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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Moving to Tampa'

« Previous Entries        

Where Are the Best Places to Live in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places, Buying a House in Tampa, Historic Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Places to Live, Plant High School, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The latest news on the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, Moving to Tampa and PCS to Macdill Air Force Base….
Many Families are searching the Tampa Real Estate Market for homes in highly-rated school districts in Tampa.  The Plant High School District is always at the top of that list.  Here is another article in my series on “Plant High School Neighborhoods.”  Plant High School is one of the “Top 100 High Schools” in the U.S., so I am always relocating families into the Plant High School District.
I have been spending a lot of time in Beach Park and Sunset Park lately, as I am looking for a “teardown”, for some clients who are looking to build a new home in the Plant High School district.
Beach Park and Sunset Park, two well-established South Tampa neighborhoods, run South of Kennedy Boulevard and East and West of Westshore Boulevard and border Tampa Bay.  Large lots, along with grandfather oaks, line the winding streets that Tampabeachparkhave been popular since their development in the 1950’s.  Brick ranches, Mediterranean and Traditional styled-homes fill these neighborhoods which include waterfront homes in Beach Park Isles and Sunset Park Isles, commonly known as the “fingers”, which dead-end into Tampa Bay, making this area very popular for boating enthusiasts!

Grady and Dale Mabry Elementary Schools, Coleman Middle School and Plant High School are all “top” rated, making Beach Park and Sunset Park an ideal choice for families with children. Just a ten minute drive to Tampa International Airport, or Downtown Tampa, it is very convenient for the busy professional!

Prices range from $400,000 to several million. For a list of the homes available in Beach Park, or Sunset Park, you can contact me today!

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!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.12.2010

Harbour Island…A Popular Neighborhood in the Plant High School District…Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Channelside Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods

If you are moving to Tampa and looking for a home, and a neighborhood, that offers a “low maintenance” lifestyle in the heart of the city, Harbour Island may be for you! Located in the Plant High School District, it is the MOST desirable school district in the County. Rated in the “Top 100 High Schools in the U.S.”, families with children and busy professionals enjoy the lifestyle and the resale value of the Plant High District and  Harbour Island.

Popular with boaters, there are a limited number of slips available on the Seddon Channel. On the waterfront, just blocks from downtown Tampa, Harbour Island offers the combination of prestige, convenience, 24 -hour Harbour baysecurity in a gated environment, and a comfortable lifestyle, in a variety of neighborhoods. You can walk to Jackson’s Bistro for dining on the Terrace, or over to the Channelside area for dining, movies or shopping. The Harbour Island Athletic Club has a pool, tennis, spa and the ultimate workout facilities. The St. Pete Times Forum, home to The Tampa Bay Lightning, is just a short walk from home. Harbour Court and Seddon Cove feature condominiums with city, or waterviews, with prices startinPort royalg in the 200’s . Townhomes are available in several neighborhoods, ranging from the 300’s to the 600’s in Harbour Bay. The Keys is a “Key West” style neighborhood with prices from the 600’s. Villas dominate Port Royal and St. Tropez, with non-waterfront starting in the 800’s and waterfront prices over 1.5 million. Single Family Homes are available from 1 to 5 million.

I just listed this townhome for $389.000!  Located in the Plant High School District, and walking distance to Downtown, it is the perfect location!

Considering a move to Tampa? Contact me! Read some of my previous articles on Relocation to Tampa, or Tampa Neighborhoods: Davis Island, Cheval

Moving to Tampa? Check the School District!

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! Just give me specifics of what you are looking for and you will receive the newest listings on the market!

 

You can search my site, on the right sidebar, for any article related to Tampa Real Estate, Neighborhoods, or Restaurants.  Just type in a search word in the search box!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.03.2010

Taps Wine and Beer Hits the Spot for Downtown Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

I had heard really mixed reviews about Taps Wine Bar  since it’s entry on the Downtown Tampa Restaurant Scene.  A prime location on the ground level of Skypoint, the only Condo Skyscraper, it has a natural clientele with the “resident GenX/yuppie crowd” who inhabit the glassy tower.

I stopped in for a bite after a movie at the Tampa Theatre nearby, and was pleasantly surprised.  A female vocalist, Kim, was crooning sweet melodies and keeping the back room crowded, so we headed to one of the sofas in the front room and settled in for a bite.   The atmosphere was very relaxing and the servers were very apologetic about being busy. I thought they were fairly attentive, though they continued to apologize for the slow service.  Though the menu is a beer drinkers delight, we focused on the wine list and perused the dinner menu. I ordered the Ridge Zinfandel, which I really enjoy and  is hard to find on a wine list. One of the managers, “Matt”, suggested I try the Prisoner Zinfandel Blend instead.  His suggestion was “right on” with a blend of Zinfandel, Cab and Syrah, it was bold and rich with just the right “berry” fruit finish. Next up, he suggested the Carmenere, from Chile and poured me a sip! Rich and dark, but not heavy tannin, I could taste a hint of current and oak.  It was very smooth and a great alternative for Cabernet drinkers. With a glass of that in hand, I was ready to order a bite to eat.

