The Real Estate Sizzle

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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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School is out in The Tampa Real Estate Market…Where are the Best Vacations for Kids?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Fun and Frolic, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Travel

The latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods and Tampa Schools, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle.

School is out in Hillsborough County and summer is well underway. Students will return to the Classroom on August 24. Florida schools have an earlier summer than the rest of the country, which can make vacation planning a challenge. If you want your child to have other children to play with on vacation, you should plan a vacation sometime in late June to early August, when the rest of the country is also out for the summer , or stay in Florida and enjoy some of our fabulous family-oriented resorts. Conversely, if you are heading to Europe, go in Early June and avoid the summer crowds and the heat, as many shops, restaurants and smaller hotels do not have Air conditioning and all of Europe seems to be on holiday in August.

These are some of my favorite family vacation spots. C_bCape Cod, Massachusetts .There is something for everyone on the Cape from Beaches to Bumper Cars. You trip is not complete without a meal at the Clam Box! Stay at the Chatham Bars Inn for a little pampering right on the ocean, New England-style.

Sanibel and Captiva, Florida Shelling is the favorite pastime on the islands off the coast near Fort Myers. The islands are perfect for long bike rides and the living is sweet at South Seas Plantation. Its laid back Florida with fun dining at the Bubble Room and the Mucky Duck.

 Cruises Ru_insCruises are family friendly with plenty of activities for kids and their parents. The trips to the Caribbean exploring Mayan ruins and local treasures are loads of fun. The ship has activities from dawn to the wee hours…If anyone is bored, it’s not because there is “nothing to do!” From Pool games to limbo dancing and blackjack tables to feasting on the “Midnight Buffet”…who could complain? You can leave from the Port of Tampa!

Charleston, South Carolina. Ghost walks, low-country cooking and plenty of old-fashioned Southern Charm abound in this great waterside city! Wander through the old cemetery and take a horse-drawn carriage ride. This is my favorite “Southern” City! Be sure to feast on some low country cooking shrimp and grits!

Vermont You can explore the Green Mountains, go boating on Lake Champlain and enjoy a tour, and a taste, at Ben and Jerrys ice cream factory! Head to a local Maple farm for some maple syrup, or the Cabot cheese factory for a little Vermont cheddar. Smugglers Notch is a family-oriented resort in the heart of it all.

 Paris Ei_ffelThe ultimate destination, in spite of the cost of the Euro, especially for teenagers. I took my son several years ago, as a special reward for several years of “perfect” grades!  You can spend an entire day in the Louvre, ride to the top of the eiffel tower and seek out the perfect skateboard in a local skate shop! Nibble on crepes from street vendors and enjoy french pastries from the local patisserie. Stop in at Angelina, for the best hot chocolate in Paris.

 

For information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Urban Living in Tampa, Tampa Suburbs, Tampa Schools, or Moving to Tampa  contact me today.


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How To Get the Latest News on The Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, International Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Places to Live, Real Estate Blogs, Relocation, Restaurants in Tampa, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Things to do in Tampa, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

If you are looking for the latest information about the Tampa Real Estate Market, moving to Tampa, relocation to MacDill Air Force Base, or what’s new in the International Real Estate Market, you can get the latest posts from The Real Estate Sizzle in a variety of ways!

Get a daily email of the latest articles, on The Tampa Real Estate Sizzle, or sign up for an RSS feed!

Use Twitter? Go to my Twitter page and Follow Me! Unlike many people on Twitter, I don’t “tweet” all day long!  You will only get the latest Real Estate Articles, or my latest Restaurant Reviews!  If you don’t use Twitter, you should give it a try.

Do you want to receive my email newsletter?  Sign up here! You can “opt out” at any time.

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 “Tampa Real Estate”, 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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Moving to Tampa and Working Downtown? Rampello Downtown Partnership School is a Great Option for Your Children

Filed under: Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Single Parent News, South Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and Moving to Tampa, Florida…

If you are moving to Tampa and planning to work in the Downtown Tampa area, one of your “options” in the Hillsborough County School District is the “Rampello Downtown Partnership School”.  This “A-rated” school for students in grades K-8 is only available to children with parents who work in the downtown Tampa area. 

