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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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Tampa, FL 33611
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'Cheval Homes'

        

Where Are The Best Schools in The Tampa Real Estate Market?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools

Many families are searching for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market. The big question is…”Where are the best schools and the best neighborhoods in Tampa?

For more in-depth information on Tampa Schools and Tampa Neighborhoods, you can read some of my previous articles:

Golf Course Communities:

Cheval

Hunter’s Green

Westchase

Davis Islands

Tampa Schools

Relocation to MacDill Air Force Base

Hyde Park

Find the Right Neighborhood in Tampa

For more information on any Tampa Neighborhood, Tampa School Districts, or help with your relocation to the Tampa Bay area, please contact me today.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.07.2008

Bad News for Wall Street is Still Good News for Homebuyers in The Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, MacDill AFB, South Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

 Earth to chicken little…the sky is not falling!

Maybe it’s time to turn off the television, or stop reading the newspaper, because the bad news in the financial industry is overshadowing the fact that this is an AMAZING time for homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market! 

Homebuilding starts are down, foreclosures are up, and the combination of Chev_1“cheap money” and “high inventory” means BARGAINS galore for the Tampa homebuyer!  Home prices are down 25–30%, over the values of several years ago. So, while the financial news LOOKS bad…this is the BEST time to buy a home in decades!

FHA limits of $292,500, with a good credit score and 3% downpayment are still available!

What are you waiting for???? Next Year?  That is not a good plan.  We have nearly reached the “Bottom” of the real estate market in Tampa, so NEXT YEAR the bargains will be gone and you will say, “I wish I had bought that house LAST YEAR”…

Turn off the television and start that house hunt today!

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!  

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   09.17.2008

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!

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!

 

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

Where Are The “A-rated” Schools in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, International Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa and Buying Property Around the World, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle.

I am busy relocating several families, with children, to the Tampa area this summer, and the number one question is always about the school district.

Florida schools are rated on a grading system. Most parents moving into the Tampa Real Estate Market want to look at homes in the “A” rated school districts, so I compiled a list of all “A” Rated schools in both Hillsborough County, and Pasco County, which is just north of Tampa. Just send me an e-mail and I will send it to you!
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   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.20.2008

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!

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!<