Tampa Real Estate Sizzle…Your Best Source for Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Neighborhoods, South Tampa Real Estate, Florida Condominiums and The Latest News on The International Real Estate Market
Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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Archive for November, 2007
Another Push for More Tax Reform in Florida…Tampa Real Estate Market News
Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida
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….
Marco Rubio, Florida’s Speaker of the House, is back on the scene this week, pushing for a sharper property tax cut. Just two months before the vote on the current proposal, which would save the average Florida homeowner a mere $240.00 per year in property taxes, Rubio is back on the tax-cut bandwagon.
The plan calls for a flat 1.35 percent cap on all property taxes. Easy to understand…a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $1350 per year in taxes. The 3% per year, Save Our Homes, cap, would remain and the existing $25,000 homestead exemption would be preserved. Property owners would see an average 26% drop in their tax bill. This is similar to California’s Proposition 13.
Rubio is lending support to the group, “Cut Property Taxes Now”, a coalition formed to get the tax-cut initiative on the ballot. You can read more, and download the petition here.
I commend Marco Rubio for continuing to persevere for the property owners in Florida, despite opposition from the Governor, the unions, special interest groups and many lobbyists in the State. We need more politicians in Florida who are focused on Florida, and not focused on getting to the White House.
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, Hunter’s 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 | 1 Comment » | 11.29.2007
Moving to Tampa? You MUST move in before January 1, to Qualify for Property Tax Exemption! Tampa Real Estate Market News!
Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Property Taxes in Florida, Real Estate News, Relocation, 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.
What is the rule to qualify for the Homestead Exemption in Florida, to get a reduction in your property taxes?
The property must be your primary residence
You must occupy the property on January 1, of the year you are claiming the homestead exemption.
You must file the necessary paperwork before March 1, of the year you are claiming the homestead exemption.
You can learn more about the Homestead Exemption and get the application online.
When you are buying a house in Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, you are probably aware of the homestead exemption , but few people understand the requirement to own, and occupy, the home on January 1, in order to qualify for that year. Real Estate agents are wise to counsel their clients to close on their homes before the end of the year, to ensure qualification for the tax break.
This is critical when buying a vacant property. If the seller has purchased another home, or left the state, chances are good that the property has lost the current homestead exemption, and if the property closed on January 2, or later, the buyers would not qualify for the homestead exemption until 2009. Property taxes are paid in arrears. The tax bill for 2008 will be issued in November of that year.
I have clients moving from Japan who wanted to close on their home(which is vacant) in January, but I counseled them to close two weeks earlier because of the tax advantages. Anyone looking to purchase a home in the next few months, should consider buying in December to take advantage of the homestead exemption!
The Property Tax System in Florida is under revision, and the debate, as the January 29 amendment vote approaches, is heating up! If you have been reading The Real Estate Sizzle for any length of time, you know that I am passionate about this issue and am committed to informing my readers about the implications of tax reform to the property owners in Florida. I am pushing for a plan that is best for the long-term, not a quick fix. Ill be bringing you the latest proposals, along with a petition to sign for a BETTER plan, tomorrowso dont miss it! You can still vote in my straw poll on the Tax Amendment 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 Estatecontact me!
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Posted by jackie | 1 Comment » | 11.28.2007
‘Tis The Season…For “The Nutcracker”…Tampa Real Estate Market News and More!
Filed under: Real Estate News
One of my favorite things about the Holiday Season is seeing a performance of Tchaikovskys , The Nutcracker . The ballet, performed by the Orlando Ballet Company and featuring the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, begins this weekend at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Over 100 children from the Tampa Bay area will be performing.
You can check for performance times and buy your tickets online.
Moving to Tampa? Looking for Tampa Real Estate? 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 Estatecontact me!
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Posted by jackie | Click Here To Comment » | 11.27.2007
Thinking Outside the Box…In Life…and In Real Estate…Tampa Real Estate News, and More!
Filed under: Real Estate News, Things to Ponder
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.