Located at 802  E. Washington Street, this popular educational choice is on a “space-available” basis and requires an application. For more information, contact the school!  There is always a waiting list, so don’t wait to apply for the 2009–2010 school year!

For more articles on the Hillsborough County School District and some of the best neighborhood schools in Tampa, you can read some of my previous articles.

Where are the Best Schools in the Tampa Real Estate Market?

Find the Right Magnet School in Tampa

Neighborhoods in the Plant High School District

Moving to Tampa and searching for the best neighborhood, or the best school for your family?  Contact me today!


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Mortgage Rates Dip Below 5%…Time to Buy in The Tampa Real Estate Market!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate Trends, Relocation, South Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and the International Real Estate Market, every day on The Real Estate Sizzle!

While Christmas shoppers head into the last week of scooping up the “bargains” in  the retail industry, homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market should be focused on buying a house in the next month, or so.  Local mortgage brokers are offering mortgage rates below 5%.  Combine low interest rates, with discounted home values and you have the “Buyer’s Dream Market” in Tampa!  I saw Jumbo Rates (mortgages over $417,000) for 5.75% yesterday!  Get those visions of sugarplums out of your heads and start thinking “long term”….a 30 year fixed rate below 5% vs. 6% will save you over $100,000 in payments.

Want to get an even LOWER mortgage rate when you buy a home in Tampa, or Clearwater Beach right now?  Contact me today about how to take advantage of the “buyer’s market” and how to get a “free appraisal”, or “lower interest rate” in the Tampa Real Estate Market!

Contact me Today! 

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 Estatecontact 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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When a Storm is Approaching Tampa, Do You Need to Evacuate? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Flood Zones in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Markets and Shoppng, Moving to Tampa, Relocation, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

One of the most important questions for homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market is:  “Will I need to Evacuate if a Hurricane is approaching?”

Areas that are in close proximity to the water, are the first to be evacuated.  South Tampa, including Davis Islands, includes many areas that are Flood Zone “A”, which is a mandatory evacuation zone. The threat of storm surge is greatest in those low-lying areas.

You can check the Hillsborough County (Tampa Area) Evacuation map here!

For storm tracking, visit MY favorite site!

For more information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Neighborhoods, or moving to Tampa, please contact me today!

Are you looking for assistance in choosing the best neighborhood in Tampa for your lifestyle? I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, 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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Find the Best Schools and The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, MacDill AFB, Places to Live, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Westchase

School starts in Hillsborough County (Tampa) on August 18th! It’s “relocation season” in the Tampa Real Estate Market, as families are trying to coordinate buying a house in Tampa, selling a house in another area and getting their children settled for the start of the school year in Tampa.

The big question is…”Where are the best schools and the best neighborhoods in Tampa?

For more in-depth information on Tampa Schools and Tampa Neighborhoods, you can read some of my previous articles:

Golf Course Communities:

Cheval

Hunter’s Green

Westchase

Davis Islands

Tampa Schools

Relocation to MacDill Air Force Base

Hyde Park

Find the Right Neighborhood in Tampa

For more information on any Tampa Neighborhood, Tampa School Districts, or help with your relocation to the Tampa Bay area, please contact me today.


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Looking for a Home in Hyde Park…The Historic District in Tampa is Also One of The Best School Districts in The U.S….Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Real Estate News, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Schools

Another article in my Plant High School District Neighborhood series

Hyde Park is Tampas Historic Neighborhood. Located in South Tampa, just minutes from Downtown and running along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, it is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Hydepark-tampatown. Homes with large front porches, dating back to the early 1900s, sit on streets lined with grandfather oaks. You can walk to the shops and restaurants in Old Hyde Park Village, head over to the Best Steakhouse in Tampa, or jog along Bayshore. Its a very neighborly , place to live, in the highly rated Gorrie Elementary, Wilson Middle, Plant High School district!

