Tampa Real Estate Sizzle…Your Best Source for Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Neighborhoods, South Tampa Real Estate, Florida Condominiums and The Latest News on The International Real Estate Market
Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Gated Communities in Tampa'
Harbour Island…A Popular Neighborhood in the Plant High School District…Tampa Real Estate
Filed under: Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Channelside Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods
If you are moving to Tampa and looking for a home, and a neighborhood, that offers a “low maintenance” lifestyle in the heart of the city, Harbour Island may be for you! Located in the Plant High School District, it is the MOST desirable school district in the County. Rated in the “Top 100 High Schools in the U.S.”, families with children and busy professionals enjoy the lifestyle and the resale value of the Plant High District and Harbour Island.
Popular with boaters, there are a limited number of slips available on the Seddon Channel. On the waterfront, just blocks from downtown Tampa, Harbour Island offers the combination of prestige, convenience, 24 -hour
security in a gated environment, and a comfortable lifestyle, in a variety of neighborhoods. You can walk to Jackson’s Bistro for dining on the Terrace, or over to the Channelside area for dining, movies or shopping. The Harbour Island Athletic Club has a pool, tennis, spa and the ultimate workout facilities. The St. Pete Times Forum, home to The Tampa Bay Lightning, is just a short walk from home. Harbour Court and Seddon Cove feature condominiums with city, or waterviews, with prices startin
g in the 200’s . Townhomes are available in several neighborhoods, ranging from the 300’s to the 600’s in Harbour Bay. The Keys is a “Key West” style neighborhood with prices from the 600’s. Villas dominate Port Royal and St. Tropez, with non-waterfront starting in the 800’s and waterfront prices over 1.5 million. Single Family Homes are available from 1 to 5 million.
I just listed this townhome for $389.000! Located in the Plant High School District, and walking distance to Downtown, it is the perfect location!
Considering a move to Tampa? Contact me! Read some of my previous articles on Relocation to Tampa, or Tampa Neighborhoods: Davis Island, Cheval
Moving to Tampa? Check the School District!
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: 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! Just give me specifics of what you are looking for and you will receive the newest listings on the market!
You can search my site, on the right sidebar, for any article related to Tampa Real Estate, Neighborhoods, or Restaurants. Just type in a search word in the search box!
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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller | Click Here To Comment » | 08.03.2010
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
landscaping, 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
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
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
Mortgage Rates Dip Below 5%…Time to Buy in The Tampa Real Estate Market!
Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate Trends, Relocation, South 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, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club
The latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and the International Real Estate Market, every day on The Real Estate Sizzle!
While Christmas shoppers head into the last week of scooping up the “bargains” in the retail industry, homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market should be focused on buying a house in the next month, or so. Local mortgage brokers are offering mortgage rates below 5%. Combine low interest rates, with discounted home values and you have the “Buyer’s Dream Market” in Tampa! I saw Jumbo Rates (mortgages over $417,000) for 5.75% yesterday! Get those visions of sugarplums out of your heads and start thinking “long term”….a 30 year fixed rate below 5% vs. 6% will save you over $100,000 in payments.
Want to get an even LOWER mortgage rate when you buy a home in Tampa, or Clearwater Beach right now? Contact me today about how to take advantage of the “buyer’s market” and how to get a “free appraisal”, or “lower interest rate” in the Tampa Real Estate Market!
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:
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 | 5 Comments » | 12.18.2008
Mortgage Rates at 4.5%?? A Gift for Homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market
Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, mortgage news
The latest news on The Tampa Real Estate Market, Buying a House in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods and International Real Estate Issues, every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…
The Tampa Real Estate Market is “abuzz” today with the news of mortgage rates dropping to 4.5%. My phone has been ringing all morning. Is it true?
Maybe! The Treasury Department is considering the purchase of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which would encourage lenders to lower 30–year fixed rates to 4.5%, thereby stimulating activity in the housing industry, with a “trickle down” effect to the rest of the economy. The Treasury Department is expected to make a decision as early as Monday. So, stay tuned.
My advice? If you are looking for a home in Tampa, or looking to invest in the real estate market, THIS IS THE TIME. There are plenty of bargains, and foreclosures, in Tampa Real Estate, as well as the Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market. Sellers are willing to negotiate. When the rates drop again, you need to LOCK and BUY!
What does that mean? Most lenders will “lock” your interest rate, for a certain length of time, usually 30 – 45 days. If you are a homebuyer, you need to be prepared to move quickly, to lock an interest rate, find a home, and close in 30 days! Take advantage of the “Best Buyer’s Market” in recent history…low interest rates and lower home prices are a homebuyer’s dream!
Looking for Tampa Real Estate? Bargains? Foreclosures? Great Neighborhoods and School Districts in Tampa? Contact me today, for help with the homebuying process, or a local mortgage lender!
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 | 3 Comments » | 12.04.2008
Moving to the Tampa Real Estate Market? Yes, We Have Alligators!
Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities 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
I have lived in Florida for over 25 years, and have been selling Real Estate for nearly 15 years, so I am pretty familiar with “avoiding alligators”. It’s common sense, really. Where do alligators live? Aside from the Everglades…wherever there is water.
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, 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 by Seth Godin’s blog today…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 | 1 Comment » | 11.12.2008
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



































