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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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Toni Everett Company
5000 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
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'International Real Estate'

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The Dollar is on the Rise…Foreign Investors Should Buy Florida Properies Now! Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Clearwater Beach Real Estate, International Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

Foreign Investors have been “eyeing” waterfront properties in Florida for over a year!  With declining prices in the Florida Real ClearwaterbeachEstate Market, many foreigners have been waiting for the prices to drop even farther.  But, the dollar has been on the upswing recently, so playing the “waiting game” is perhaps not the wisest strategy.

Using the exchange rate for the Euro, a European Buyer would have paid $270,000 USD in January vs. $283,000 USD, today, for the same condo priced at $400,000.  As the dollar continues to improve in foreign markets, the “cost” of buying property in the US will increase.  Waterfront properties in the Tampa Bay Area and the Beaches are selling at 20–30% less than several years ago, so this is DEFINITELY the time to buy!

Waterfront prices range from the 300’s to over one million.  For more information on buying waterfront, or beachfront property in Florida, contact me today!

Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Redington Shores, Bellair Beach, Sand Key, Sunset Beach, Treasure Island, Tampa Real Estate

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.16.2008

Where Are The “A-rated” Schools in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, International Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa and Buying Property Around the World, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle.

I am busy relocating several families, with children, to the Tampa area this summer, and the number one question is always about the school district.

Florida schools are rated on a grading system. Most parents moving into the Tampa Real Estate Market want to look at homes in the “A” rated school districts, so I compiled a list of all “A” Rated schools in both Hillsborough County, and Pasco County, which is just north of Tampa. Just send me an e-mail and I will send it to you!
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, 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 »   |   07.20.2008

The Best Places to Live in the World…Tampa Real Estate Market News and More

Filed under: Best Places, Buying a House in Tampa, International Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Places to Live, Real Estate News, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Real Estate

Sometimes I enjoy stepping outside the Tampa Real Estate Market, to talk about real estate in other parts of the world.

Many Americans find themselves dreaming of living outside the United States someday. Increasing numbers of Americans are choosing to live in foreign countries, with quality of life , as one of the most influential factors in their decision-making process about where to live.

The latest rankings, from Business Week magazine, show the Best Places to live in the World.

1. Zurich, Switzerland

2. Vienna, Austria and Geneva, Switzerland(tie)

4.Vancouver, Canada

5. Auckland, New Zealand

6. Dusseldorf, Germany

7. Munich, Germany and Frankfurt, Germany (tie)

9. Bern, Switzerland

10. Sydney, Australia

Clearly, the Swiss and the Germans know a thing, or two, about creating a fabulous place to live! I lived close to Bern, so I can attest to the sweet life in Switzerland! I have been to all, but 3, of these places. If I could only select one of these amazing cities to live in, it would be a very difficult choice.

How about the U.S. rankings? The highest ranking city was Honolulu, Hawaii, which came in at number 28.

The lowest ranking city in the world? No surpriseBaghdad!

If you are dreaming of a life off shore someday, or just looking for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, contact me. As a Certified International Property Specialist, I can help you with the ideal property, anywhere in the world!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   06.23.2008

Foreign Investors…Florida is a Top Choice…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Real Estate, International Real Estate, Real Estate News, Relocation, Sellers, Tampa

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.

 

Florida is the place for British and European Investors! With the British Pound trading at 2 to 1 against the American Dollar, many of the investors in the Florida market are from the U.K. As the Euro continues to rise against the Dollar, we are getting increasing numbers of European buyers, as well. Now, Canadians are enjoying a 1 to 1 currency exchange with the U.S. Dollar. Prices in Florida are the lowest in years, so the time is right for foreign investment. There are some great bargains on beachfront condos, so don’t wait until the prices begin to recover! If you are interested in buying a condo on the beach, a home in Tampa, orReal Estate anywhere in the world, contact me.

 

A portion of my business is focused on the International Market. I am a Certified International Property Specialist and member of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). Many of my clients are from foreign countries or work for foreign companies Beachin the U.S. Florida is very much an International Destination. Tampa is perfectly situated between Disney World and the Gulf Beaches. It is a great location for foreign investors. Having the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation, which is earned by less than 1% of all Real Estate Agents, allows me to better assist my foreign clients. Every country handles foreign investors differently and CIPS agents are specially trained to understand, and facilitate, the purchase and sale of Real Estate in every country around the world!

Real Estate is no longer a local market. Savvy buyers are Global. They are looking for smart investments all over the world, based on World_mapthe strength or weakness of a countrys currency, political stability, its economic development and potential for long-term gains. The political and economic situation in Venezuela right now, is sending Venezuelans to seek safe shelter for themselves and their finances. Many of them are heading to Florida and Central America. Check the latest exchange rate for your currency to see what you can spend in U.S. Dollars!

