The Real Estate Sizzle

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

Jackie Colson-Miller
Direct - (813)629-5757
Toni Everett Company
5000 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
My Profile
Email Me
Contact me to Buy or Sell Your Home
My Opinion

My Zimbio
KudoSurf Me!

View Jackie Colson-Miller's profile on LinkedIn

fiabci logo


Tampa Real Estate Posts







Poshd

Creative Commons License
work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License

'Insurance'

« Previous Entries        

What is Storm Surge and How Will It Affect My Home in Tampa?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Insurance, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and Everything About Buying a Home in Tampa, or Living in Tampa…. Tampa is a fabulous city to live in! It IS surrounded by water, so as we head into the summer months, we are just a few weeks away from the beginning of “hurricane season”. It’s hard to believe it, since we haven’t had any rain in Tampa for WEEKS, but it is time to start talking about “hurricane preparedness” again. For most of us in the Tampa area, we are used to the yearly purchases of batteries, water, canned goods, etc., to prepare for the possibility of a storm. For homeowners who live close to the bay, the greatest threat from a hurricane in Tampa, is what is know as, “Storm Surge”. Storm surge is a threat to any coastal areas, which are often less than 10 feet above sea level. The surge is water that is pushed ashore by the force of a storm. The combination of a tropical storm, or a hurricane, along with high tides, can bring a wall of water up to 20 feet high. In Tampa, the South Tampa peninsula, surrounded by Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay, has flooded in low-lying areas during recent Flooded_homesTropical Storms and Hurricanes. Those areas are in designated flood zones, where lenders require a homeowner to purchase flood insurance. Many neighborhoods in South Tampa are in flood zones, B or C, which are lower risk for flood insurance requirements and many homeowners do not carry flood insurance, and, more importantly, many of them do not evacuate when a storm is brewing in the Gulf. Several years ago, a professor at USF, did a special report for TBO.com about the worst case scenario . Watch the interactive video about a simulated Storm Surge through downtown Tampa. Had Hurricane Charley hit Tampa,as predicted, in 2004, instead of Southeast Florida where it came ashore, the storm surge would have reached the third floor of Tampa General Hospital! Anyone who lived in South Tampa, and did not evacuate, would likely not have survived. Because most homes in Tampa have never been hit by such a storm, many residents feel that it will never happen, but it is far better to be prepared, than to be complacent. The path of a storm can vary by over 100 miles, so when a storm is threatening Florida, everyone needs to have an evacuation plan. Should a 20 foot storm surge come ashore in Tampa, the entire South Tampa area would be under water. Many of those homeowners would not be insured, because flood insurance was not required by a lender, though the cost of the policy would be reasonable, compared to higher-risk areas. Call your insurance agent today and add a Flood Insurance Policy to insure your most precious possessions and always evacuate when a storm is headed your way! 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? Need informations about the schools in Tampa? 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!

 

Tags:

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   05.06.2008

Personal Liability Insurance…Why Homeowners Need An “Umbrella” Policy?

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and Everything You need to know about buying a house in Tampa, every day…

Another article in my series on Florida Insurance Issues

Commonly known as an Umbrella Policy , Personal Liability Insurance kicks in after the limits on your Homeowners Insurance, Auto Insurance or Boat Insurance have been reached.

For the purposes of Real Estate, we will just discuss the implications to a homeowner.

Suppose your dead tree falls over the property line and onto your neighbors home, causing $500,000 worth of damage. Or, someone is injured, or an uninsured workman (do you check for insurance coverage when you hire your lawnman?) is injured, or killed, while on your property. Or, you have a party for your child and one of the guests falls off the swingset and is paralyzed.A lawsuit could result in hundreds of thousands, or millions of dollars in damages. Without an Umbrella policy, you may be responsible for the payment.

With the cost of a One Million dollar Umbrella Policy averaging between $200 300 per year, few homeowners can afford NOT to buy it!

Call your insurance agent today!

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!

