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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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Moving to Tampa? Start Searching for Tampa Homes Ahead of the Crowds…Tampa Real Estate Searches and More

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Hunter's Green Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate

Finding a home in the Best Neighborhoods, or the Top-Rated School District in Tampa, means start EARLY!

This is “Relocation Season” in Tampa!  Many families, with school-aged children, are busy “house-hunting” in the Tampa area, so they can get settled in time for the new school year, which begins in August. This is a busy time of year for a PCS To  MacDill AFB, as well.  Moving to Tampa with children involves, not only finding the best neighborhoods, but it also requires some research about the best schools in Tampa. Most families want to get settled during the summer, but the best homes, at the best prices, are the FIRST to sell.  If you are looking for the most choices in the Tampa Real Estate market, you should start looking NOW.  By June, or July, your options will be limited and the “best” homes will already be sold! The earlier you start house hunting, the more likely you are to find exactly what you want in the Tampa Real Estate Market.

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 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. MacFarlane Park Elementary,  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? Need a list of the “A rated” schools in Tampa?  Send me an email today!

 

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.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   02.01.2010

We Need a “NO” Vote on High Speed/Light Rail in Florida…The “Lobbying” has Begun!

Filed under: High Speed Rail, Light Rail, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, International Real Estate and all issues affecting property owners in Tampa!

Unless you have been living under a rock, you are aware of the “massive” push for “high speed rail” in Florida, specifically in the Tampa to Orlando corridor.  While many politicians are pushing hard for, or against, the rail issue, and some are taking a “wait and see” approach, it was the email message that I received yesterday….”lobbying” for high speed rail on the part of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors and instructing its’ members how to send a message to the President, in order to secure funding for the rail project, that “derailed” me today.  Why would GTAR be lobbying for a project that would create more taxes initially, and, ultimately create long-term subsidization of the rail system, at the expense of taxpayers??? The Tri-Rail system in southeast Florida cannot sustain itself with ridership monies. Some estimate a $2.00 fare on Tri-Rail is subsidized with $98.00 in government subsidies ( translation: taxpayer expense).

I have yet to see a “feasibility” study which outlines the demographics of the “ridership” on such a proposed rail system, or the cost effectiveness of such a venture. Ironically, in private industry, you would not start a venture without such a study. And, you certainly would not build something, that, ultimately could not pay for itself. The government, however, seems to be of the “build it and they will use it” mindset. Visions of the now defunct Harbour Island monorail come to mind right now! Right now, it’s all in the hands of the Florida Legislature, not the Florida Voters. While they cite the creation of jobs in the short-term, they fail to cite the creation of the “taxpayer subsidy” of the Rail Project, which cannot possibly pay for itself.

While proponents cite other cities, across the US, with rail systems(high speed and light rail), what all of those comparisons fail to take into account is the Florida weather. This isn’t Boston, Chicago, Seattle or Washington DC. Florida is HOT and HUMID for much of the year.  What commuter is going to sit at a rail station in the 90 degree heat? I’d like to see those polls.  

From my perspective, this high speed system  is about moving tourists around the state. Great…let Disney, Sea World, Universal Studios, et al, pick up that tab…not the Florida taxpayer.

Also on the drawing board, is a “light rail” proposal for Hillsborough County, which is separate from the High Speed Rail proposal. However, high speed rail NEEDS light rail to get the “tourists” beyond the “high speed station” once they reach their destination.  The County Commissioners voted to place an amendment on the ballot for a 1 cent sales tax to fund the light rail system. Well, at least the taxpayers get to vote on SOMETHING.  It seems to me, before any light rail should be considered, the county should increase the routes on Hartline and embark on SEVERAL feasibility studies with workers who travel into downtown from the suburbs, and those frequent travelers to Tampa International to determine actual USE for the system. How many commuters will actually brave the heat and humidity to use a rail system? Of course, the system should support itself economically. That seems to be the part of the equation that eludes state and local elected officials. A recent article in the St. Pete Times discussed the light rail system that runs between Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, Arizona.  The majority of the riders: tourists and “bar-hoppers”.  I wonder if that demographic group was part of  THEIR feasibility study?

All in all, I resent the lobbyists. I do not contribute to the lobbying efforts for the National Association of Realtors,  The Florida Association of Realtors, or the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. Not one dime.  Just wait…the “skewed” commercials to twist the facts and misrepresent the cost to the Florida taxpayers will be streaming across the airwaves soon enough.

This is akin to the “lobbying” effort for the Property Tax amendment of two years ago. Remember? Governor Crist assured us that property taxes in Florida would “drop like a rock”. He was wrong. The President of the Florida Association of Realtors was “lobbying” for me to be quiet on my “opposition” to that issue. I refused to be silenced...not then, not now.

Get the facts. Watch the how your elected representatives vote…on High Speed Rail… on Light Rail…on every issue.  If they don’t represent the “facts” and they don’t represent YOU…let them know, or run to the ballot box!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.12.2010

Home Sales Up in Tampa! Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Real Estate News

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and Relocation to MacDill AFB.

November homes sales in Tampa were up 43% over November 2008.  Homebuyer Tax Credits, Low Prices and low mortgage rates are helping homebuyers to find great bargains in Tampa Real Estate.  I have been helping out of town buyers “scoop up” those bargains!

If you are moving to Tampa, have orders to Macdill AFB, or are looking for a neighborhood with great schools in your price range, contact me today!

While most of my articles on The Real Estate Sizzle are about the Tampa Real Estate Market, you will find plenty to read about living in Tampa, fun things to do in Tampa and great places to eat in Tampa.  Check out my favorite restaurants and read my reviews at Urban Spoon!

