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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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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

Live at Ventana…An Upscale, Urban Lifestyle in Channelside…Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Channelside Tampa, Condo Foreclosures, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Real Estate News, Tampa Condos, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Ventana Tampa

On the edge of downtown Tampa, along the Port of Tampa, on Channelside Drive, sits the Channelside District.   Formerly a mass of rundown wearhouses, this area has been transformed into an upscale, urban setting filled with lofts, condominiums, shopping and entertainment.

One of the best places to live in the Channelside District is Ventana…a small, intimate, beautifully designed complex with just 84 units, right on the Trolley Stop! Contact me for floor plans and pricing today!

The Channelside Shopping Complex sits in the heart of it all.  You can enjoy a movie, go bowling at Splitsville, or enjoy Tapas, Thai or Japanese food, and many other dining options, right on the water.  You can enjoy a night on the trolley and head over to Ybor City!

The St. Pete Times Forum,  formerly The Ice Palace ,  is home to the Stanley Cup Champions, The Tampa Bay Lightning.

It is also the Venue for some great concerts and shows every year. Or, you can enjoy the “sharks” at The Florida Aquarium.

The cruise ships depart from the Channelside area, so you will often see the Carnival Cruise Ship docked at the Port of Tampa!

If you live in the Channelside area, you can leave your car behind. The Trolley, which stops in front of Ventana, can whisk you through Channelside and over to Ybor City.  Enjoy a night on the town, without driving!

There are many lofts and condos just completed, and under construction, in the Channelside district.  Prices from the 300s to over 1 million for a penthouse with a view, offer something for everyone.  For more information about what is available in the area, which is MLS area 264 and zip code 33602, or would like to receive listings in any Tampa neighborhood by email, contact me today!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.06.2008

It’s Election Day…Do You Know What You are Voting For?

Filed under: Real Estate News

For the regular readers on The Real Estate Sizzle, you know that I love political discussions and am not afraid to engage in Intelligent discussion, on any subject, with anyone who is “well-informed” about the subject matter.   Unfortunately, the number of those who CARE enough about current events,  to be able to engage in intelligent conversation, seems to be dwindling. 

This year has been a challenge in the political arena.  Many journalists chose to print “opinions” veiled as “facts”, while others chose not to print the facts at all.  It’s no wonder that much of the American Public is unable to sort out the truth about any candidate.

Aside from the media bias, there seems to be a real lack of concern for the “facts” among many voters. How many times, in the past few weeks, have you heard that a vote is being decided due to “likability” vs. “experience”.  What is wrong with this picture? When did the Presidency of the United States turn into the prize for congeniality, or a  “beauty pagent?”  When did we start to care more about style vs. substance?

Have Americans spent too much time watching American Idol, or Dancing with The Stars, instead of watching our representatives at work, on C-span?  Do many Americans understand how Congress, or the Senate, works?  Does the average voter know the voting record of their representatives?  Can they NAME their representatives? Even more disturbing, does the average voter understand how the three branches of government work? Or, …What the three branches of the government are?

It seems, over the past 20 years, required “Civics” classses in schools have been replaced by more “interesting topics”.  In my high school years, I studied “Government” and participated in a “Model Senate”.  I served as a Senator one year, and Parliamentarian in my senior year. Ironically, one of the bills that was proposed was “Electoral College Reform”…it was soundly defeated! How many Americans know what a Parliamentarian is?  Or, how the Electoral College works? How many Americans understand the structure, or process of government, or some basic economnics, in order to understand the implications of a vote, before they cast a ballot. Is the “Dumbing down of the Electorate” the future we are leaving to our children?

In a recently published book, “Just How Stupid Are We? Facing the Truth About the American Voter”,  Richard Shenkman explores the ignorance of the electorate in America. I caught his interview last night on C-span.

Here are just a few of his observations about Americans, with respect to their knowledge of our Government, and World Events.

– Only 2 out of 5 voters can name all three branches of the federal government.

-half of Americans can name four characters from the Simpsons, but less than 25% can name more than one of the “rights” which are guaranteed by the First Amendment.

-Less than 25% of Americans know that there are 100 U.S. Senators

-Only 1 in 7 Americans can find Iraq on a World Map

In our last Presidential Election, more people voted on American Idol, than voted for President. “Civic Duty” in America seems to be a distant memory. While the percentage of “actual voters’ may be up this year, the number of “informed voters”, sadly, is not.

On This Election Day, I implore every American, to turn off the Reality Television shows, turn on C-span and watch your “elected officials” at work. Watch it with your children.  See how our elected officials vote. See how they add wasteful spending to the “back end” of bills that are voted upon.  Use the internet to learn about how the U.S. Government works.  Understand why, and how,  the Congress and Senate “control” the majority of what happens in our Government. Find out which branch of our government controls taxes, spending and every law, or initiative that affects our country.  You won’t find any of that information on My Space, Facebook, Twitter, People Magazine,  or on the front page of our local newspapers! You might have to visit your local library!