Graphic courtesy of MSN.com

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   7 Comments »   |   04.29.2008

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

Moving to Tampa? Will You Need Flood Insurance?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Real Estate News, South Tampa

The Latest News on Moving to Tampa, Living in Tampa, or Buying Real Estate anywhere in the World…every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

One of the first questions every Homebuyer asks me, when they are moving to Tampa, is Do I Need Flood Insurance? The answer: YES. While a mortgage company may Bayshore_floodonly REQUIRE a homeowner to carry flood insurance in certain flood zones, , here are some facts every homeowner should know. Just a glimpse of flooded Bayshore Boulevard tells the story

1.One in Four flood claims, are in a low -moderate risk zone! Chances are good that nearly 25% of those homeowners did not have flood insurance because it was not REQUIRED by their lenders.

2. A car can be swept away by just 2 feet of water!

3. Flash floods occur in all 50 states! I am sure you recall the flash floods that have occurred in the U.K. and various parts of the U.S…areas that are NOT flood zones.

4. Homeowners Insurance generally will not cover rising water . That coverage requires a separate flood insurance policy.

5. You must add contents coverage to a flood insurance policy, if you want your belongings to be covered.

6. Premiums in low-risk areas are very reasonable, but damage from a flood is costlydo you want to take that chance?

7. It takes 30 days for insurance to take effect, so do not wait until a storm is coming to call your insurance agent.

For more infomation on Flood Insurance, visit FloodSmart.gov.

If you enjoyed this article, you may want to read my series on Hurricane Preparedness:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

If you are buying a condominium, most of your insurance on the building is generally covered under your Monthly Maintenance Fees.


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!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   02.20.2008

How To Get Homeowner’s Insurance in Florida…as Painlessly as Possible!…Tampa Real Estate News

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

The Latest News in Tampa Real Estate, Florida Real Estate and Real Estate Issues around the worldevery day

Ever since Hurricane Andrew hit the Miami area many years ago, obtaining Homeowners Insurance in Tampa has become a challenge for many homeowners, especially those who live in older homes. How can a homeowner figure out the ins and outs of the insurance puzzle?

Most insurance companies are looking for verification that the home is in good condition in Four Major areas. They might ask you for a Four Point Inspection form. It may sound ominous, but it is form designed by the Joint Underwriting Association that is filled out by a Home Inspector and covers:

1. Electrical

The insurance company will want verification that the electrical panel and wiring is updated . Many older homes with knob and tube wiring will not pass the inspection and the wiring will need to be replaced. Historic neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Seminole Heights have seen their share of this issue. Depending on the size of the home, replacing the wiring can cost over $20,000, so if you are buying an older home in Tampa, you should include the replacement of any knob and tube wiring in the contract.

2. Heating and Air Conditioning

Once again, the insurance company is concerned with the proper functioning and safety of the equipment.

3. Plumbing

The plumbing should be updated and operating properly. They may ask about the main lines which connect to the sewer, as older homes may ultimately have lines that collapse and need replacement.

4. Roof

This is the biggie the roof must have at least 5 years of useful life for most companies to insure it. What can you do if the roof needs replacement, in order to get insurance? Some companies will allow monies for roof replacement to be held in escrow with the agreement that the roof is completed soon after closing. Others will require a new roof prior to closing, which is sometimes an issue with roofers work schedules. I have always been able to get new roof issues to work out, so a little diligence on the part of your Real Estate agent goes a long way.

Start the Insurance process early in the contract stage, so you are not scrambling for coverage at the last minute.

**One important thing to note in Hurricane Seasonall insurance underwriting is suspended whenever there is a storm in the box an area off the coast which covers hundreds of miles. So, even if a storm is not expected to hit the WEST coast of Florida, you will not be able to get insurance until the storm passesthis can delay a closing and wreak havoc on all parties**

For more tips on Insurance issues, or buying a home in Tampa, please contact me!

You might also enjoy my other articles on Insurance Issues…

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   12.11.2007

The Best of “The Real Estate Sizzle”…Everything You Wanted to Know About Buying a Home in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Florida Contract, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate Market

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.Here are some of the most popular articles on The Real Estate Sizzle!

