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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Buying a House in Tampa'

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Moving to Tampa or PCS to MacDill AFB? Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

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

The Tampa Real Estate Market, especially homes in the Tampa suburbs, has a unique “fee”, or “tax” that out-of-town buyers are unfamiliar with. That is, what is known as a “CDD fee”. If you are looking for a newer home in the Tampa area, chances are good that you will buy a home in a community with a CDD fee, since some of the best neighborhoods, in the best school districts in Tampa, have CDD fees.   What, exactly,  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.

Looking for the “best” neighborhood in Tampa? It depends on your lifestyle!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island,  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!

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. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.27.2010

Join the 3/50 Project and Help Support Small Business in Your Neighborhood…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Architecture, Buying a House in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Living in Tampa and the International Real Estate Scene, every day on The Tampa Real Estate Sizzle!

I LOVE to support the small, local businesses in Tampa, and South Tampa is filled with unique shops, restaurants and locally owned businesses, including the Real Estate company that I work for.  When I learned of the 3/50 project, I felt compelled to blog about it!

The 3/50 Project, or “Eat Down the Street”, encourages each of us to choose three  locally-owned restaurants, or businesses, and spend $50.00 at each of them. What a great idea! Just drive down Howard Avenue, or Davis Islands, and take your pick!  Stop in at Dishtopia for a spot of tea and a blueberry scone! Try the Queen of Sheba for some great Ethiopian food.  The idea is to support our LOCAL economy.  Have you been to Stowe, Vermont?  That is the “utopia” of “small businesses”…they ran McDonald’s out of town! Kudos to them!

Three local businesses….spend fifty dollars. Simple. Do it today! AND, be sure to comment below and tell me what YOUR favorite places are.

You can check out some of my Local “hot spots” in some of my previous articles:

Great Places to Eat in Tampa

New Dining Choice in St. Pete is “tres bon”

Queen of Sheba

My Restaurant Reviews on Urban Spoon

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  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, Pasco County, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   05.25.2010

We’ve Seen the Floods in Nashville! What About Tampa? Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Hurricane Preparedness, Real Estate News, storm surge

The Latest News on Moving to Tampa, Living in Tampa, or Buying Real Estate anywhere in the World…every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

The entire country is empathizing with Nashville residents who are reeling from the worst flood in a century! The saddest part, is that most of those homeowners did not carry Flood Insurance. Why? Because it was not REQUIRED by their lenders, or they lived in a “low risk” area for flooding.

We are almost to  Hurricane Season in Florida. Though Tampa has not been hit by a MAJOR storm in many years, we still need to prepare when a storm heads into the Gulf of Mexico. One of the first questions every Homebuyer asks me, when they are moving to Tampa, is Do I Need Flood Insurance? The answer: YES. While a mortgage company may Bayshore_floodonly REQUIRE a homeowner to carry flood insurance in certain flood zones, , here are some facts every homeowner should know. Just a glimpse of flooded Bayshore Boulevard, in Tampa,  tells the story

1.One in Four flood claims, are in a low -moderate risk zone! Chances are good that nearly 25% of those homeowners did not have flood insurance because it was not REQUIRED by their lenders.

2. A car can be swept away by just 2 feet of water!

3. Flash floods occur in all 50 states! Look at the tragedy of the flooding in Nashville. Many of them had no insurance because the risk of flooding was very low.

4. Homeowners Insurance generally will not cover rising water  That coverage requires a separate flood insurance policy.

5. You must add contents coverage to a flood insurance policy, if you want your belongings to be covered.

6. Premiums in low-risk areas are very reasonable, but damage from a flood is costly do you want to take that chance?

7. It takes 30 days for insurance to take effect, so do not wait until a storm is coming to call your insurance agent. For more infomation on Flood Insurance, visit FloodSmart.gov.

For information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, or any neighborhood in Tampa, please call me at 813.629.5757 or send me an email!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.07.2010

Beach Park and Sunset Park…Great Neighborhoods in the Plant High School District…Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The latest news on the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, Moving to Tampa and PCS to Macdill Air Force Base….
Many Families are searching the Tampa Real Estate Market for homes in highly-rated school districts in Tampa.  The Plant High School District is always at the top of that list.  Here is another article in my series on “Plant High School Neighborhoods.”