How about a “Google Alert”? I stopped reading the newspaper and get the majority of my “real estate news” via google. You can set up an an alert for “Real Estate Sizzle”, or any subject you are trying to follow.  When an article is posted on that subject, whether it’s in the Wall Street Journal, the local news, or on a website, “google” will find it and email the link to you!

Do you want to receive listings in any Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater Beach area?  That’s easy…send me an email and tell me what you are searching for!

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 today.

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   12.24.2009

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

Find Out How Your Opinions are Represented in Washington…and Vote Accordingly!

Filed under: Real Estate News

Some days are about politics, not real estate, and today is one of those days!

When you head into the voting booth, do you wish you really knew how your vote would “count” when your elected official started “voting” on issues in Washington? Personally, I am tired of the apathetic American voter who has no idea what their Representatives in Congress are voting for, or what it will cost the future generations of Americans. 

I am going to follow the voting record of my Representative, who happens to be Kathy Castor.  I know she voted for more funding for Acorn, the organization that was recently found to be supporting illegal activities, so I will be voting AGAINST her in the 2010 election. What about you?  Do you want to know how YOUR elected officials are voting on important issues?

Check out this site on Congressional Votes  from the Washington Post…you can check the voting record on any member of Congress.  You owe it to yourself, and your fellow Americans, to hold your elected representative accountable for their voting record and if you don’t like how they vote, then VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE. 

Off my soapbox…back to Real Estate in Tampa…

 

 

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.25.2009

Find The “Bargains” in the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa…Right Away! Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Real Estate News

Moving to Tampa, or Searching for homes in Tampa? How will you find the right neighborhood, or school district…then find the right home? Ask an expert in the Tampa Real Estate Industry!

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. For the first time in several years, we are seeing “multiple offers” on the well-priced properties.  Trying to do “online searches” without the help of an agent, or the knowledge of the neighborhood, is very difficult. 

Make your online searches 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 »   |   07.09.2009

New Suburb Beautiful…A “Top Choice” for Neighborhoods in the Plant High School District

Filed under: Real Estate News

The Best Source for Tampa Real Estate News, Tampa Schools and Relocation Information for Families Moving to Tampa and PCS MacDill Air Force Base

As one of the Top 100 High Schools in the U.S., living in the Plant High District is a priority for many families moving to Tampa, or moving to another home in South Tampa. Plant High is located between Himes Avenue and Dale Mabry, just a few blocks north of Bay to Bay Boulevard, in South Tampa.

One of the most popular South Tampa Neighborhoods, is New Suburb Beautiful. Best described as a neighborhood reminiscent of the “Leave it To Beaver” era, most of the homes are traditional style, with many center-hall colonials, bungalows, along with some spanish architecture, too. Stock NSBFrontup on Halloween candy, this neighborhood is FILLED with school-aged children! New Suburb Beautiful is located in the Mitchell Elementary, Wilson Middle, and H.B. Plant High School District. Prices range from $400,000 to $1,000,000.

Its a small neighborhood, just four blocks long, located East of MacDill Avenue and South of Morrison Avenue. I just listed this home, so you can get more information about it, or contact me for other homes in the area.

Here are some previous articles related to Tampa neighborhoods in the Plant High School District:

 

Choosing the Best Tampa Neighborhood

Relocation to MacDill Air Force Base

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   06.16.2009

Dungy Retired…Gruden Fired! More Than Just Real Estate News in Tampa

Filed under: Real Estate News

It has been an interesting week in the NFL, with a major impact on Tampa, which hosts the Superbowl on February 1.

Welcome home to Tony Dungy! Enjoy your retirement and your return to  your family in Tampa. The community  has sorely missed you.  You have taught us that being a great coach begins with being a great person.  You are an inspiration to every athlete, coach, parent and child. Your personal values and respect for others have proven to us that outstanding results come from encouragement, respect and an expectation of excellence from within. We were ecstatic to see you take the Colts to a Superbowl Victory.   We are thrilled to have you back home again!

Goodbye to Jon Gruden…enough said.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.17.2009

Moving to Tampa? Need Health Insurance? Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Health Insurance, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News

If you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, a new program to provide affordable health insurance to Florida Residents has just become available.

Depending on the city in Florida where you live, the available plans will vary, but “Cover Florida Health Care” aims to provide health insurance to all Floridians.

Moving to Tampa?  Contact me today to find the perfect home, or for more information about relocation to Tampa!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.08.2009

The Tampa Real Estate Market…Are We Getting Back to “Normal”?

Filed under: Real Estate News

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Moving to Tampa and the Best Places to Live in Tampa, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle!

Now that the Presidential Race is over, we are starting to slowly get back to “normal” in the Tampa Real Estate Market.  Interest rates on 30–year fixed mortgages have inched down slightly over the past few weeks, despite another slump in the Stock Market yesterday. 

With just 7 weeks before the end of the year, buyers are starting to get serious about buying a home in Tampa, while the prices are the lowest in many years, interest rates are down and many are putting their savings into Real Estate instead of the volatile stock market right now.

I have had many inquiries this week about Relocation to Tampa, especially from military families who have orders to MacDill AFB. 

This is a GREAT time to be a buyer in the Tampa Real Estate Market…there are plenty of bargain prices, so don’t miss out.  If you are relocating to Tampa, or looking for the right neighborhood in Tampa, please contact me today!

You can read more about moving to Tampa in some of my previous articles:

Orders to MacDill AFB…Find the Right Tampa Neighborhood

Search for Homes in the Tampa Real Estate Market

How to Buy a Home in the Tampa Real Estate Market

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, Channelside, Tampa condos, 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!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.07.2008

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