Readers want to know everything about buying a home in Tampa, from details of the Contract, to Insurance issues, to finding a great place to eat once you move in!

Enjoy the Best of The Real Estate Sizzle today. To find another article on a specific topic, such as property tax , just type a key word into the search box on the right sidebar and hit enter . All the related articles for that subject will appear. If you would like information on a specific topic, just send me a note, and I will happily write about it.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR HOUSE SMELLS LIKE DOG!

GREAT PLACES TO EAT IN TAMPA

TAMPA IS THE NUMBER ONE BUYERS MARKET IN THE U.S.

PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCEWHY HOMEOWNERS NEED AN UMBRELLA POLICY

TEN CHANGES TO THE FLORIDA REAL ESTATE CONTRACT AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOU! PART 1 AND PART 2

You can also search for any article by category, such as Property Tax, or Relocation, or Schools, just click on Find a Topic in the right sidebar!

I research the most popular articles on a weekly basis and then concentrate my writing on the most popular topics, so please leave me some comments in the space below!
If you enjoy reading The Real Estate Sizzle, and the latest news in Tampa Real Estate, you can receive it via email.

I can help with buying real estate in 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   |   2 Comments »   |   10.09.2007

Homeowner’s Insurance in Tampa…Are Your Rates Going Up…or Down?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Hurricane Preparedness, Insurance, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

THE LATEST NEWS ON TAMPA REAL ESTATE, AND REAL ESTATE AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE…

If you are buying a home in Tampa, you will need to inquire about Homeowner’s Insurance Rates, and, possibly, flood insurance. An article in today’s Tampa Tribune details how homeowner’s may be affected with the ever-changing insurance rates.

So far this year, Florida has not experienced a tropical storm, or hurricane…very good news. Let’s see how that news may affect insurance in the State of Florida.

Here are some of my earlier articles on Storms and Insurance.

Do I Need Flood Insurance?

What is Storm Surge and How Will it Affect My Home in Tampa?

If you are buying a home in Tampa, or anywhere in the World, I can help. Contact me!

Tampa Neighborhoods including, South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Arbor Greene, Hunter’s Green, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Luxury Home Specialist, International Real Estate Specialist.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.03.2007

“Green Houses” and Other Eco-Friendly Trends

Filed under: Construction, Insurance, Real Estate Trends

Heres a look at the green housing trends you ought to know as you navigate todays Real Estate market.

  • Copper roofs. Copper and copper alloys, such as brass and bronze, are showing up on roofs, entryways, facades, gutters, and downspouts. Despite being quite pricey to purchase and install, theyre seen as a good long-term investment because they tolerate inclement weather. A copper roof thats installed properly will last beyond 100 years versus a composition roof that may last only 30 years, says Ken Geremia, manager of communications for the Copper Development Association in New York City. Copper elements also can be completely recycled, so youll never find them left on a site or plowed under a foundation, says Geremia.
  • Timber framing. Timber framing requires significantly less lumber than the traditional stick-built housing and almost always incorporates superior insulating panels (SIPS), which keeps heat and air conditioning from escaping the house. Theres less waste when large timbers are used, compared with conventional construction that produces sawdust and waste every time a 2-by-4 stud is planed, says Frank Baker, president of Insulspan and Riverbend Framing, part of PFB Corp. in Calgary, Canada. In addition, less energy is needed to power machines and kiln dry wood because timber framing uses freshly cut wood, he says. Timbers are prefabricated and arrive at the building site ready to be assembled, paring construction waste. Costs vary according to finishes selected, just as they do with stick-built housing.
  • Windows that beat the heat. Low-emittance (Low-E) windows, doors, and skylights offer natural light while blocking the suns UV rays that heat up the inside of a home, sometimes necessitating air conditioning. The special low-E glazing also stops the sun from fading fabrics, wall coverings, and artwork. When shopping for low-E windows, find out what percentage of rays are blocked by checking the UV label on the glass, advises Rod Clark, product marketing m