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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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'Gated Communities in Tampa'

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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!

 

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!

 

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

Tampa Real Estate…Moving to Tampa? There Are Plenty of Homes from $300,000 to $500,000

Filed under: Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

Moving to Tampa?  Searching for homes in the Tampa Real Estate Market? Relocating to MacDill Air Force Base?  Chances are good that you are in the most popular price range…from $300,000 to $500,000.  And, you will probably want a pool, too!

Here are several homes, in various Tampa neighborhoods, currently on the market.

Arbor Greene

AgEstuaryTampahomes

In Northeast Tampa, also known as “New Tampa”, this popular, gated neighborhood features pools, tennis, playgrounds and a top-rated school district.

This home features 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, pool and spa on over 1/4 acre conservation lot and is priced at $400,000

It has been on the market for over 190 days and was originally priced at $448,775.

For more information on this listing, or other homes in Arbor Greene, contact me.

Listing courtesy of Florida Executive Realty

Corey Lake Isles

CoreyLakeIslesAlso located in the New Tampa area, Corey Lake Isles features a boating lake, and clubhouse on the beach.  This 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, features a pool on a conservation lot, and over 3600 square feet of living space.  Located Just 15 minutes from USF, this neighborhood is popular with the professors and physicians at the University and the Medical School. Currently priced at $375,000, it was originally listed for $400,000.

For more information about this home, homes in Corey Lake Isles, or any Tampa neighborhood, send me an email!

 Westchase

This popular community is filled with amenities:  Golf, Tennis, Pools, Shops, Restaurants and Playgrounds.  The A-rated School District attracts many

Westchaseunder350

families with children. Located just 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport, it is convenient for the busy traveler!  This home in the “Fords” section of Westchase features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, pool and spa.  It is listed for $336,000 and has been on the market for nearly one year.  The original asking price was $427,000.

You can see from the price changes on these properties, that the Tampa Real Estate market is a “bargain-hunter’s” dream.

For a list of the homes available in in any Tampa Neighborhood,  you can contact me today!

For homes in the “over $500,000 price range, You can read some of my previous articles about Tampa neighborhoods:

New Suburb Beautiful

Parkland Estates                                                                                                                 

Culbreath Isles

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!

Listings courtesy of Keller Williams

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.30.2008

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

When a Storm is Approaching Tampa, Do You Need to Evacuate? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Flood Zones in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Markets and Shoppng, Moving to Tampa, Relocation, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

One of the most important questions for homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market is:  “Will I need to Evacuate if a Hurricane is approaching?”

Areas that are in close proximity to the water, are the first to be evacuated.  South Tampa, including Davis Islands, includes many areas that are Flood Zone “A”, which is a mandatory evacuation zone. The threat of storm surge is greatest in those low-lying areas.

You can check the Hillsborough County (Tampa Area) Evacuation map here!

For storm tracking, visit MY favorite site!

For more information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Neighborhoods, or moving to Tampa, please contact me today!

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 »   |   08.21.2008

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 is a “Bargain”…See the Most Overpriced Markets in the U.S.

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Looking for a bargain? The Tampa Real Estate Market is one of the best values in the U.S. this year. With housing prices down 20%, and more, over 2007, Tampa Real Estate is the place to invest!

In contrast, have a look at some of the most “Overpriced” Zip Codes in the U.S., as announced this week in Forbes Magazine.

Looking a home in the Tampa Bay area? Send me an email and let me know what area and price range you are looking for…and be glad you aren’t looking in San Jose California!

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,