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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
Direct - (813)629-5757
Toni Everett Company
5000 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
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'Florida Condominiums'

        

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!

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

What Are “Condo Docs” and Why Should You Read Them?…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Real Estate News

If you are buying a condominium in the State of Florida, whether it is a new property, or a resale unit, Florida Law requires you to receive a copy of the condo docs . This is the official Declaration of Condominium which is registered with the State and it is often as much as 500 or 600 pages of information.

BayviewIncluded in the condo docs is information about the developer, the floor plans, building plan, formation of the Homeowners Association and related fees, along with all of the Rules and Regulations for the condominium.

On a new condominium, buyers receive 15 days to review the condo docs and may withdraw from the contract during that recision period. Buyers of a resale unit, have the same right of recision within 3 days.

Often, buyers are overwhelmed by the number of pages in the docs and dont bother to read them. Since all of the rules and voting rights governing life in the condominium are contained in those papers, I always counsel buyers to read the docs, especially the parts regarding the Rules, Bylaws and Voting Rights. You dont want to move into a building with a Great Dane, and be asked to leave, or give up your pet because the rules allow a pet weight up to 40 pounds!

Condominium living is low-maintenance and a wonderful lifestyle. Reading the condo docs prior to your purchase, eliminates any surprises when you move in and insures that are choosing the right building for your needs!

If you have any questions about condo docs, or are interested in buying a condominium in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete, or anwhere in the world, I can help! Contact me today!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   03.19.2008

Special Insurance Coverage For Condominium Owners…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Real Estate News, Tampa

When you are buying a condominium in Tampa, or on Clearwater Beach, too often, a homeowner is rushing to purchase Homeowners insurance prior to closing, and realizes, only after a peril, that several hundred dollars in additional insurance coverage may have saved him THOUSANDS in a loss or damages. Many insurance agents do not take the time to offer all of the various riders or policies available, so the astute homebuyer needs to do a little homework.

Loss Assessment Coverage

Florida is filled with condominiums and this unique coverage should be purchased by every condominium owner! It covers the cost of a Atriumspecial assessment to the unit owner, when that assessment is caused by a liability to the condominium association in excess of the limits of theMaster Policy , that is the policy paid for by the HOA fees for structure and liability insurance.

For example, several years ago one of the condominiums in Tampa, on Bayshore Boulevard, needed structural work to each of the balconies, due to a construction flaw. This resulted in a special assessment to each of the unit owners in excess of $8,000. Loss assessment coverage would have cost less than $75/year, but few condominium owners are aware that such coverage exists, so most of the owners had to bear that expense out-of pocket! OUCH!

When you are purchasing a condominium, ask your agent for Loss Assessment coverage Not all insurance companies offer it, so you may have to call several companies before you find it. Special Assessments are very common, so start shopping for insurance long before your closing day and make sure you are FULLY insured.

If you are a current condominium owner, call your agent and add Loss Assessment coverage to your current policy today!

If you are looking for the perfect condominium in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, or St. Pete Beach, contact me today.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   4 Comments »   |   03.09.2008

Trump Tower Tampa…If It’s Anything Like Trump World Tower… You Should Pass!

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, International Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate, Where is Jackie Now?

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.

Trump Tower Tampa, a project that has been on-again, off-again for several years, is promised to be a Trump Signature Building . What, exactly, does that mean? Limestone flooring? Miele appliances? ‘His’ and ‘Hers’ Baths in the Master? What does Trump consider signature work?

Inquiring minds took that question to New York City to have a look at one of the Trump properties. I recently visited Trump World Tower, located near the U.N. Plaza. Completed in 2001, the building is nearly new and the finishes should be very nice. I was sorely disappointed. Along for the tour, were several other International Real Estate Specialists from Connecticut, Denver and South Carolina. The disdain for the building was unanimous! We rolled our eyes at each other as the sales rep pointed out the lovely IMG_0120features!

I visited three resale units, ranging in price from 3 Million to over 6 Million. The finishes were the same in all of the units, regardless of the floor, or the size of the apartment.

The bleached oak herringbone flooring was horrible! I was expecting Brazilian Cherry Low grade baseboards, small closets, low ceilings and a small closed-in kitchen with high-gloss, white mica cabinets and GE Monogram appliancesnary a Miele or Viking in sightfor SIX MILLION DOLLARS???? For 6M, I want a kitchen that sings to me!

The building DOES have a ground floor fitness center and pool, which I could only describe as dingy However, Derek Jeter lives there and, as the rep was quick to point out, she sat next to Glenn Close at the bar and recently spotted Brad Pitt there, too. WOW. That must be worth 6 Million, dont you think?

OkayI will give the building one complimentIt has great views!

So, my advice to the buyers at Trump Tower Tampa…read the fine print in that contract…

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 Estatecontact me!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   10.24.2007

Controversy, A Condominium and a Court Ruling on Bayshore Boulevard

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Real Estate News, South Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Things to Ponder

When you are buying a home in Tampa, check the zoning on the vacant lot nearby..

If you are familiar with Bayshore Boulevard, in Tampa, it is one of the most famous spots in town. Said to be the longest contiguous sidewalk in the world, the street winds along the bay, from Downtown Tampa to the tip of the peninsula, which ends at MacDill Air Force Base.

