The Real Estate Sizzle

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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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Toni Everett Company
5000 Bayshore Blvd
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« Previous Entries        

Looking for a “Walkable Neighborhood” in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Pet Friendly Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market

One of the great things about “City Life”  in Tampa, or anywhere in the World, is the ability to walk to shops, restaurants, schools and more.  I’m a “City Mouse”.  I have enjoyed life in cities where I walked, hopped on the tram, or traveled by train every day!

At Walkscore, you can check the “walkability” of any neighborhood!  What a great idea for someone new to town, or looking for a house in a specific neighborhood. 

It’s easy…type in the street address and you get a “walkability score”, along with all of the closest stores, bars, restaurants, schools, libraries and more! It also gives you a detailed map, with the all of the local “joints” indicated by location! Very cool!

I live in a very “walkable” neighborhood in South Tampa. If you are looking for the perfect Tampa neighborhood for your family, contact me today!

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.  Questions about the best “Walkable” neighborhoods in Tampa…send me an email!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.10.2008

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

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.17.2008

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

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!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   09.25.2008

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

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 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!

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

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.15.2008

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 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!

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

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.10.2008

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,