Conversely, the political and economic climate in Panama, makes it the number one Retiree destination in the world right now! Watch for more on the advantages of buying property in Panama, Costa Rica and Eastern Europe… in future International Real Estate articlesstay tuned…

If you would like to receive notifications of new articles on the Real Estate Sizzle by emailclick here.

 

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 EstatePanama, Costa Rica, Europe, U.K…contact me!

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   04.02.2008

The Best Places in the World to Live

Filed under: International Real Estate, Real Estate News, Where is Jackie Now?

What are the best cities in the world to live??

1. Geneva, Switzerland

2. Zurich, Switzerland

3.Vancouver, Canada

4.Vienna, Austria

5. Frankfurt, Germany

6. Munich, Germany

7. Dusseldorf, Germany

8. Auckland, New Zealand

9. Bern, Switzerland

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Source: http://www.finfacts.com

I haven’t been to Vancouver, Auckland or Dusseldorf, but I can certainly agree with the rest of the cities on the list. I received my Certified International Property Designation, after taking the course in Vienna. It has become one of MY favorite cities in the world. As a member of the International Real Estate Federation, I will be back again in December, for a FIABCI meeting…I can’t wait! I hope it snows!

Having lived in Switzerland, I can personally call that country a “near perfect civilization”…It is beautiful, clean, safe, and orderly. The ideal home for a “Type A” like me. They have virtually no crime, because even a very minor crime is severely punished. In fact, the country runs like a Swiss clock. The trains wait for no one…they run EXACTLY on time. I lived in Fribourg, a medieval city comprised of two sections, the newer city and the old town (the basse-ville), or “lower city”. The two were connected by a funiculaire, which saved you a hike up the steep hill. Fribourg_suisseThe town was charming and spotless. I think they swept the streets all day long! The local brewery, Cardinal, served up a pretty fine beer and the Fondue and Raclette were to die for..not to mention the Lindt chocolate. Switzerland is comprised of 26 Cantons (like states) each with its own character and primary language. In Fribourg/Freiberg they speak French or Swiss-Allemande, a Swiss German. They don’t pretend not to speak English, they truly don’t speak it. My maternal family is French, so I attended a French grammar school in the U.S. and living in Switzerland was heaven for me. I did, occasionally, crave a little “English”, so I would hop a train to Bern, the Capital (and German-speaking) for a movie with English subtitles.

Zurich, is a very commercial center and is home to many European divisions of Corporations around the world. Geneva, on the lake, and close to France, is French-speaking and is a lovely overnight stop on the way to the French Riviera. Ticino, the sole Italian-speaking canton, is more laid-back, like Italy…where few trains run on time and I missed many a connection to get back home! The Swiss are more “serious” than their Northern neighbors in Germany. Which, is also, a wonderful place to live, or visit, especially during Fasching (Mardi Swiss_flagGras) or Oktoberfest. That is definitely a subject for another day…

I still have my old Swiss Residency Card and I am keeping it in a safe place…just in case I need it again someday..stay tuned for some of the easiest places to establish residency abroad AND some of the hardest (Switzerland)!

If you would like to buy a home in Switzerland, Vienna, France…or Tampa…please contact me today!

I can help with your move abroad, or 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 the Gulf Beaches.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   4 Comments »   |   02.06.2008

Dreaming of Moving to Paris One Day? This Book Is A “Must Read”…Tampa Real Estate News…and More!

Filed under: International Real Estate

One of the reasons I focus on the International Market is due to my experience living in Switzerland many years ago, and my French heritage. I can date my French ancestry back to the 17th century in Saintes, France and family rumours persist that I am related to Napolean, though I have no confirmation of that! I went to a French Parochial school in New England, began college as a French major and always dreamed of studying in France. Though I ended up in Switzerland, instead, I have made many trips to France and Paris is my favorite city in the world. I know that I will live there someday, for at least part of the year. Its in my 10 year plan .

Over the years, I have enjoyed Suzy Gershmans Born to Shop Parislifeseries. She writes about all of the great places to shopParis, London, Rome. I never cross the Atlantic without one! Her books are fabulousa mix of designer shops, hidden boutiques, flea markets and bargain hunting across the globe. Last night, I was in the library with my daughter who was in pursuit of a biography on Coco Chanel (!) for a book report due in matter of days. I opted for the foreign section where I discovered a different book written by Suzy Gershman. I devoured it in a matter of hours!

