bellied pig, certain dog breeds or exotic reptiles may not be acceptable in many buildings. I have had listing in one of the new condominiums in the Channelside district. It specifically excludes goats, reptiles and fowl…and has no weight limit on the two pets it allows, but specifically says they cannot be loud, or vicious! I have never seen a goat in a condo, but I read the condominium docs thoroughly, so I can explain the rules to any prospective buyers. I think we’ll have a little chuckle over that one! I guarantee, if you show up with a goat in tow, you will not pass “go”! Realtors should never tell a client that pet rules arent enforced, which happened with a buyers agent on one of my listings. The end resultthe dog had to go, so the buyer moved out, just months after moving in!

On a condominium resale in the State of Florida, you have 3 days to review the Condominium Documents, which will include the current rule about pets. It is very important that you have any updates to the documents, as any changes to the original documents may not be included. It is always a good idea to contact the building manager with any specific questions about pet rules in a building that you are considering.

PB-pigOne of the buildings where I have sold many units, requires a weight certificate from a veterinarian, to insure that the cute puppy will not exceed twenty five pounds at maturity. Some buildings prohibit all pets! Some allow certain kinds of pets and certain numbers of pets, weight limits or all of the above. If you have three pets and the rules allow for only two, dont think you can just hide one. Those condo commandos will find you!

Many single-family homes and townhomes in deed-restricted areas also have rules about pets. Save yourself some time and, lots of aggravation by asking those three little words What About Pets? .

If you are looking for the perfect condominium in Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg, or need information about moving to Tampa, or would like listings in any Tampa neighborhood, please contact me today!

I

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   6 Comments »   |   05.13.2008

Buying a House In Tampa? Check the School District! Tampa Real Estate News…

Filed under: Buyers, MLS Listings in Tampa, Places to Live, Real Estate News, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Neighborhoods and Tampa School Districts…

In Hillsborough County, the 8th Largest School District in the U.S., Teacherschool assignments are based on your home address. Florida schools are rated annually, with grades of A-F. While there are many school choices available with charter schools, magnet schools, and the International Baccalaureate programs, a house in one of the top-rated school districts, with an A rating, will have a better resale value than one in a lesser-rated district. Three of the district high schools have made the list of the Top 100 High Schools in the country. Special assignments to a specific school, outside of your assigned school, are available on a space-available basis.

The School District has a very comprehensive website. Often, a listing agent does not include the schools assigned for a particular house, so you should check the district site before you make an offer. Even if you do not have any children, or are not planning to have children, the school district will affect your resale value!

Looking for Real Estate in Tampa or information about the Tampa Real Estate market? Moving to Tampa? Are you looking for assistance in choosing the best neighborhood in Tampa for your lifestyle? Need informations about the schools in Tampa?

It is a “Buyer’s Market” in Tampa, with plenty of inventory of homes to choose from!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   04.22.2008

Foreign Investors…Florida is a Top Choice…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Real Estate, International Real Estate, Real Estate News, Relocation, Sellers, Tampa

THE LATEST NEWS ON THE TAMPA REAL ESTATE MARKET, BUYING A HOME IN TAMPA, AND REAL ESTATE ISSUES AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE.

 

Florida is the place for British and European Investors! With the British Pound trading at 2 to 1 against the American Dollar, many of the investors in the Florida market are from the U.K. As the Euro continues to rise against the Dollar, we are getting increasing numbers of European buyers, as well. Now, Canadians are enjoying a 1 to 1 currency exchange with the U.S. Dollar. Prices in Florida are the lowest in years, so the time is right for foreign investment. There are some great bargains on beachfront condos, so don’t wait until the prices begin to recover! If you are interested in buying a condo on the beach, a home in Tampa, orReal Estate anywhere in the world, contact me.

 

A portion of my business is focused on the International Market. I am a Certified International Property Specialist and member of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). Many of my clients are from foreign countries or work for foreign companies Beachin the U.S. Florida is very much an International Destination. Tampa is perfectly situated between Disney World and the Gulf Beaches. It is a great location for foreign investors. Having the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation, which is earned by less than 1% of all Real Estate Agents, allows me to better assist my foreign clients. Every country handles foreign investors differently and CIPS agents are specially trained to understand, and facilitate, the purchase and sale of Real Estate in every country around the world!

Real Estate is no longer a local market. Savvy buyers are Global. They are looking for smart investments all over the world, based on World_mapthe strength or weakness of a countrys currency, political stability, its economic development and potential for long-term gains. The political and economic situation in Venezuela right now, is sending Venezuelans to seek safe shelter for themselves and their finances. Many of them are heading to Florida and Central America. Check the latest exchange rate for your currency to see what you can spend in U.S. Dollars!

Conversely, the political and economic climate in Panama, makes it the number one Retiree destination in the world right now! Watch for more on the advantages of buying property in Panama, Costa Rica and Eastern Europe… in future International Real Estate articlesstay tuned…

If you would like to receive notifications of new articles on the Real Estate Sizzle by emailclick here.

 

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real EstatePanama, Costa Rica, Europe, U.K…contact me!