Since this is the year that “journalism died”, we need to be proactive in educating ourselves, and our families…BEFORE we head to the ballot box. We have an obligation to be informed when we cast a ballot. If you choose not to be informed…stay home. There is plenty of “junk” on TV to capture your interest all day long!

My thoughts for the day….I am heading to the polls.

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   11.04.2008

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Real Estate News

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Moving to Tampa, The Best Tampa Neighborhoods and MacDill Air Force Base Relocation, every day…

If you have new orders to MacDill Air Force Base, you may have a “famous” neighbor!  General David Petraus took over U.S. Central Command last week, in a ceremony at MacDill AFB.  Petraus, who led American troops in the Iraq surge, will now be headquarted in Tampa.

MacDill AFB is one of the largest employers in Tampa, with many military and civilian employees, who live all over the Tampa Bay area.

If you are moving to Tampa, for a position at MacDill Air Force Base, contact me, to find the right neighborhood for you, and your family.

You can read some of my previous articles about moving to Tampa, and relocation to MacDill Air Force Base:

MacDill Air Force Base…One of Tampa’s Largest Employers

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Tampa Neighborhoods

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!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.03.2008

Tampa Real Estate News…Don’t Forget to File For Homestead Exemption

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Homestead Exemption, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News

The Latest News and Information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, every Day!

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.

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.

In Hillsborough County, in order to qualify, you must file your application prior to March 2, 2009.

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!:

Tampa Homes from $300,000 to $500,000

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Right Neighborhood!

Find the Best Schools and Best Neighborhoods in Tampa

Contact me today, for help with the Tampa Real Estate Market!

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   10.27.2008

Heading to Tampa Bay for the World Series? Where are the Best Restaurants in Tampa?

Filed under: Real Estate News

Tampa is “abuzz” with the Tampa Bay Rays playing in, and hosting, the World Series this week.  Hordes of baseball fans will descend on the Tampa Bay area, which means they will be looking for all of the best restaurants in Tampa, and the best places to eat in Clearwater!

Yes, I sell real estate in Tampa, but I also love great food!  Welcome, to all of the baseball fans who are in town this week!  Enjoy some of my suggestions for all of the great places to eat, all over the Tampa Bay area!

For the Phillies fans, you won’t find much “cheese steak”, but you can feast on just about anything else, at some of my favorite spots!

The Best Steakhouse in Tampa

Best Places to Eat in Tampa

Best Places to Eat in Clearwater

Best Pizza in Tampa Bay

Best Burger in Tampa

If you are just loooking to “hang out”…Downtown St. Pete is loads of fun!  You will find great shopping, restaurants, the Art Museum, movies and more!  Head over to Dino’s piano bar for a drink and listen to some great music , or enjoy some wine and nibbles at Tastings!

If you have any questions about where to go, or what to do while you are in the Tampa Bay area, or, if you are thinking about buying real estate in Tampa Bay, or just want to chat, send me an email!  Enjoy your Stay!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.21.2008

The Tampa Real Estate Market…What is a CDD fee?

Filed under: Real Estate News

With Tampa Bay hosting the World Series this week, Tampa is “on the map” and I have gotten many inquiries from people who are considering moving to Tampa.  The Tampa Real Estate Market, especially homes in the suburbs, has a unique “fee”, or “tax” that out-of-town buyers are unfamiliar with. That is, what is known as a “CDD fee”.  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.

 You can find a list of all communities with CDD fees in Florida here. 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.

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 Estate contact me today!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.21.2008

What’s Happening in The Tampa Real Estate Market?

Filed under: Real Estate News

The latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, International Real Estate, and everything you want to know about moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, every day on The Real Estate Sizzle!

While many Americans are focused on the Stock Market news, the banking industry, or the Presidential election, others are focused on taking advantage of the “Buyer’s Market” in the housing industry! Yes, there are mortgages available, AND, yes, houses are selling in the Tampa Real Estate market!

The question is: What is Selling in Tampa?

Answer:  The “bargains”

No surprise, homebuyers, and investors, bought 932 properties in Hillsborough County in the past 30 days. Of those sales, 32% of the properties were pre-foreclosure, in foreclosure, or already “bank owned”!

While many people may be “waiting” for the “bottom” before they buy, we won’t know WHEN the bottom occurs, until it has already past.

My advice to buyers…start looking!  The prices are low, mortgage rates are low and you can get an FHA loan with as little as 3% downpayment.

My advice to sellers? Stay informed about the current prices and make price adjustments to stay competitive!

Looking for a “bargain” in any Tampa neighborhood?  Contact me today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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