Last week I was inundated with well-wishes for Thanksgiving Happy Turkey Day Gobble, Gobble , and the like. Some years ago, I decided to revolt against the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It goes along with my think outside the box mentality! This year, I enjoyed a lovely, succulent, seafood-stuffed lobster. It happens to be my favorite mealand one of my specialties.
I sent a Thanksgiving card that said Save a Turkey, Eat a Lobster! I thought about the millions of Americans who followed tradition, and feasted on turkey, dressing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie! Traditional and predictable. Tradition is comfortableit evokes warm and fuzzy feelings. People are creatures of habit and, for many, change is uncomfortable.
While I was enjoying my lobster, I thought about how this year in the real estate industry was also about thinking outside the box , and making changes in your business plan, in order to be successful How traditional methods of marketing, such as newspaper advertising, were no longer effective means to sell a home How traditional agents were still wasting their Sunday afternoons waiting for few buyers to visit an open house. I was thinking about how just talking about Real Estate topics on my blog, The Real Estate Sizzle, had pushed me out of the traditional Real Estate Worldhad gotten me thinking outside the box . I was thinking about how my International Property Specialist designation this year has resulted in business from foreign investors, as well as Americans seeking properties abroad. It was a year to think globally , not just locally .
Its a new world in the Real Estate industry, one that requires going beyond finding buyers in the local market. With over 80% of the buyers searching for homes on the internet, real estate agents who are still using traditional methods to sell homes will be outsold by those who understand that a changing market requires changing your approach. If the Pilgrims could not longer find turkeys, I expect they would have learned to set some lobster traps instead. They would have adapted to a changing environment. Can you?
Today, just for fun, make ONE change in your everyday routinebreak from tradition. Take a different route on your way home. Order something unusual for lunch. Wear a color that you would not usually choose. Think Outside the Box and see what a positive effect it can have on your dayyour business and your life!
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 Estatecontact me!
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Posted by jackie | 2 Comments » | 11.25.2007
Florida Property Tax Reform…The Votes are Already Rolling In!…Tampa Real Estate News
Filed under: Florida Real Estate, Property Taxes in Florida, 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….
The latest proposal in Florida Property Tax reform saves the average homeowner a whopping $240.00 per year. It allows a one-time portability of the “Save Our Homes” exemption, but doesn’t address the long-term issues and problems inherent in the current tax system. The issue goes to a vote on January 29…along with the Presidential Primary election.
In a recent poll, my readers voted overwhelmingly AGAINST the proposed amendment. As of today, 87% of my readers are voting NO!
You can express your vote, and read my thoughts on the Property Tax situation in Florida, here!
I like to hear YOUR opinion!
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, Hunter’s 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 | Click Here To Comment » | 11.23.2007
Home Buyers…Now Is The Time to Buy a House in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate Market News
Filed under: Buyers, Real Estate News, Relocation, 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.
It is all over the Media Buyers Market in Tampa Buyers Market in Tampa . Many buyers are waiting for the market to bottom out . Last weekend, I heard someone say they were going to wait 2 years before they bought anything. BAD MOVEin some neighborhoods, the market is starting to recover. Waiting two years will mean prices will be up anywhere from 5 -20%depending on the area. The time to buy is NOW.
For a comical look at why buyers should not wait, you must read Denny Ohs take on buying vs. leasingtrophy wives and housesIt is too funny!
If you are buying or selling a home in Tampa, or anywhere in the world, 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, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real EstateLooking for Real Estate in Panama, Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Austria, Spain, France, Bucharest??…contact me!
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Posted by jackie | 3 Comments » | 11.21.2007
Real Estate Blurbs, Advice and Blogger Buddies…Tampa Real Estate News
Filed under: Buyers, Real Estate News, Tampa, Where is Jackie Now?
If you have been “tuning in” this week, you know I am in Las Vegas for two real estate conferences. During my blogging hiatus, I am bringing you some great articles from other real estate blogs that I enjoy!
Bob Fortner, Raleigh Real Estate Talk offers some great insight about the appraisal process!
One of my ABSOLUTE favorite blogs is authored by Marketing Guru, Seth Godin. It’s not about real estate, but he always has something interesting to say. I’ll be attending one of his sessions at the conference this week!
