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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller
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Toni Everett Company
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How to Beat Your Competition as a Seller in a Buyer’s Market …Tampa Real Estate Market Update

Filed under: Real Estate News, Sellers, 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.

Foreclosures are up in the Tampa Market. This is good news for Buyers who are bargain-hunting and bad news for Sellers who are not pricing their homes in line with recent sales, including foreclosures, in the area.

Many sellers are still trying to get last years pricing for their home. They are changing agents, insisting on Open Houses, want plenty of newspaper advertising, and keeping their homes priced like the Taj Mahal in other words, they are doing everything WRONG! It Moneyhousedoesnt matter what you could have sold your home for last year that is not the market today. Sellers need to “listen” to what the market is telling them.

In todays real estate market in Tampa, the homes that are priced below the competition are the ones that are selling. That is the bottom line. Where are the buyers shopping for homes? On the Internet. Forget newspaper advertising. In a matter of minutes, buyers can place their criteria in a search engine online and have the list of all homes that meet their criteria. What are they looking for? THE LOWEST PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THEY LIKE. That information is not found in a newspaper ad. Why would buyers look at a simple newspaper ad, when they can see photos, room sizes and amenities, in the same amount of time on the internet. Through listings in the MLS (which is internet based) and other online home search engines, buyers can quickly see what homes are priced right for the market. Spending money on newspaper advertising is like driving down the street and throwing a One Hundred Dollar bill out the window!

Once the buyers have narrowed their search to the homes they like, they will contact their agent to see them. How do I know this? Buyers and Sellers contact me every day, right here on the Real Estate Sizzle! I tell Sellers the “straight story” about what it takes to sell a home in this market. Stay ahead of the competition. That is Marketing 101.

What about the homes that are overpriced? They will be the last to sell. With over 20 months of inventory right nowsellers need to read the market and price their homes accordingly. Every 2 3 weeks your agent should provide you with recent listings and sales in your neighborhood. Keep your pricing at, or below, the competition in your area. The law of supply and demand is really very simple.

Is your home prominently featured on the internetbeyond just the MLS system? Are there multiple photos? Virtual tours work well for large homes with open floor plans, but not for others. Buyers can view 10 photos much faster than a virtual tour. Make your listing easy and attractive to the buyers.

Is your agent tech savvy? An agent who still practices 1980s real estate will not be the best choice to sell your home in a sophisticated, tech savvy buyers market. Receiving email on your cell phone, the ability to scan and email documents, and having an interactive website are standard practices among todays best agents. Ask your agent about what technology he/she uses.

Is your home on a lockbox and easy to show? Relocating buyers often have just 1 or 2 days in town to make a home-buying decision. Dont be left off the list because your agent needs to meet them. Buyers agents will choose homes that are priced right and easy to show.

What else can you do to outprice your competition? Offer to pay the Buyers closing costs, Home Owners Association Fees, or a year of Homeowners Insurance.

When your Real Estate agent gives you the facts about recent listings and salesand suggests a price change for your homeyou need to listen, or be willing to stay put for a while.

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, Hunters 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!

 

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Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   5 Comments »   |   04.08.2008

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

Foreign Investors…Florida is a Top Choice…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Real Estate, International Real Estate, Real Estate News, Relocation, Sellers, Tampa

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.

 

Florida is the place for British and European Investors! With the British Pound trading at 2 to 1 against the American Dollar, many of the investors in the Florida market are from the U.K. As the Euro continues to rise against the Dollar, we are getting increasing numbers of European buyers, as well. Now, Canadians are enjoying a 1 to 1 currency exchange with the U.S. Dollar. Prices in Florida are the lowest in years, so the time is right for foreign investment. There are some great bargains on beachfront condos, so don’t wait until the prices begin to recover! If you are interested in buying a condo on the beach, a home in Tampa, orReal Estate anywhere in the world, contact me.

 

A portion of my business is focused on the International Market. I am a Certified International Property Specialist and member of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). Many of my clients are from foreign countries or work for foreign companies Beachin the U.S. Florida is very much an International Destination. Tampa is perfectly situated between Disney World and the Gulf Beaches. It is a great location for foreign investors. Having the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation, which is earned by less than 1% of all Real Estate Agents, allows me to better assist my foreign clients. Every country handles foreign investors differently and CIPS agents are specially trained to understand, and facilitate, the purchase and sale of Real Estate in every country around the world!

Real Estate is no longer a local market. Savvy buyers are Global. They are looking for smart investments all over the world, based on World_mapthe strength or weakness of a countrys currency, political stability, its economic development and potential for long-term gains. The political and economic situation in Venezuela right now, is sending Venezuelans to seek safe shelter for themselves and their finances. Many of them are heading to Florida and Central America. Check the latest exchange rate for your currency to see what you can spend in U.S. Dollars!