The variety and reasonable pricing would please most palates, from appetizers to salads, sandwiches and desserts, it was a decent “noshing” menu.  The Far East salad was delicately flavored and loaded with fresh Ahi Tuna.  It was delicious.  The cheese plate featured five very generous portions of various domestic and imported cheeses, salted nuts and sliced fruit.  My only complaint was the lack of a “blue” cheese and a sharp knife. Overall, the food and wine pairings were very good and I will definitely be back for more “sampling”.

Servers were busy, but they continued to check on us and Matt seemed thrilled to have a couple of adventurous “guinea pigs”  for his wine recommendations.  The music was great and the atmosphere cozy…check it out and tell me what you think!

Taps Wine & Beer Merchants on Urbanspoon

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.31.2010

Moving to Tampa or PCS to MacDill AFB? Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market News, every day, on the Real Estate Sizzle…

The Tampa Real Estate Market, especially homes in the Tampa suburbs, has a unique “fee”, or “tax” that out-of-town buyers are unfamiliar with. That is, what is known as a “CDD fee”. If you are looking for a newer home in the Tampa area, chances are good that you will buy a home in a community with a CDD fee, since some of the best neighborhoods, in the best school districts in Tampa, have CDD fees.   What, exactly,  is a CDD fee?” Since that term is very unfamiliar to most buyers who are moving to Tampa from other cities, here is a brief explanation of CDD fees.

A CDD is short for Community Development District, which finances and manages community developments.

Tax-Free Bonds are issued to the developer to finance the cost of building the infrastructure of a development, including roads, utilities and many amenities including, pools, clubhouses, tennis courts, golf courses, etc. Homeowners in the development pay the costs of the CDD over the span of 15 to 30 years. There are a number of communities with CDD fees in Tampa, and throughout the State of Florida, so if you are looking for real estate in Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, you should know about these fees.

Can CDD fees go up? Yes. The CDD fees appear on the homeowners tax bill. Each Community has a CDD board, initially appointed by the developer, which decides whether to include additional assessments into the CDD fee. If a community decides to do additional Chev_1landscaping, revamp the golf course, add gates, or any other amenities, those costs may be added to the existing CDD fees. That would increase a total tax bill and increase the escrow required by your lender.

What can you do if you live in a community with a CDD fee? Stay informed. Know who the members of the CDD board are and attend any meetings regarding CDD fees.

Looking for the “best” neighborhood in Tampa? It depends on your lifestyle!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island,  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 Estate contact me today!

For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   07.27.2010

Join the 3/50 Project and Help Support Small Business in Your Neighborhood…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Architecture, Buying a House in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Living in Tampa and the International Real Estate Scene, every day on The Tampa Real Estate Sizzle!

I LOVE to support the small, local businesses in Tampa, and South Tampa is filled with unique shops, restaurants and locally owned businesses, including the Real Estate company that I work for.  When I learned of the 3/50 project, I felt compelled to blog about it!

The 3/50 Project, or “Eat Down the Street”, encourages each of us to choose three  locally-owned restaurants, or businesses, and spend $50.00 at each of them. What a great idea! Just drive down Howard Avenue, or Davis Islands, and take your pick!  Stop in at Dishtopia for a spot of tea and a blueberry scone! Try the Queen of Sheba for some great Ethiopian food.  The idea is to support our LOCAL economy.  Have you been to Stowe, Vermont?  That is the “utopia” of “small businesses”…they ran McDonald’s out of town! Kudos to them!

Three local businesses….spend fifty dollars. Simple. Do it today! AND, be sure to comment below and tell me what YOUR favorite places are.

You can check out some of my Local “hot spots” in some of my previous articles:

Great Places to Eat in Tampa

New Dining Choice in St. Pete is “tres bon”

Queen of Sheba

My Restaurant Reviews on Urban Spoon

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

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, Pasco County, 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.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   05.25.2010

Where are the Most Family-Oriented Neighborhoods? The Best Schools In Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Expert to Help With Your Move to Tampa

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for your family?  PCS to MacDill?

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 15 years.

What is the BEST neighborhood? That is different for every family and every price range. The Tampa area has many different areas at all price ranges from city living in South Tampa and the Plant High School District, to the northern reaches of the county and some families choose Pasco county.  How to decide where to live? That’s easy…contact me.  Internet searches are no substitute for an experienced real estate agent.