Prices for Single Family Homes range from the $400,000s to several million. The waterfront estates on Bayshore Boulevard are some of the most prestigious homes in Tampa. It is just five minutes to Downtown Tampa and 10 minutes to the Airport or MacDill Air Force Base.

Here are a few homes currently on the market in Hyde Park. If you would like more information about living in Hyde Park, or any Tampa neighborhood, please contact me!

Would you like to be notified of the latest articles on The Real Estate Sizzle? Sign up for an e-mail subscription or RSS feed here!

It is a “Buyer’s Market” in Tampa, with plenty of inventory of homes to choose from! I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, 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!


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Live in Culbreath Isles..A Gated Waterfront Luxury Community in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Real Estate Sizzle is Your Best Source for Tampa Real Estate Market Newsevery day

Another article in my Plant High School District Neighborhoods

Culbreathisleshome

Culbreath Isles is one of the few gated, waterfront communities in South Tampa. Deep-water canals, fabulous open-bay views and elegant custom-built homes make Culbreath Isles one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Tampa. It is a yacht-owners paradise!

Located just West of Westshore Boulevard, between Estrella and Bayway, this exclusive community has much to offer the most discriminating Tampa home buyer. Culbreath Isles is located in the Dale Mabry Elementary, Coleman Middle and Plant High School District. It is just a 5 minute drive to Tampa International Airportthe perfect neighborhood for the frequent traveler.

You can see the current homes available in Culbreath Isles. Please contact me for more information about Culbreath Isles, Tampa neighborhoods, or to schedule a private showing of these homes.

Enjoy some of my other articles about Waterfront Homes and Gated Communities in Tampa:

Harbour IslandA Gated Community in Tampa

Tampa Waterfront Home Buyers Have Many Choices

For more information about 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 Estatecontact me!


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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!

I


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How to Be a Savvy Buyer in a “Buyer’s Housing Market” …Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter's Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The Tampa Real Estate market is one of the top Buyers Markets in the U.S. right now! It is THE time to buy. But, how does a buyer get the BEST possible deal in a saturated housing market?

TampabuyersmarketI recently negotiated a contract for a client on a waterfront condominium. The property will sell for nearly $225,000 less than the last sales price, and over $20,000 less than the original builder price! We saw the property the first day it came on the market! That savvy buyer is already in a great equity position!

How can YOU get a great buy in the Tampa Real Estate Market?

1. You must be AHEAD of the market, not behind it. By the time everyone agrees that we have reached the bottom , the prices will have started to rise. Choose an experienced agent who can help you to identify the best neighborhoods, or condominiums for future resale. Your agent will check the new listings in those areas every day and will hear about properties BEFORE they actually are listed in MLS.

2. View all of the properties in those areas and compare the price per square foot for each of them. A low price per square foot in a desirable area, if it is in good condition, will be the best value in this market.

3. Buy a property that is in the mid , or low price-range for the neighborhood. That means, you want to buy a home for $400,000 in a neighborhood with most of the homes in the 500 800K range.

4. Identify 4 or 5 properties that might work for you, without getting emotionally attached to any particular one! When a buyer is emotionally attached to a property, it becomes very easy to pay too much for it.

5. Start to make offers of 10% below the asking price on the properties that you have identified and keep the offer simple . A closing within 30 days, with few expenses to the seller in terms of repairs or closing costs will give you more negotiating room in the price. Dont ask for personal items, or furnishings as part of the deal.

If the first offer doesnt work out, move on to the next property. Ultimately, you will find a nice property for the right price.

Of course, you need to work with an experienced agent and get pre-approved with a lender, to be considered a serious buyer.

If you need help buying a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, I am happy to assist you!

You can read my previous articles about Buying, or Selling, in today’s Tampa Real Estate market:

Navigating the Waters in a Buyers Market

Selling Your Home in a Buyers Market

If you are looking for a home in the Tampa Bay Area, or need to sell your home, please contact me. I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, 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!


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