Conversely, the political and economic climate in Panama, makes it the number one Retiree destination in the world right now! Watch for more on the advantages of buying property in Panama, Costa Rica and Eastern Europe… in future International Real Estate articlesstay tuned…

If you would like to receive notifications of new articles on the Real Estate Sizzle by emailclick here.

 

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, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real EstatePanama, Costa Rica, Europe, U.K…contact me!

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   04.02.2008

Why You Won’t Find Neighborhood Sales Statistics for Tampa on The Real Estate Sizzle

Filed under: Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Beachfront property, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Relocation, Sellers, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are moving to Tampa, or any one of the many suburbs in the Tampa Bay area, you should know that each area, and each neighborhood, is very unique. From the historic bungalows in Hyde Park to the new construction in Odessa, or New Tampa, Prices and the number of days on the market vary drastically from one area to the next. Each area, and each Tampa neighborhood, has a unique personality, and unique sales statistics.

H-gJust within the South Tampa area, there are more than 20 different neighborhoods, with unique sales statistics. In Hillsborough County, there are well over 100 different areas and many more subdivisions.

The media loves to report Tampa Housing Market Statistics, but they are not real numbers, in terms of specific neighborhoods.

For instance, the South Shore area, which includes Riverview, Apollo Beach and Ruskin, has close to five years of inventory available, while some neighborhoods in South Tampa have less than 6 months of inventory.

If you are considering a move to Tampa, or thinking of selling your home in Tampa, you need to look for sales statistics for the specific neighborhoods that interest you.

So, if you need information about any area in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Clearwater Beach, or St. Pete Beach, just contact meyou will get the latest listings AND sales information for specific zip codes, or neighborhoods.

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   2 Comments »   |   03.24.2008

The Five Little Words Home Sellers Should NEVER Say…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Sellers, Tampa Real Estate Market

When a homeowner lists their home for sale in Tampa, or anywhere in the world, they generally express one of several phrases to the listing agent:

1. I am relocating to another city, so price it to sell quickly or

2. I am starting to look for a new house in Tampa; price it in line with the other homes in the neighborhood, so it will sell in a reasonable amount of time orthose five little words that Sellers should NEVER say

3. I am not in a hurry! They will often use the words, I need to get X dollars , or Ill wait for my price , or one of any number of things that clearly expresses an unrealistic expectation of a final selling price for their home. Those words are the kiss of death .

Those unmotivated sellers , in this buyers market, will be one of Bellamythe last homes to sell in a market filled with inventory that is priced right, or priced below market value, in order to sell quickly. The longer a home sits on the market, the lower the ultimate sales price will be.

Savvy real estate agents should not list properties with sellers who are not willing to price their properties according to current market value, or agree to follow the sales trends and make price reductions accordingly. In the words of Kelly Clarkson Just Walk Away .

The Real Estate market in Tampa is showing signs of recovery. An increasing number of buyers are looking for homes and many International Buyers are taking advantage of the exchange rate of the Euro vs. the Dollar and are heading to Florida to buy the bargains available in the market. Homes that are well-priced will be the first to sell!

If you are selling YOUR home in the Tampa Bay Area, or on the Clearwater, or Gulf Beaches, and would like to be IN the market, instead of ON the marketcontact 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, Westshore Yacht Club, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

 

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   1 Comment »   |   02.26.2008

How To Sell Your Home in A Buyer’s Market…Tampa Real Estate Market News

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

In the Tampa real estate market, we are experiencing the first buyers market in nearly a decade. For some sellers, this is their first experience selling in a buyers market. What can you do to position your home in Tampa to sell in a reasonable amount of time?

1. Spruce it up!

Many homeowners dont see the flaws in their own home. Ask your agent, and several others, to objectively look at your yard and the exterior of your home. Curb appeal is critical, so paint the exterior, make any rotted wood or roof repairs and plant some flowers to make the home inviting. Homes with neutral colors inside are also more appealing. Clean out the clutter, too. Make sure the closets are neat. Rent a local storage space, if you need to.
2. Get a Home Inspection

Hire a Professional Home Inspector to check for any defects and make the necessary repairs prior to listing your home. YouNewlisting can provide potential buyers with the inspection report and the list of repairs.

3. Check for Open Permits

The latest version of the Florida Real Estate contract(FAR 9) calls for Sellers to verify that all work on their home was done with proper permits and that all permits have been closed. Failure to do this in a timely manner can cause the cancellation of your contract, so be prepared and get the information in advance. You can find more information in my previous article on the FAR-9 contract.