Cest La Vie is a funny, heart-warming, sometimes heart-wrenching account of Suzys move to Paris, just 6 weeks after the death of her husband. She describes the pull she felt to live in Paris after so many years of writing and traveling in the city. I understood completely. She had mothers guilt about leaving her only child, a college student, behind. I understand that mothers guilt , as the mother of three, who often leaves them behind when I travel. As I traveled with Suzy through her first year of living in Paris, I laughed and I cried. Her humorous, introspective account of adjusting to life En France will have you packing your bags!

The trials of navigating Napoleonic law, buying a French bed and learning the nuances of living in France without appearing too American were hysterical. I could picture her in Angelina sipping their famous hot chocolate and buying world-class baguettes at Poilane. Every account of living in Paris MUST include a French MAN and her tales of being romanced by a Count dont disappoint!

I enjoyed her adventures, because I knew the streets she wandered, the arrondissements she lived and shopped in, and the travails of French things that dont always work! Living in Switzerland is a bit easier because everything Swiss works with precision, but most of it really resonated with me. I understood her bouts of grief after the death of her husband and her need to be in Paris to heal. When I called off a wedding just three weeks before the day, some years ago, I spent my unwedding day in Paris. It was where my soul needed to be on that day.walking along the Seine on a brisk December day, with the snowflakes melting on my face. Suddenly, all seemed right in my world again. Paris is a magical place. Once it burrows into your soul, there is no substitute.

If you have ever dreamed of living in Paris, this book is a must-read. But, if you just want to read a delightful account of a woman who followed her dream, and managed a life-changing event with a sense of adventure you must add it to your bookshelf and read it, over and over, until you plan your own treasure map and be sure to follow your dream.

Whether your dreams include buying a home in Tampa, Paris, or anywhere in the World, as a Certified International Property Specialist, I can help you with your dream homeanywhere.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   01.15.2008

Do You Want to Buy Real Estate In Europe? Tampa Real Estate News…and More

Filed under: International Real Estate, Real Estate News

As a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and member of the International Real Estate Association, FIABCI, I receive many inquiries about buying property outside the United States. Every country is unique, in terms of the requirements, and allowances for foreign investors. In some cases you will need to set up a corporation, or go through an extensive background check, such as in Austria. Mortgages may be available, but with a more substantial down-payment, and different terms, than are available in the U.S. And, fluctuating conversion rates can impact the sales price, so the contracted price should specify the currency conversion! Most countries do NOT have a Multiple Listing Service(MLS) system, so the use of an experienced agent is critical.
Chalet_suisseMany Americans take vacations abroad and later decide to buy property in one of their favorite places, as a vacation home, or for retirement.

I have personally lived in Europe and really enjoy the lifestyle, so I understand the desire to branch out of the U.S., at least for a while.

Here are some of my earlier articles on buying property in Vienna and Prague, two of Europes most wonderful cities!

Take the quiz on What European City Do I Belong In? It was right on the mark for meLets see if any of my readers can guess where I should live!

If I can help with any questions about buying property abroad, buying Real Estate in Tampa, or specific questions about a country and the restrictions on foreign ownership, please contact me!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   3 Comments »   |   01.12.2008

The “Best” News in Tampa Real Estate in 2007!…Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Tampa

Filed under: Florida Real Estate, International Real Estate, Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News, Relocation, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa

The Real Estate Sizzle came to life in 2007 and quickly became one of the top-rated real estate blogs in the country…and at the top of the Tampa Real Estate sites.   Have a look at the “Best of The Real Estate Sizzle in 2007”…the “most-read” articles this year.

Florida Property Tax Reform is THE hot topic of the year! Several articles were in my “Top 10” list:

Florida Property Tax Issues on The Real Estate Sizzle Get Statewide Attention …one of my highest “daily” readerships…everyone loves a little controversy!

The Latest News on Property Tax Reform in Florida

Readers are searching for plenty of information regarding legal issues Tamparealestate2008related to Tampa Real Estate:

Ten Changes to The Florida Real Estate Contract

Haunted Houses…What Should An Agent Disclose in
Tampa Real Estate.

Readers are also looking for the best neighborhoods in Tampa and…great places to eat in Tampa!

Plenty of readers are looking for some International Real Estate…Vienna, Austria and some of the the Best Places to Live Around the World!

Many thanks to my readers, and clients, for a VERY busy 2007.  Let me know what you would like to read  about Tampa Real Estate, International Real Estate, or Great Places to visit in Tampa…and around the World.   I am working on some great articles, and some new polls,  for the New Year, on the Real Estate Sizzle! 

Best Wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous 2008!