The Real Estate Sizzle

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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
Direct - (813)629-5757
Toni Everett Company
5000 Bayshore Blvd
Tampa, FL 33611
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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

Pet Rules in Condominiums…Don’t Assume They Were Made to Be Broken!

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Condominiums, Florida Real Estate, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation

The Latest Information about Moving to Tampa, or buying Real Estate in Tampa, or anywhere in the World!

Another article in my Pet Friendly series.

Florida is the Land of Condominiums , and I sell plenty of them! Each building has its own personality . From the concierge services, to the pool, common areas, floor plans, demographics and rules , you need to find the building that is best suited to your needs and yourPu_g personal life. A building known for its weekend pool parties is probably not the right place for someone who enjoys a more sedate lifestyle, so it is really important to ask the right questions when you are looking at condominiums and visit the property on various days, and at various times, so you can get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Likewise, a Building where someone scowls at your Pug in the elevator, and asks how much he weighs, may not be the most pet-friendly place in town.

One of the biggest issues, and one often overlooked, is a buildings Pet Rules . Are pets allowed? How many pets? What type of pets? Is M_cthere a weight limit? These are basic questions that the listing agent should know and the information should be in the MLS. Buyers agents should not assume that all pets are welcome and should ask the buyers specific questions about what kinds of pets they may have. A pot-bellied pig, certain dog breeds or exotic reptiles may not be acceptable in many buildings. I have had listing in one of the new condominiums in the Channelside district. It specifically excludes goats, reptiles and fowl…and has no weight limit on the two pets it allows, but specifically says they cannot be loud, or vicious! I have never seen a goat in a condo, but I read the condominium docs thoroughly, so I can explain the rules to any prospective buyers. I think we’ll have a little chuckle over that one! I guarantee, if you show up with a goat in tow, you will not pass “go”! Realtors should never tell a client that pet rules arent enforced, which happened with a buyers agent on one of my listings. The end resultthe dog had to go, so the buyer moved out, just months after moving in!

On a condominium resale in the State of Florida, you have 3 days to review the Condominium Documents, which will include the current rule about pets. It is very important that you have any updates to the documents, as any changes to the original documents may not be included. It is always a good idea to contact the building manager with any specific questions about pet rules in a building that you are considering.

PB-pigOne of the buildings where I have sold many units, requires a weight certificate from a veterinarian, to insure that the cute puppy will not exceed twenty five pounds at maturity. Some buildings prohibit all pets! Some allow certain kinds of pets and certain numbers of pets, weight limits or all of the above. If you have three pets and the rules allow for only two, dont think you can just hide one. Those condo commandos will find you!

Many single-family homes and townhomes in deed-restricted areas also have rules about pets. Save yourself some time and, lots of aggravation by asking those three little words What About Pets? .

If you are looking for the perfect condominium in Tampa, Clearwater or St. Petersburg, or need information about moving to Tampa, or would like listings in any Tampa neighborhood, please contact me today!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   6 Comments »   |   05.13.2008

What to do When Your House Smells Like ….Dog! Or Smokers! News in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: How to, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Sellers, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

Sk_unk

The latest news in the Tampa Real Estate Market, or buying or selling Real Estate anywhere in the world.

When you are buying a house in Tampa, or anywhere, one of the first things you may notice when you start your home search is the presence of animals, or smokers, the moment you step through the front door. Getting odors out of a home is one of my “Most Popular” topics and one of the most “searched” on Google, so it’s worth reprinting. It is very important to eliminate odors in your home, when it is on the market.

Don’t miss the “Home Products” in the Real Estate Resources Section on the right sidebar…plenty of items to keep your home smelling fresh!

I recently sold a home in Tampa, that had two adorable golden retrievers. Lets call them Muffy and Molly They happily greeted us at the door, along with their ownersand the odor! The stench overwhelmed us!

Lets be honestdogs smell. Unless they have just come from the groomer, they have an odor. And some breeds, like retrievers, who shed and like to jump in the pool, or roll in the mud, seem to smell worse than others. When you live with the smell, I think you just become immune to it.

Over the years, I have had a number of listings in Tampa, where the house smelled a little too much like its occupants! I have to be honest with the sellers because, ultimately, that odor is going to cost them with a lower purchase price and a longer market time. In Tampa, we are in a Buyer’s Market. If you are selling your home in Tampa, or in any market, you need to get your home looking, AND smelling, as fresh as possible.

Here are my best kill the odor solutions every pet owner, or smoker, needs to know! :

1. Lampe Berger This is a miracle worker for odors! These beautifully designed catalytic burners use a variety of scents to immediately eliminate foul odors. They come in many styles and colors and there is a plethora of scents available. Something light and citrusy would appeal to most people. Unlike candles, there is no flame to worry about. The seller can light the Lampe before the buyers arrive and, in minutes, the aroma is wafting through the air. In Tampa, you can find them at “The Source” in Old Hyde Park Village and online.