4. Neutralize it!

Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home, so remove as many of your personal touches as possible. A Gator room is appealing to a Gator, but probably not to a Seminole. The same goes for any religious items, political items or suggestive photos. When I was shopping for my first home in Tampa, many years ago, there was a home with a large photograph of the owner in her bridal lingerie . UGH! It was something that should have been removed before they put their home on the market.

5. Remove your PetsPu_g

A dog, or cat, that bothers the buyers when they try to look at your home will send them runnning! Make plans for your pets to be caged, or out of the house, so the buyers have plenty of time to look without being disturbed.

Sk_unk6. Get Rid of Any Odors

I wrote a great article about the many ways to get odors out of your home. Dogs and Smokers are tough to cover up, but you need to make your home sweet-smelling.

7. Price It Right

Pricing your home right is the key in this market. Buyers are looking at the recent sales in each neighborhood and they want to pay the lowest price, not the highest price per square foot. If you want to have more traffic than the competition, price it 5 10% below them.

8. Be Flexible

A buyers market means low offers. Dont be insulted. Be Patient and make a reasonable counter-offer. If they are serious about buying your house, you should be able to work it out.

9. Be Willing to Pay Some Closing Costs

Lenders are being more stringent with loan qualifications in this market. Your willingness to pay some of the buyers closing costs will increase the number of buyers who are willing to consider your home.

10. HIRE THE RIGHT AGENT

Hire an agent with experience in a buyers market! That would be someone who has worked full-time in Real Estate for more than 10 years! Ask the right questions. Over 80% of all buyers are shopping for homes on the Internet, so be sure your agent is tech savvy and not depending on newspaper advertising, or open houses, to sell your home. Be willing to put your home on a lockbox , if that is what your agent recommends. Once you hire a professional, you must be willing to listen to their advice.

For advice on selling YOUR home in a buyer’s market, or a FREE Market Analysis, please contact me.

If you enjoy reading The Real Estate Sizzle and would like to subscribe via email, click here.

If you are looking for a house in Tampa, South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Riverview, New Tampa, Westchase, Odessa, or any of the Tampa suburubs…or manybe a condo on Clearwater Beach, I can help!

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   3 Comments »   |   02.24.2008

Short Sale vs. Foreclosure in Tampa…What Should You Do?

Filed under: Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends, Sellers, Short Sale, Tampa Real Estate Market

Facing Foreclosure in Tampa? A “short sale” might be the answer…
The drop in Real Estate Values this year, along with Adjustable Rate Mortgages, Sub-prime loans and zero down financing have created a situation where homeowners cannot meet their mortgage obligations.

When a homeowner is facing this issue, he should consider a short sale . What exactly IS a short sale ? A property is sold for LESS than what is owed on the loan and the lender accepts that payment in FULL. The Seller escapes foreclosure and the lender does not report a foreclosure to the credit bureaus, which would affect the sellers credit for 7 10 years. A short sale will have a smaller affect on the sellers credit rating and will show late payments on the mortgage, but it is a much better option than foreclosure.

Foreclosure is a very COSTLY process for a lender, so many lenders are willing to accept a short-sale, in order to cut their losses.

What is the first step in the short sale process? Call your lender and contact the loss mitigation department as soon as you have missed a mortgage payment. Explain your financial situation and ask for a short sale package, to see if you are a candidate for a short sale. You will need to provide them with your financial information and also write a “letter of hardship”., explaining the reason you cannot continue to meet your financial obligations. Next, contact your real estate agent and tell her you are facing a short sale . Your agent is a critical part of the short sale process, and will be negotiating with the lender, on your behalf, after you have submitted all of the short sale paperwork required.

If you have any questions about the short sale process, or think you may be a candidate for a short sale and need representation in the sale of your home.please contact me!

All costs involved in the short sale are paid by the lender, so do not attempt to maneuver through this process without professional help.

You can contact me at 813.629.5757, or via email: mailto:Jackie@RealEstateSizzle.com

Posted by Jackie Colson-Miller   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   09.24.2007

Tampa is #1 Buyer’s Market in the Country

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Real Estate, Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends, Sellers, Tampa Real Estate Market

Forbes Magazine just ranked the top 5 Buyers Markets in the U.S.

According to the article , Tampa has an oversupply of housing available, due to investors, but it is also a resilient housing market, due to economic and job-growth projections. Arbor_greene5

Here are the top 5 Buyers Markets, according to Forbes Magazine:

1. Tampa

2. Minneapolis

3. Miami

4. Kansas City, MO

5. Chicago

With low mortgage rates and plenty of inventory to choose fromIts Time to Move!