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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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'CDD in Tampa'

        

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

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?

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!

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 »   |   05.27.2009

Buying a Waterfront Home in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

It’s “relocation season” in Tampa, the time of year when families with children are relocating and searching for the perfect neighborhood and school district.  Many of the Tampa neighborhoods are filled with conservation areas and ponds.  Buyers who are moving from northern states are often shocked to see “Don’t Feed The Alligator” signs in the middle of a “city” neighborhood. 

Many of the newer subdivisions in Tampa, have natural, or man-made lakes.  Plenty of Tampa golf communities are filled with “water hazards” along the golf course. You can find them in Westchase, Live Oak, Cheval and Avila, just to name a few. I remember the first “pond front”  house I sold in Cheval.  We were doing the “walk through” the day before closing, just as the neighborhood gator was out for a swim.  The buyer, from Missouri, was stunned to see the mammoth creature just hundreds of yards away! We don’t have penguins in Florida, but we do have alligators!  If you are moving from outside of Florida, and spent your summers enjoying a swim in the local pond, or lake, then you need to understand one simple equation:

Fresh Water = Alligators= NO SWIMMING

Yes, Alligators will come out of the water to sun themselves on the banks, or in search of food. That leads to the second equation about alligators:

Feed The Alligator = Alligator Views Humans as a Food Source.

This article was prompted an article by Seth Godin…Tips To Avoid Alligator Attacks. Common Sense, but pretty funny!

Bottom line?  If you want to swim in Florida…head for the pool, or the beach!

Looking for the perfect home in any Tampa neighborhood, or a “bargain” in the Tampa Real Estate Market? Contact me today…we can chat about how to avoid alligators!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   04.14.2009

Bye-Bye “Buyer’s Market” in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and Relocation to MacDill AFB.

Shopping for a home in New Tampa?  In the Four-bedroom, pool home market, from the $300,000 to $400,000 price range, homes that are nice, and priced right, are selling. FAST!

In the New Tampa area, zip code 33647, 26 homes, priced between 300K and 400K, have sold in the past 90 days, with less than 60 days on the market! How do I know that “buyer’s market” is passe? Of those 26 sales, 23 homes sold for over 90% of the listed price, while 10 homes sold for in excess of 95% of listed price! That zip code includes Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, West Meadows, Cory Lake Isles, Live Oak and Grand Hampton.  It is a very family-oriented area with “A”-rated school districts.

It is nice to get back to a “normal” market, where homes are priced right and selling in a reasonable period of time. It would be nice if the MEDIA could pick up on the good news in the Tampa Real Estate Market…maybe they should follow me on Twitter!

While most of my articles on The Real Estate Sizzle are about the Tampa Real Estate Market, you will find plenty to read about living in Tampa, fun things to do in Tampa and great places to eat in Tampa.  Check out my favorite restaurants and read my reviews at Urban Spoon!

How about a “Google Alert”? I stopped reading the newspaper and get the majority of my “real estate news” via google. You can set up an an alert for “Real Estate Sizzle”, or any subject you are trying to follow.  When an article is posted on that subject, whether it’s in the Wall Street Journal, the local news, or on a website, “google” will find it and email the link to you!

Do you want to receive listings in any Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater Beach area?  That’s easy…send me an email and tell me what you are searching for!

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 today.

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.11.2009

How to Buy A Home in The Tampa Real Estate Market…Despite the Economic Crisis! Get an FHA Loan!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Real Estate Market

Americans are “paralyzed” this week, as we watch various Financial Institutions crumble.  They are being “gobbled up” by bigger, and healthier, financial institutions. The European financial markets are experiencing the same issues and the Euro has fallen against the dollar this week.   Whether you call it, the “survival of the fittest”, or see it as the Free Market Economy at work, homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market need to be assured that mortgages are still available! And, yes, mortgages are available.

What loan product is available?  What is the minimum down-payment?  Can a seller help with closing costs?  These are common questions for a home-buyer, but are even more important, given our current economic climate.

For the “under $300,000” price point, the best option is an FHA loan!

Here’s Why:

1. Loan limits of $292,500

2. Only a 3% downpayment

3. Seller can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price towards closing costs

4. Buyers with credit scores under 680 are considered

At higher price points, other mortgage products, other than VA loans, require larger downpayments and certain credit scores. In the Tampa Real Estate  market, with record low prices gettting an FHA is a great option!