Tell me about your family situation, work location, desired commute time, school needs and your social life, along with your housing needs and price range.  I can quickly identify which areas and neighborhoods might suit your needs!  This is the busy season, so if you are trying to find the perfect home this summer, now is the time to start when the inventory is most plentiful!

You can read some of my previous articles on “Moving to Tampa”:

New Suburb Beautiful…A Top Choice in The Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

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, Pasco County, 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.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.01.2010

Congress Takes a Vacation and Leaves Flood Insurance and the National Real Estate Industry in Limbo…Is That an Economic Stimulus Package? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Contract, Florida Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Insurance, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

If you are under contract to purchase a home which requires Flood Insurance, anytime between March 29, 2010 and April 12, 2010, you can forget about closing on time! Why?  Your elected representatives in Washington, have suspended the National Flood Insurance Program by failing to enact legislation which allows the program to continue! Where are they? On “hiatus”… which is a polite word for “vacation”. Off sunning themselves in the Caribbean, perhaps?? On a late spring ski trip to Colorado? Where “aren’t” they… is the question. They are NOT sitting in their seats in Congress and attempting to remedy this MESS that they created.  They left all of their constituents without any means to obtain Flood Insurance, which is required in the purchase of many homes throughout the US.   Your Congress tied the National Flood Insurance legislation to a piece of unemployment legislation that ended in a filibuster.  What??? For three days the Real Estate Industry has been reeling from the effects of this “idiotic and careless” move on the part of the Federal Government.  What does unemployment benefit legislation have to do with flood insurance? Nothing, unless you can count the increased number of unemployed workers who will be end the result of this “government bureaucracy” at work!!

All  homebuyers closing in the next two weeks, who need flood insurance,  are “left in the lurch” until Congress sees fit to “restore” the National Flood Insurance Program, perhaps on April 12.  How much more “government” can we stand???  How about no “hiatus” for our elected officials. How irresponsible can the US Government be to require every American to have health insurance and work through the night to pass THAT legislation, despite the objection from the majority of their constituents, yet, in the same month, leave homeowners without the ability to purchase flood insurance for more than two weeks.  How irresponsible of the US Government to  take a vacation, and further hurt the U.S. economy, by stopping hundreds of thousands of Real Estate transactions from taking place in the month of April.

How irresponsible of the American people for continuing to vote for the same, irresponsible actions, by the same irresponsible elected officials who continue to fail their constituents and hurt the ever-flailing US economy and workforce. How irresponsible of the mainstream media for failing to make  this “hiatus” on the part of the US Government and the economic consequences to hundreds of thousands of homebuyers and sellers front page news. This is a “disaster” of major proportions in the Real Estate Industry this month. What does the media talk about? The Final Four.

How much irresponsibility can we place on others, if we do not vote these irresponsible legislators out in November. As, for the media, don’t buy a newspaper, or watch a news channel that doesn’t report “real” news. 

Now, I’m off to explain to my buyers who have traveled over a thousand miles to buy their home, how THEIR elected officials have turned their lives, along with the lives of their three children, upside down…without warning, just because they CAN.  But, rest assured, I will also be sending them a link to their Congressman’s website and a link to the Hillsborough County Voter’s Registration site…so, they are ready for November!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.31.2010

Want a Tampa Foreclosure? Read the Latest on the Tampa Foreclosure Market and How Fannie Mae Can Help!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, First-Time Homebuyers, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

 

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Real Estate and International Real Estate News…

Great News from Fannie Mae Helps Tampa Foreclosure Buyers!

Many investors can move faster on home purchases because they are able to pay cash and don’t have to wait to qualify for a loan and get an appraisal. Investors often turn the homes into rental units or flip them to other buyers for a quick profit. People seeking to take advantage of the drop in housing prices to buy their first homes have been grousing that they often lose bidding wars to investors.

Fannie said it also would help owner-occupants acquire homes by reducing deposit requirements to as little as $500 and giving them a chance to renegotiate offers after appraisals. Such buyers also are to be allowed as many as 45 days to complete the transaction, up from the usual 30 days.

A Freddie spokesman said the company has similar pilot programs and is helping owner-occupants pay closing costs.

Fannie announced Tuesday that 4.72% of the single-family home loans it owns or guarantees were 90 days or more overdue in September, up from 4.45% in August and 1.72% in September 2008.

For more information about this program, or buying a house in Tampa, please contact me.   

If you would like to receive a list of homes in a certain price range…send me an email!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, or Real Estate Listings in the Tampa area, 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, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me!