Beach Park and Sunset Park, two well-established South Tampa neighborhoods, run South of Kennedy Boulevard and East and West of Westshore Boulevard and border Tampa Bay.  Large lots, along with grandfather oaks, line the winding streets that Tampabeachparkhave been popular since their development in the 1950’s.  Brick ranches, Mediterranean and Traditional styled-homes fill these neighborhoods which include waterfront homes in Beach Park Isles and Sunset Park Isles, commonly known as the “fingers”.

Grady and Dale Mabry Elementary Schools, Coleman Middle School and Plant High School are all “top” rated, making Beach Park and Sunset Park an ideal choice for families with children.

Prices range from $400,000 to several million. For a list of the homes available in Beach Park, or Sunset Park, you can contact me today!

You can read some of my previous articles about Tampa neighborhoods:

New Suburb Beautiful

Parkland Estates

Culbreath Isles

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, 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 Estate contact me!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.02.2010

PCS to MacDill AFB? Homebuyer Tax Credit Has Been Extended for Some Homebuyers…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? Where are the Best Schools in Tampa? Are you relocating for PCS or a position at MacDill Air Force Base?

This is “relocation time” for many families, civilians and active duty military who are moving to Tampa for a job transfer, or position at Centcom, SoCom or MacDill Air Force Base.  While the Homebuyer tax credit is expiring in June, there is a special exception for active duty military who have been deployed for at least 90 days, prior to May 1, 2010.  For those who qualify, the homebuyer tax credit has been extended for one year.

If you have more questions about the tax credit extension for active military, or are looking for a home in Tampa, or need advice on the best Tampa neighborhood for YOU, please contact me today!

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!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.26.2010

Where are the Most Family-Oriented Neighborhoods? The Best Schools In Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Expert to Help With Your Move to Tampa

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for your family?  PCS to MacDill?

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 15 years.

What is the BEST neighborhood? That is different for every family and every price range. The Tampa area has many different areas at all price ranges from city living in South Tampa and the Plant High School District, to the northern reaches of the county and some families choose Pasco county.  How to decide where to live? That’s easy…contact me.  Internet searches are no substitute for an experienced real estate agent.

Tell me about your family situation, work location, desired commute time, school needs and your social life, along with your housing needs and price range.  I can quickly identify which areas and neighborhoods might suit your needs!  This is the busy season, so if you are trying to find the perfect home this summer, now is the time to start when the inventory is most plentiful!

You can read some of my previous articles on “Moving to Tampa”:

New Suburb Beautiful…A Top Choice in The Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  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, Pasco County, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.01.2010

Moving to Tampa? Orders to MacDill AFB? Plenty of Bargains in Tampa Real Estate Today!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, First-Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Moving to Tampa, The Best Tampa Neighborhoods and MacDill Air Force Base Relocation, every day…

MacDill AFB is one of the largest employers in Tampa, with many military and civilian employees, who live all over the Tampa Bay area. It is “relocation season”…the time of year when many families with children are planning their move, or PCS,  to Tampa. The top priority for those families is always the school district. This is a great time to find a “bargain” in the Tampa Real Estate Market. Prices are the lowest in YEARS!

If you are moving to Tampa, for a position at MacDill Air Force Base, contact me, to find the right neighborhood for you, and your family. I have been relocating military families in Tampa for 15 years! I can find a “bargain” in any Tampa or Pasco County neighborhood!

You can read some of my previous articles about moving to Tampa, and relocation to MacDill Air Force Base:

MacDill Air Force Base…One of Tampa’s Largest Employers

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Tampa Neighborhoods

Looking for real estate in Tampa?

 

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including:

 

Brandon,  Riverhills, Valrico, 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, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me!

 

Sign up for my email list to receive the latest information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa, and the International Real Estate Market!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.30.2010

Want a Tampa Foreclosure? Read the Latest on the Tampa Foreclosure Market and How Fannie Mae Can Help!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, First-Time Homebuyers, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

 

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Real Estate and International Real Estate News…

Great News from Fannie Mae Helps Tampa Foreclosure Buyers!