Housing along Bayshore Boulevard is a mix of high-rise condominiums, large historic homes, grand new homes, and is some of the most prestigious real estate in the city.

Controversy erupted several years ago over a parcel(seen in the photo below) that was zoned for multi-family(high-rise) development. Surrounding parcels were already home to high-rises, but this parcel had gone undeveloped for many years and the single-family homes on the neighboring street had enjoyed the vacant lot as a neighbor. When a developer revealed plans to erect a high-rise on the parcel, which was allowed by current zoning laws, the neighbors rallied and involved the City Council, to put a stop to the development. The parcel happens to be in an historic district, so the Architectural Review Commission stepped in and joined the fight, objecting to the height of the building, along with objecting to the entire development itself. In 2004, the ARC, without any jurisdiction to do so, denied the proposed building over a height issue. The City Council chose not to uphold the law when the developer appealed that decision. In 2005, a Court ruled that the citys ZONING laws regulate height, not the Architectural Review Commission.

Bay-shoreRecently, a District Court of Appeal upheld the original ruling. The development planned is within the current zoning laws and the Architectural Review Commission does not govern height restrictions. It took many years of litigation for the developer to finally hear that he is within his rights, and the zoning laws, to develop the parcel.
What is the real issue here? A developer purchased a parcel, was planning to develop it according to current zoning laws and a group of homeowners managed to wreak enough havoc with the City that the project has been in litigation for years. Those homeowners purchased property near a vacant lot that was destined for high-rise development. That never changed. When the development was finally planned, they didn’t like it. It wasn’t against the law. It wasn’t against the zoning ordinances. They simply didn’t like it. So, they started to whine, and whine, and whine, until the whining grew so loud that the “law” was ignored.
The question isWhy did the City of Tampa, the City Council and their attorneys choose to ignore zoning laws and cause years of litigation expense. That parcel sat vacant for many years and changes in zoning laws along Bayshore Boulevard could have been proposed at any time.

The developer is seeking One Million dollars in reimbursement from the city. The City Council effectively prevented legal construction of a building during a hot real estate market. Now, the market has cooled and the developer has suffered great financial losses at the expense of the City, because of the neighbors who chose to ignore the zoning laws when they purchased their homes near the vacant lot.

Should some of that expense be passed on to the members of the ARC who knew their jurisdiction did not include height restrictions? Should the voters think twice in the next election about re-electing the city officials who chose to ignore the zoning laws and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars NEEDLESSLY because some very whiney neighbors kept stomping their feet like kindergarteners who insisted on having their way .

Just a little more food for thought on The Real Estate Sizzle today.

What do you think? Who should be held financially responsible for the litigation that occurred? And, should city officials be sanctioned when their failure to follow the law results in litigation at the taxpayers expense? Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below!

If you are buying real estate in Tampa, selling real estate in Tampa, or need information about relocating anywhere in the U.S. or the world….contact me!

Get the latest news on The Real Estate Sizzle every day!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   09.07.2007

Join Me on the “Urban Tour” at Channelside on Saturday

Filed under: Buyers, Channelside Tampa, Florida Condominiums, Real Estate News, Relocation, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Things to do in Tampa

I am joining many other Tampa Realtors in the Urban Tour of the Downtown/Channelside District on Saturday, July 21, from 10 4.

Tour

Take a break from the heat and enjoy some frosty drinks, and relax poolside, while you tour one of Channelsides hottest new developments.

Visit me at the just-completed Ventana an intimate complex with just 84 units in two towers, surrounding a lavish pool and clubhouse area, at the corner of Kennedy and Channelside. It is one of the few buildings in the Channelside district that offers plenty of guest parking, along with 2 assigned parking spaces for each unit, in a secured garage.

Ventanamap

Stop in to see meIll be serving Margaritas and giving away prizes! Ventana Unit 401 NorthSaturday from 10 4.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   07.19.2007

Channelside District…Upscale, Urban Lifestyle in Tampa

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Real Estate News, Relocation, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Where is Jackie Now?

On the edge of downtown Tampa, along the Port of Tampa, on Channelside Drive, sits the Channelside District. Formerly a mass of rundown wearhouses, this area has been transformed into an upscale, urban setting filled with lofts, condominiums, shopping and entertainment. Channel_side

The Channelside Entertainment Complex sits in the heart of it all. An Imax Theatre, shops and waterfront dining draw crowds daily. Splitsville, a bowling alley/martini bar is a great hotspot! Howl at the Moon, is a fun place to sing along with the dueling piano players.

The St. Pete Times Forum, formerly The Ice Palace , is home to the Stanley Cup Champions, The Tampa Bay Lightning. It is also the Venue for some great concerts and shows every year. The Florida Aquarium is a great spot to cool off on a sweltering summer day.

Carnival Cruise lines, Holland America and Royal Caribbean Cruises all sail from the Port of Tampa. Trol_ley

If you live in the Channelside area, you can leave your car behind. The TECO Trolley can whisk you through downtown, or over to Ybor City. And, as a resident of the district, you can even get a discounted fare!

Ven_tThere are many lofts and condos just completed, and under construction, in the Channelside district. Prices from the 300s to over 1 million for a penthouse with a view, offer something for everyone. For more information about what is available in the area, which is MLS area 264 and zip code 33602, please contact me.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   3 Comments »   |   06.01.2007