 
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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.25.2009

Buying a House in Tampa? Hurry, Or You Will Miss Out On Homestead Exemption

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

The Latest News in Tampa Real Estate, Buying a Home in Tampa or anywhere in the World!

We are in the “end of year crunch”  with buyers who are trying to close on a home in Tampa before the end of the year. WHY? It’s all about getting the “Homestead Exemption”!

Florida Law allows for up to $50,000 to be deducted from the assessed valuation for a primary residence, which can significantly lower your property tax bill for a home in Tampa, or any city in Florida.

For example, If your home is “assessed” for $300,000, and it is your primary residence, once you file for a “homestead exemption”, your property tax bill will be based on $250,000, not $300,000.

Once you purchase a home in Tampa, in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must file an appication with the property appraisers office. You need only file once, and must reside in the home, on January 1, of the first year you are claiming the Homestead Exemption. JANUARY 1, 2010….YOU MUST RESIDE IN THE RESIDENCE BY THIS DATE, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR 2010.  Many lenders are “backed up” and cannot close your loan in 30 days, especially if you are missing any documentation for your loan application.  Read my latest article on “Buying a Home in Tampa in 30 days”! In Hillsborough County, in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must file your application prior to March 1, 2010.

You can download the forms, here, and then see the list of County offices where you can file the application for the Homestead Exemption.

Don’t wait…you will find long lines as it get’s closer to the deadline!

It’s a buyer’s market in Tampa!  I can help find the perfect home in any Tampa neighborhood!

Read some of my previous articles about finding the right neighborhood in Tampa!:

New Suburb Beautiful…A Top Choice in The Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

When you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, contact me, to find the right home for your family’s needs!

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.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.18.2009

Can You Close on Your Home in Thirty Days? Maybe Not…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, mortgage news

The Latest news in the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Neighborhoods and Buying a Home in Tampa….

So, you have found a home in Tampa and want to move in within 30 days. Is that possible? With the current issues in the mortgage industry, tougher appraisal guidlines and the fact that lenders have cut back on staff, chances are slim that your loan will close in under 30 days.  The FAR contract has no allowance for an extension of the closing date if the lender is unable to issue a loan commitment within the time allowed under the terms of the contract, unless the delay is due to a storm, which has suspended the underwriting process. Otherwise, if you do not have loan commitment on the date specified in the contract, and the seller does not agree to an extension of the closing date, YOUR ESCROW DEPOSIT IS AT RISK. Worst case scenario is the “domino effect”, Seller A has to close today, in order to purchase a home they are contracted for to close on the same date and Seller B is in the same position. Three parties with closings all set for the same date, moving vans ready to go and the LENDER, who has a backlog of files, and no risk of loss in the transaction, has created a financial and logistical nightmare for everyone involved.

In recent months, lenders have taken a “laissez faire” attitude about the closing date, as if it doesn’t exist.  They have no sense of urgency. In addition to the “backlog”, we have seen an increase in “inaccurate” appraisals.  I saw an appraisal recently where the appraiser “missed” part of the second floor on the diagram she drew and omitted the most recent sale in the area! This appraiser works primarily in another county and under the new appraisal guidelines, she was “picked” from a list! Many Appraisers are doing a “sloppy job”  and not using the “best comparitive sales” for the property, since the lender can no longer choose the appraiser.  Imagine, if you needed surgery, but could not choose your surgeon, based on expertise is a certain area.  Your insurance company just “picked a name” off a list and said….”take it, or leave it”. That is what has happened in the mortgage industry.  Just because an appraiser is licensed in the State of Florida does not mean he/she knows the intricacies of every neighborhood in the State, nor would they understand the different “nuances” in value, from one street to the next, or one neighborhood to another.  Properties located in the same zip code can have vastly different values.

So, welcome to the “new mortgage industry”! I think there should be fines for lenders who cannot close a loan on time.  There should be a “maximum time” allowed for the underwriting process, which should not be determined by the lender itself.  Buyers with good credit need to ask for a penalty, if the lender cannot close a loan on time. Or, in this era of TARP funds, bailouts and the like, maybe it’s time for the Federal Government to mandate a penalty for a delay in underwriting. Oh, I forgot, Congress is too busy working on programs to increase our electric bills, increase the cost of our health care, increase our national debt and cavorting with lobbyists….More “government” and less “accountability” has created this mess, so it’s up to the buyer, who has the most to lose if a loan does not close on time, to hold the lender accountable. 

Make your online searches for homes in Tampa simple! You can get started on receiving all of the listings that meet your criteria in a matter of minutes…Just tell me what you are looking for…click here to receive the latest listings today! Any questions about the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, or the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? Send me an email.

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, Wesley Chapel, 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.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.19.2009

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