For the latest listings in the Tampa Real Estate Market in all price ranges, or help with an FHA lender, please contact me today!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.01.2008

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!

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

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!

 

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

Moving to Tampa With Children? Where Should We Live in The Tampa Real Estate Market?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

It’s “relocation time” for families with children! All summer, in the Tampa Real Estate Market, parents are trying to find the perfect house in the right school district for their children.

Hillsborough County is the 8th largest school district in the U.S., with many award-winning schools.

I am often asked about homes in the Plant High School district, but there are many Tampa neighborhoods in highly-rated school districts.

You can read about many of the neighborhoods, and their schools, in some of my previous articles on “The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa”!

Plant High School District

New Suburb Beautiful

Westchase

Cheval

MacDill Air Force Base

Best Tampa Neighborhoods and Best Hillsborough County Schools

Buying a House in Tampa? Check the School District

Where Are The Bargains in The Tampa Real Estate Market?

Contact Me today for more information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Moving to Tampa, or any question about living in Tampa!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.16.2008

How to Be a Savvy Buyer in a “Buyer’s Housing Market” …Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The Tampa Real Estate market is one of the top Buyers Markets in the U.S. right now! It is THE time to buy. But, how does a buyer get the BEST possible deal in a saturated housing market?

TampabuyersmarketI recently negotiated a contract for a client on a waterfront condominium. The property will sell for nearly $225,000 less than the last sales price, and over $20,000 less than the original builder price! We saw the property the first day it came on the market! That savvy buyer is already in a great equity position!

How can YOU get a great buy in the Tampa Real Estate Market?

1. You must be AHEAD of the market, not behind it. By the time everyone agrees that we have reached the bottom , the prices will have started to rise. Choose an experienced agent who can help you to identify the best neighborhoods, or condominiums for future resale. Your agent will check the new listings in those areas every day and will hear about properties BEFORE they actually are listed in MLS.

2. View all of the properties in those areas and compare the price per square foot for each of them. A low price per square foot in a desirable area, if it is in good condition, will be the best value in this market.

3. Buy a property that is in the mid , or low price-range for the neighborhood. That means, you want to buy a home for $400,000 in a neighborhood with most of the homes in the 500 800K range.

4. Identify 4 or 5 properties that might work for you, without getting emotionally attached to any particular one! When a buyer is emotionally attached to a property, it becomes very easy to pay too much for it.

5. Start to make offers of 10% below the asking price on the properties that you have identified and keep the offer simple . A closing within 30 days, with few expenses to the seller in terms of repairs or closing costs will give you more negotiating room in the price. Dont ask for personal items, or furnishings as part of the deal.

If the first offer doesnt work out, move on to the next property. Ultimately, you will find a nice property for the right price.

Of course, you need to work with an experienced agent and get pre-approved with a lender, to be considered a serious buyer.

If you need help buying a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, I am happy to assist you!

You can read my previous articles about Buying, or Selling, in today’s Tampa Real Estate market:

Navigating the Waters in a Buyers Market

Selling Your Home in a Buyers Market

If you are looking for a home in the Tampa Bay Area, or need to sell your home, please contact me. 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!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.08.2008

What’s Happening in the Westchase Real Estate Market?…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Westchase

The latest news on home sales in the Westchase area…a desirable neighborhood in the Tampa Real Estate Market.

Westchase, and the surrounding area, is a very desirable neighborhood in Tampa. A Golf Course community, it is Convenient to the airport and the Veteran’s Expressway, it is very popular with relocating families. Westchase Elementary School is one of the “A” rated schools in Hillsborough County.

Despite it’s popularity, it is STILL a “buyer’s market” in Westchase. There are currently 109 homes listed in the Westchase area, MLS area 228 and zip code 33626, which are priced from $350,000 to $450,000, with just eight homes under contract. At the current absorption rate, it will take over one year to sell all of the homes which are currently listed! That is frustrating news for many sellers, but an opportunity for buyers who have many homes to choose from!

You can read my previous article about Westchase and what to do if you are trying to sell your home in this market!

If you are looking to buy a home in Tampa, or would like the current listings in any Tampa neighborhood, just contact me!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.01.2008

What is a CDD and How Will it Affect my Tax Bill?…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: CDD in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Places to Live, Property Taxes in Florida, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

The latest news in the Tampa Real Estate Market and Real Estate Issues around the World

Buying a home in Tampa in a community with 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 Estatecontact me today!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.14.2008