Many investors can move faster on home purchases because they are able to pay cash and don’t have to wait to qualify for a loan and get an appraisal. Investors often turn the homes into rental units or flip them to other buyers for a quick profit. People seeking to take advantage of the drop in housing prices to buy their first homes have been grousing that they often lose bidding wars to investors.

Fannie said it also would help owner-occupants acquire homes by reducing deposit requirements to as little as $500 and giving them a chance to renegotiate offers after appraisals. Such buyers also are to be allowed as many as 45 days to complete the transaction, up from the usual 30 days.

A Freddie spokesman said the company has similar pilot programs and is helping owner-occupants pay closing costs.

Fannie announced Tuesday that 4.72% of the single-family home loans it owns or guarantees were 90 days or more overdue in September, up from 4.45% in August and 1.72% in September 2008.

For more information about this program, or buying a house in Tampa, please contact me.   

If you would like to receive a list of homes in a certain price range…send me an email!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, or Real Estate Listings in the Tampa area, 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, Hunter’s 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!

 
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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.25.2009

Buying a House in Tampa? It’s a “Pet Friendly” City!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Pet Friendly Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Buying a House in Tampa, and Great Information about Living in Tampa…every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

After a busy weekend of “house hunting” with some “out-of-town” clients and their sweet, fluffy ‘Coton de Tulear’ named Chanti, I thought an article about Chanti“Pet-Friendly” places in Tampa was in order!

If you are looking for a Pet-Friendly hotel in Tampa, there are two good choices in the downtown area: Sheraton Riverwalk and Marriott Residence Inn. The Riverwalk is, obviously, on the River and a little more convenient for walking to the shops and restaurants on Harbour Island and the Downtown/Channelside areas.

Pet Friendly restaurants in Tampa are mainly in several distinct areas:

Downtown/Harbour Island/Channelside:

Most of the Restaurants with an Outdoor Patio will accomodate dogs. In Channelside, try Tina Tapas, Bennigans, Hooters, Zelda’s and Margarita Mamas. On Harbour Island, Cafe Dufrain has a small outdoor patio.

Hyde Park

Restaurant BT, Timpano, Smoke Barbecue, The Rack and The Wine Exchange all have outdoor dining.

Davis Islands

Downtown Davis Islands is a dog lover’s dream!  Chez Bryce, Estella’s Mexican Restaurant, Yeoman’s Road Pub, Tate Brother’s Pizza and Thai Island and Flamingo Cafe, all have outdoor dining.

Buying a house in Tampa, or need more information on Pet Friendly places in Tampa, contact me!

If you would like to receive a list of homes in a certain price range…send me an email!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, or Real Estate Listings in the Tampa area, 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, Hunter’s 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!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.20.2009

Buying a House in Tampa? Hurry, Or You Will Miss Out On Homestead Exemption

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Homestead Exemption, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News

The Latest News in Tampa Real Estate, Buying a Home in Tampa or anywhere in the World!

We are in the “end of year crunch”  with buyers who are trying to close on a home in Tampa before the end of the year. WHY? It’s all about getting the “Homestead Exemption”!

Florida Law allows for up to $50,000 to be deducted from the assessed valuation for a primary residence, which can significantly lower your property tax bill for a home in Tampa, or any city in Florida.

For example, If your home is “assessed” for $300,000, and it is your primary residence, once you file for a “homestead exemption”, your property tax bill will be based on $250,000, not $300,000.

Once you purchase a home in Tampa, in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must file an appication with the property appraisers office. You need only file once, and must reside in the home, on January 1, of the first year you are claiming the Homestead Exemption. JANUARY 1, 2010….YOU MUST RESIDE IN THE RESIDENCE BY THIS DATE, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR 2010.  Many lenders are “backed up” and cannot close your loan in 30 days, especially if you are missing any documentation for your loan application.  Read my latest article on “Buying a Home in Tampa in 30 days”! In Hillsborough County, in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must file your application prior to March 1, 2010.

You can download the forms, here, and then see the list of County offices where you can file the application for the Homestead Exemption.

Don’t wait…you will find long lines as it get’s closer to the deadline!

It’s a buyer’s market in Tampa!  I can help find the perfect home in any Tampa neighborhood!

Read some of my previous articles about finding the right neighborhood in Tampa!:

New Suburb Beautiful…A Top Choice in The Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  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, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.18.2009

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