We use “price per square foot”, in Tampa, when we are trying to determine the “right” price. Matt Lanning has some interesting thoughts on that subject in the San Francisco market.
Sara Brosier, writes about “Days on the Market” over at Kuna Country. Our MLS system DOES provide the entire history of how long a home has been on the market, but every area is different.
Since it’s Friday, you must enjoy a little Friday Fun with Teresa Boardman in St. Paul…she is a hoot…and has some great photos!
Don’t miss what Ines is up to.. over at Miamism!
Reading blogs from around the U.S. and around the World, gives me great marketing ideas and plenty of real estate advice. I have enjoyed sharing some of my favorites with you this week. If you like what you have been reading, you can bookmark your favorites, or sign up for an email feed. Over on my right sidebar…toward the bottom, you can click on “Blogs I Read” and enjoy a little more from the Real Estate Blogosphere.
See you on Monday! Have a Great Weekend!
If you need help with buying a home in Tampa, Selling a Home in Tampa, or relocating anywhere in the World…contact me!
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Posted by jackie | Click Here To Comment » | 11.16.2007
Real Estate News from Everywhere!…Tampa Real Estate News and MORE
Filed under: Real Estate Blogs, Real Estate News, Where is Jackie Now?
I am in Las Vegas this week for the fall FIABCI conference and the National Association of Realtors Conventionsome days I am triple-booked, so I am taking a break from blogging. Enjoy some of my favorite Real Estate bloggers, while I am away!
Here are some interesting articles from some of my favorite Real Estate Bloggers around the U.S.
Jennifer Klaussen talks about the latest VA Mortgage News on Arlington Dirtdont miss this if you are a military buyer.
Lessons in Life from Jennifer Steck at Central Denver Blog.
Helpful hints to prepare an Emergency Box from Gena Riede at Sacramento Real Estate Voicesgreat advice for hurricanes, too.
More tomorrowHave a Great Day!
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Posted by jackie | 1 Comment » | 11.15.2007
Support Tampa Businesses for “America Unchained”…Tampa Real Estate News…and More
Filed under: Real Estate News
On Saturday, November 17th, join millions of Americans as they shop at local merchants and boycott the chain stores for “America Unchained”…an effort to keep local dollars in the local economy.
You can add 19 MILLION dollars to the Hillsborough County Economy, just by patronizing area shops on Saturday.
Many merchants are offering discounts! Visit the Tampa Independent Business Alliance website for a list of places to shop… and stay out of the chain stores…which is a good practice every day!
In Stowe, Vermont, one of my favorite places in the U.S., local residents managed to eliminate McDonald’s from their community, just by supporting local merchants and restaurants! You won’t find WalMart, Home Depot or Toys R Us there either!
In Tampa, visit Vintage Wines, Mise en Place, Inkwood Books, and more…stay out of Macy’s!
I will be shopping locally on Saturday…How about YOU?
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Posted by jackie | 1 Comment » | 11.14.2007
The Photos in The Filmstrip…Where In The World Are They?…Tampa Real Estate News
Filed under: Historic Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate
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.
I am often questioned about the photos scrolling in the filmstrip in the header! Florida residents may recognize some of them, but out-of-town readers are pretty curious about where the photos were taken.
The boat photo was taken in Tierre Verde, a waterfront community in the St. Petersburg area. It is followed by a pier in Florida, a beach on the Island of St. Barts, The University of Tampa(famous for the minarets), Pisa, Italy, a house in Provence and a penthouse in St. Petersburga little of everything from Tampa, Florida and Around the World! And, yes, I have been to ALL of those locations.
If you are moving to Tampa, or dreaming of a beachfront condo in Panama, I can help!
This week, I am in Las Vegas for the FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation) Fall Conference, along with the National Association of Realtors Convention. Though I have been to many cities all over the world, this is my first trip to Las Vegasa Vegas Virgin , you might say. Ill be back on Monday, November 19, loaded with new marketing ideas and innovation for my business. Tomorrow, you will read articles from some of my favorite real estate blogs, so be sure to tune in!
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Posted by jackie | 1 Comment » | 11.14.2007
