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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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'First-Time Homebuyers'

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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

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

Why Online Home Searches Cost Homebuyers Time and Money! Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, you are likely among the large number of homebuyers who begin with an “online” search for homes.  Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia and many of the other home search sites are often the “first stop” for homebuyers who are new to an area. They are a good “starting point”, simply to gauge the prices in a particular neighborhood, but they are NO substitute for the knowledge obtained from a local real estate agent. This article was prompted by an email this morning, from a client in New Tampa who has a friend moving to Seattle.  The friend has been shopping online for Seattle Real Estate.  She is confused about neighborhoods and pricing! Of course she is!  She needs a local real estate agent…not Realtor.com!

Here is are some interesting statistics:

87% of all Homebuyers begin their home search on the internet

In the past 15 years, NONE of my clients have bought a home they found on the internet.

Why? Because every online listing is presented to look “attractive”, but what you see is rarely what you get.  Listing agents use photos and descriptions to “entice” a buyer. They don’t show the neighboring homes in disrepair, the proximity to commercial properties, the old roof, or any other “undesirable” aspects of the home. Sites like Zillow, which estimate the market value of a home, don’t use accurate information for square footage, or recent sales.

Unlike buying a “Sony camera”, or a specific book or, perhaps a Nintendo Wii on the internet, no two homes are exactly alike, so you can’t “comparison shop” for homes, the way you would for any other product.

Buyer’s agents listen to what a homebuyer is looking for in terms of price, neighborhood, commute, schools and other amenities. There is NO substitute for the knowledge of a local real estate agent who knows “street by street” the different neighborhoods in Tampa.

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   |   1 Comment »   |   01.23.2009

Search For Homes in The Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools

Are you moving to Tampa, or searching for homes in Tampa?  Make your search MUCH easier by having the latest listings in Tampa delivered to your email address, as soon as they are listed!  It is a “Buyer’s Market”, but the best “bargains” are selling quickly.

You can get started on receiving all of the listings that meet your criteria in a matter of minutes…click here to receive the latest listings today!

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 »   |   10.17.2008

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!  

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

Find the Best Schools and The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Places to Live, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Westchase

School starts in Hillsborough County (Tampa) on August 18th! It’s “relocation season” in the Tampa Real Estate Market, as families are trying to coordinate buying a house in Tampa, selling a house in another area and getting their children settled for the start of the school year in Tampa.

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.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.07.2008

“Work The System”…It’s a Buyer’s Market, So Get In The Game…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, First-Time Homebuyers, Short Sale, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

Should you Work The System or try to Beat The System ? Great advice from marketing guru Seth Godin, in one of his latest articles can be applied to the Tampa Real Estate market. Prices are the lowest they have been in yearsfar below the boom years of 2005 2006. At the same time, interest rates are also very low. That combination: low prices and cheap money havent occurred at the same time in decades! Some analysts say it has been 40 years! I certainly havent seen it, in my 14 years in Real Estate, or my 25 years as a homebuyer. Buyers have learned to Work The System make low offers on several properties and ultimately get the deal of the decade.

And, not surprisingly, sales are up! Prices are down 10 20% over the same period last year in the Tampa Real Estate Market and Inventory is down 2% since January. When will we bottom out ? Looks like were about there.

Sellers who think they can Beat The System are ignoring the simple law of supply and demand . Unless they want to get in the game and price their homes according to current market value, they might as well take their homes off the market and wait until 2013, when they can expect the prices of yesteryear.

Personally, I am Working the System helping Tampa buyers and European Investors find the bargains in this market of opportunity . A recent buyer picked up a 3 year old property for $224,000 less than the last sale price! That was 35% below the price in 2006!

I have two words for buyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market:

BUY NOW

I have just one word for the Sellers who dont want to Work The System :

ADIEU

If you want help Working The System in the Tampa Real Estate Market, contact me today813.629.5757or via email.

The Best Source for Tampa Real Estate News, Tampa Schools and Relocation Information for Families Moving to Tampaevery day on The Real Estate Sizzle.

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!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.26.2008

Changes in the Mortgage Industry Lead to a “Bumpy Road” in the Closing Process…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, MLS Search, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market, mortgage news

The Latest News on The Tampa Real Estate Market, Buying a Home anywhere in the World, and How to Buy Property in an ever-changing Real Estate Market!….

Today is closing day!  With recent changes in the Mortgage Industry, title companies and mortgage companies seem to be “overwhelmed” and “understaffed”, which leads to a sometimes “bumpy road” from contract to closing.  Real Estate agents need to be more involved in every aspect of a transaction these days, since I have seen less attention to detail every step of the way. I had to move into “bulldog mode”, just to get closing agents to pay attention to details, and deadlines. That was not the case in years past.  This is a foreclosure, so the transaction was much more complicated than a typical closing.  That will be a LONG article, for another day. Don’t miss it!

Wednesday is the ideal day for a closing!  You can read WHY in my previous article on “Choosing The Right Day For Your Closing 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, 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   |   1 Comment »   |   05.21.2008

What Tampa Neighborhoods are Safe? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: "Where to Find", Best Places in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Florida Real Estate Law, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

When families are searching for homes in Tampa, many of them ask about safety . They often ask for a home in a gated community. While Tampa is a very large city, there is very little serious crime in most residential neighborhoods. It really is a great city to live in!

This week, I received an email from a client, which included a new site, that I will share with my readers. Felonspy searches for convicted criminals within the radius of a particular address.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides information on the location of sexual predators on its website. You can search by name, or see if any offenders live in a Tampa neighborhood where you are considering buying a home. It is one more piece of disclosure that real estate agents should offer to their clients.
I believe in going above and beyond what the law requires real estate agents to disclose. If I have knowledge of any site, or resource, that helps families make better home-buying decisions, I am happy to share it! If you need help buying a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, I am happy to assist you!

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   |   3 Comments »   |   05.16.2008

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