2.Ozone SpraysThis is a quick fix It is an aerosol spray that immediately eliminates odors. You can often find it at auto supply stoFresh_airres and car washes. In Tampa, you can find it at Grand Prix Car Wash.

3. Ozone Machines and Air Purifiers Overall, these products do the best job of keeping odors out of the house. The ozone machines are somewhat controversial with some reports that they are not good for our health. Do some research and form your own opinion. They get my vote for the cleanest air award.

4. Voluspa ProductsOne of the most fragrant candle products in the industry, Voluspa makes candles and room scents that REALLY make a difference. My personal favorite is Saijo Persimmon.you must try it. I keep one on a candle warmer in my office and the aroma wafts down the hall it is fabulous!

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning or Replacement

Fabrics and Carpeting hold odors, so if cleaning doesnt work, you may need to replace your carpeting. Tile or wood flooring works best with animals.

Nothing sends a buyer out of a home faster than a bad odor, so if you are serious about selling your home, you should make it sweet-smelling!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   7 Comments »   |   04.07.2008

The Best Advice For Moving With Pets to Tampa, or Around The World

Filed under: Buyers, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Real Estate

THE LATEST NEWS ON TAMPA REAL ESTATE, AND REAL ESTATE AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE….
If you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the World, taking care of your pet during the move and helping him to get settled into a new home is very important.

Read some of my favorite “Pet Friendly” articles and help your pet to acclimate to a new home!

Condominiums and Pet Rules

The Best Kennel in Tampa

International Relocation with Pets
If you are buying a house in Tampa, or anywhere in the world, or have any questions about relocating…contact me.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   01.30.2008

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

The Best “Puppy Palace”! Where to Board Your Pet in Tampa!

Filed under: Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Services

DOGCAT

Another article in my Pet Friendly Series.

Every Pet Owner agonizes over boarding his, or her, pet! Youve seen, and heard, all about my sweet, epileptic Yorkshire Terrier!Shes a fussy eater, but is just adorable! Ab_bey

When I travel, I take her to Julies Puppy Palace !

There really is a Julie and it really is a Palace !

The entire staff is loving and attentive. They offer grooming services, boarding services and doggie day care complete with birthday parties!

Julie can put your pet in a suite, outfitted with a video camera, so you can check on Guy or Molly , from Tunisia or Timbuktu! Would your pet prefer the Bucs Suite, or the BucssuiteParis Suite???Parissuite

Either way…your pet is in good hands with Julie

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   6 Comments »   |   07.09.2007

International Relocation Requires Some Planning…Especially for Your Pet

Filed under: International Real Estate, Pet Friendly Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Services, Tampa Real Estate

This is the first article in my new Pet Friendly series. Most of my clients have pets, so providing information unique to pet owners, both in Tampa, and those who are relocating, will be the focus.

Moving is stressful for anyone, but it can be especially stressful for pets, who are very tuned in to any change in routine. My pets are upset the moment they see my suitcase come out of the closet! Kit_tensDuring my recent trip to Europe, my dog stopped eating after several days, so they moved her into a “suite” and fed her hot dogs and cottage cheese for the duration of her stay in the kennel. Nice life! Needless to say, she is still shunning her “dry” food, in lieu of something tastier. But, with any pet, any small change in routine can wreak havoc on his health and his psyche.

Pet owners who are used to car travel with pets may find planning for a cross-county trip, or an overseas trip, is far more complicated and needs to be planned well in advance. My little Yorkie is not a good traveler, so she needs an empty stomach and a dose of Dramamine. Do some research about pet travel on many of the online sites. While most pet owners are familiar with their pets needs with respect to car travel, having to put your pet on an airplane can get very complicated, especially for an International relocation.

Each country has very specific requirements for vaccinations, micro-chipping, medical records and some have lengthy quarantine requirements of up to several months. For instance, emigration to Australia from the U.S. requires a 30 day quarantine and certain breeds are not allowed. If your pet is used to being sedated for travel, you need to discuss this with your vet and the pet shipper, since most shippers prohibit sedation during the flight. The time to organize the relocation for your pet is the moment you know you are moving. Many Airlines will not ship pets during certain months of the year, due to tempuratures in the storage compartment.Ab_bey

With ever-changing airline regulations and pet immigration rules which vary from country to country, the best way to relocate Fifi is through an accredited Pet Shipper. In Tampa, the local animal transporter is Air Animal Pet Movers, founded by Dr. Wolff. They have been shipping pets for over 30 years! To find a Pet Shipper in your area, or one that operates out of a specific airport, you can search the IPATA website for a Travel Agent near you! Treat your pet, the same way you would treat the sale of your home.Don’t be a FSBO…hire an expert…”Fifi” will thank you!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.29.2007