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
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'Luxury Homes in Tampa'

« Previous Entries        

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


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!

 


MacDill Air Force Base…One of the Largest Employers in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Market

The latest news on Tampa Real Estate, Moving to Tampa, and Living in Tampa, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle…

Tampa is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which includes Central Command, Centcom and SoCom. The entire Tampa Bay area is filled with military families from all branches, as well as civilians who are employed as military consultants.

Every year I relocate many families, both military and civilian, who are moving to Tampa for positions at MacDill AFB.

In the Tampa Real Estate Market, there are many neighborhood choices for military families. What is the best neighborhood?  Families with children are often on a budget and need a combination Boxes_moveof larger homes, good school districts and reasonable prices. Most families don’t 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. Whatever your housing needs are in Tampa, I can help find the perfect home for you!

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

If you are taking an assignment at MacDill AFB, or searching for Tampa Real Estate, 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 Estate contact me!


Hillsborough County Schools Top the State in National Merit Semi-Finalists…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Real Estate Agent

If you are moving into the Tampa Real Estate Market, searching for the best Tampa neighborhood, or  have orders to MacDill Air Force Base, chances are good that you will be doing some research on the schools in Tampa. 

Thanks to the excellent school choice options available to Tampa students, including the International Baccalaureate Program, Hillsborough County ranks #1 in the State of Florida for National Merit Semi-Finalists, with a total of 64 students.

Hillsborough County offers the International Baccalaurete Program at three high schools: King High, Hillsborough High and Robinson High.

If you are seeking quality education for your children in Tampa, consider some of the outstanding “magnet” programs.

My series on “Tampa School Choices” continues for several weeks, so stay tuned! 

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 Estatecontact 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!

For more information about the schools in Tampa, or assistance in relocation to any Tampa neighborhood, contact me today.


Find the Right Magnet School in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Schools

If you are moving to Tampa, or looking for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, and you have children, finding the right school will be at the top of your “to do” list!  Hillsborough County is the 8th largest school district in the Country and has many top-rated schools, both Nationwide and Statewide.

Each street address has a specific “school district” assigned to it, but another option to consider is one of the many “Magnet Schools” available at all grade levels. I am going to chat about several of the most popular magnet schools over the next few weeks, to educate my readers, and those considering a move to Tampa, about the incredible educational opportunities for your children outside of the “mainstream” curriculum.

I deal with a heavily “International” clientele.  Many of my clients have bi-lingual children and want to immerse them in a curriculum that is focused on languages and international studies.  I, personally, studied at a French elementary school and later at a university in Switzerland.  While studying Russian History in French may not appeal to everyone, it is EXACTLY the kind of challenge that many students thrive upon!

Hillsborough County offers the Interational Baccalaureate programme at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels.  Today, I will introduce you to MacFarlane Park Elementary, which offers the IB program at the primary level, focused on ages 3–12.  Located on MacDill Avenue, close to South Tampa, MacFarlane Park Elementary is rated in the top 1% of all Florida School.  You can find more information about their program here.

Hillsborough County offers Magnet Programs in Math, Science, Arts, Performing Arts, International Studies and more.  Before you enroll your child, consider all of the options available to you.  To be considered for a magnet program, there is an application process and a spring deadline for the following school year.  This is the time to start investigating your options for the 2009–2010 school year.

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 Estatecontact 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!

For more information about the schools in Tampa, or assistance in relocation to any Tampa neighborhood, contact me today.


Is a “Pool Home” More Desirable in the Tampa Real Estate Market?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Market

Tampa summers are HOT and HUMID and enjoying a refreshing drink, while relaxing by the  pool, in your backyard, is a great way to cool off after a long, hot day!  I always counsel buyers to choose a “pool home” over a “non-pool home”, for resale value!

Recent sales in the Tampa Real Estate Market show the “value” of a “pool” increases with the value of the home.  You can see the percentage of homes sold in 2008, with, and without pools in various price ranges.

      Price range            Homes Sold            Percentage of “Pool Homes”

     $350–500K                 3351                         63%

     $501–750K                 1543                         72%

     Over 750K                 1212                         82%

You can see, as the price for a Single Family Home in the Tampa Real Estate Market climbs, so does the desire for a pool!

Isn’t this a FABUTampapoolLOUS pool?  The asking price for this home in an exclusive, gated subdivision in Tampa? Over 20 Million! 

For information on Luxury Homes in Tampa, or pool homes in any Tampa neighborhood, contact me 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!

Listing Photo courtesy of MLS idx


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!

 


Tampa Real Estate…Live in Beach Park or Sunset Park…Neighborhoods In the Plant High School District

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate,