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Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Certified International Property Specialist
NAR Liaison to Austria
Tampa Real Estate
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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« Previous Entries        

Moving to Tampa or PCS to MacDill AFB? Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

Tampa Real Estate and The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, every day, on the Real Estate Sizzle…

The Tampa Real Estate Market, especially homes in the Tampa suburbs, has a unique “fee”, or “tax” that out-of-town buyers are unfamiliar with. That is, what is known as a “CDD fee”. If you are looking for a newer home in the Tampa area, chances are good that you will buy a home in a community with a CDD fee, since some of the best neighborhoods, in the best school districts in Tampa, have CDD fees.   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.

Looking for the “best” neighborhood in Tampa? It depends on your lifestyle! and your price point. Let me know what you are looking for and I can help find the perfect neighborhood for your family. Hillsborough County has some EXCELLENT schools, including 3 high schools in the Top 100 High Schools in the US. Contact me today!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island,  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!

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. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.01.2011

What Are The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? The Best School Districts in Tampa? Consider Harbour Island for the Plant High School District

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Flood Zones in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Gorrie Elementary, Harbour Island, Hyde Park Real Estate, International Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, New Tampa, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

If you are moving to Tampa and looking for a home, and a neighborhood, that offers a “low maintenance” lifestyle in the heart of the city, Harbour Island may be for you! Located in the Plant High School District, it is the MOST desirable school district in the County. Rated in the “Top 100 High Schools in the U.S.”, families with children and busy professionals enjoy the lifestyle and the resale value of the Plant High District and  Harbour Island.

I have two homes under contract on Harbour Island, for two families with children of all ages,  who were looking for GREAT Schools, a safe neighborhood, and being close to all of the wonderful things to do in Tampa, especially close to Downtown Tampa and Hyde Hyde Park. When families, with children, are looking for the combination of “family friendly” neighborhoods and “good schools”, they must make a choice between South Tampa and it’s many neighborhoods, including Harbour Island, or one of the many suburbs outside of the City of Tampa.  It is confusing at best! If you are moving to Tampa and need help…just make the search easier for yourself and email me!

Here’s the scoop on Harbour Island….just south of Downtown Tampa, it is in the Gorrie Elementary, Wilson Middle and Plant High School District…

On the waterfront, just blocks from downtown Tampa, Harbour Island offers the combination of prestige, convenience, 24 -hour security in a gated environment, and a comfortable lifestyle, in a variety of neighborhoods. You can walk to Jackson’s Bistro for dining on the Terrace, or over to the Channelside area for dining, movies or shopping. The Harbour Island Athletic Club has a pool, tennis, spa and the ultimate workout facilities. The St. Pete Times Forum, home to The Tampa Bay Lightning, is just a short walk from home. Harbour Court and Seddon Cove feature condominiums with city, or waterviews, with prices starting in the 200’s . Townhomes are available in several neighborhoods, ranging from the 300’s to the 600’s in Harbour Bay. The Keys is a “Key West” style neighborhood with single family home prices  from the 500’s. Villas dominate Port Royal and St. Tropez, with non-waterfront starting in the 700’s and waterfront prices over 1 million. Single Family Homes  are available from 800K and up! The quiet streets are filled with kids (and parents) biking through the neighborhoods.

Considering a move to Tampa? Contact me! You can expect to find a home in Tampa, in desirable school district,  from 300K to several million.  There is  a neighborhood for every budget! Read some of my previous articles on Relocation to Tampa, or Tampa Neighborhoods:

Davis Island,

Cheval

Moving to Tampa? Check the School District!

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! Just give me specifics of what you are looking for and you will receive the newest listings on the market!

 

You can search my site, on the right sidebar, for any article related to Tampa Real Estate, Neighborhoods, or Restaurants.  Just type in a search word in the search box!

You can read my restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon, too!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.12.2011

Finding the “Best Schools” in Tampa and The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? You Will Need Some Expert Help!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gorrie Elementary, Harbour Island, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Mitchell Elementary, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, New Tampa, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Restaurants in Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa and Assistance with Relocation to Tampa, every day! Looking for the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Places to Live in Tampa or the Best Schools in Tampa? Contact me for more assistance!

When a family with children is relocating to Tampa, or PCS to MacDill Air Force Base, their concerns are all the same….Good Schools, Safe Neighborhoods that are family-friendly and a reasonable commute to their job location.

Tampa, the largest city in Hillsborough County, is a very large Metropolitan Area.   Depending on where you choose to live,  your commute can vary from ten minutes, to over an hour.  MY role, in helping families to narrow their options for neighborhoods and school, is to gather information about THEIR family, THEIR children’s academic interests, social activities, etc.  I recently had a request from a family who MUST have a specific Latin course available for their High School aged-child.  Since Latin is not a standard offering at every high school, I needed to do some research.  Ironically, the person who heads the ‘foreign language’ department at the County School level gave me “incorrect” information, so I did my own research and found two high schools which offer the “must have” Latin courses, in one of the neighborhoods which I had already “targeted” for their needs,  and their price point.  While they are in town this month, they will visit those schools, so we can further narrow their neighborhood options.

The internet is a great place to “search” for houses.  The right Real Estate agent searches for YOUR home, based on YOUR needs.  I have been relocating families to the Tampa area for 17 years. I have three children who have been through the Private and Public AND Magnet school systems in Hillsborough County. My youngest is still in High School. I know the “family friendly” neighborhoods…I don’t have to search for them!  I treat every family, as if it were my own! If you are moving to Tampa, or PCS to MacDill Air Force Base, and are looking for experience that goes beyond “internet searches”…contact me today! After chatting with me for five minutes, you will sense that I, absolutely, love what I do!

In addition to helping with finding the perfect house, I love to chat about Living in Tampa and all of the great things to do.

If you enjoy unique restaurants and great food, you can check out my “other” passion, which is writing about all of the interesting restaurants in the area. Check out my page on Urban Spoon and read all of my restaurant reviews!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island,  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!

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. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

I can help you find the perfect home, AND recommend a great restaurant.  Read my restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon…just click on the link below!

RealEstateSizzle.com Tampa Bay restaurants

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.30.2011

Where are the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? The Best Schools in Tampa? Tampa Relocation News

Filed under: Avila, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Historic Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Newsome High School, Plant High School, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Schools, Waterchase, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for your family?  PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 15 years.

What is the BEST neighborhood? That is different for every family, and every price range. The Tampa area has many different areas at all price ranges, from city living in South Tampa and the Plant High School District, to the northern reaches of the county. Some families choose Pasco county for slightly lower property taxes.  How to decide where to live? That’s easy…contact me.  Internet searches are no substitute for an experienced real estate agent.  I think searching for homes on the internet, without the knowledge of the area, neighborhoods and schools, makes it MORE confusing for anyone considering a relocation to Tampa.

Tell me about your family situation, work location, desired commute time, school needs and your social life, along with your housing needs and price range.  I can quickly identify which areas and neighborhoods might suit your needs!  This is the busy season, so if you are trying to find the perfect home before the end of the year, now is the time to start when the inventory is most plentiful!

You can read some of my previous articles on “Moving to 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, Pasco County, 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   |   1 Comment »   |   09.08.2010

Where are the Most Family-Oriented Neighborhoods? The Best Schools In Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Expert to Help With Your Move to Tampa

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Schools and the Best Neighborhoods for your family?  PCS to MacDill?

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 15 years.

What is the BEST neighborhood? That is different for every family and every price range. The Tampa area has many different areas at all price ranges from city living in South Tampa and the Plant High School District, to the northern reaches of the county and some families choose Pasco county.  How to decide where to live? That’s easy…contact me.  Internet searches are no substitute for an experienced real estate agent.

Tell me about your family situation, work location, desired commute time, school needs and your social life, along with your housing needs and price range.  I can quickly identify which areas and neighborhoods might suit your needs!  This is the busy season, so if you are trying to find the perfect home this summer, now is the time to start when the inventory is most plentiful!

You can read some of my previous articles on “Moving to 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, Pasco County, 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   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.01.2010

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, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, 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 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   |   5 Comments »   |   12.18.2008

Where Are The Best Schools in The Tampa Real Estate Market?

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Schools

Many families are searching for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market. 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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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.07.2008

Bad News for Wall Street is Still Good News for Homebuyers in The Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, MacDill AFB, South Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

 Earth to chicken little…the sky is not falling!

Maybe it’s time to turn off the television, or stop reading the newspaper, because the bad news in the financial industry is overshadowing the fact that this is an AMAZING time for homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market! 

Homebuilding starts are down, foreclosures are up, and the combination of Chev_1“cheap money” and “high inventory” means BARGAINS galore for the Tampa homebuyer!  Home prices are down 25–30%, over the values of several years ago. So, while the financial news LOOKS bad…this is the BEST time to buy a home in decades!

FHA limits of $292,500, with a good credit score and 3% downpayment are still available!

What are you waiting for???? Next Year?  That is not a good plan.  We have nearly reached the “Bottom” of the real estate market in Tampa, so NEXT YEAR the bargains will be gone and you will say, “I wish I had bought that house LAST YEAR”…

Turn off the television and start that house hunt today!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, 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 Estate contact me!  

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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   09.17.2008

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Neighborhoods in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buyers, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle!

Tampa is home to MacDill Air Force Base, which includes Central Command, Centcom, as well as SoCom.  The entire Tampa Bay area is filled with military families from all branches, as well as civilians who are employed as military consultants.

This summer,  I have been busy relocating several military families into the Tampa area. In the Tampa Real Estate Market, there are many neighborhood choices for military families.

Their  questions are always the same…Where are the best school districts in Tampa and…Which neighborhoods are affordable, and convenient, to MacDill Air Force Base?

 Families with children are often on a budget and need a combination Boxes_moveof larger homes, good school districts and reasonable prices. Most families dont want to commute more than 30 40 minutes to get to MacDill AFB, so that narrows their focus to Westchase, New Tampa or the Brandon, Valrico, Riverview areas. For those with smaller families, singles, or couples, they may want to live close to the base in South Tampa. Housing prices are higher, but offer many options with condos, townhomes and single-family homes in historic neighborhoods. Living in South Tampa keeps them close to the base, as well as downtown Tampa, and just minutes to the airport, and the neighborhoods include some of the top-rated schools in the U.S.

 Check on the Tampa Neighborhoods section on right sidebar on The Real Estate Sizzle, or you can search for any category in the search box on the right, for more information on the Tampa Real Estate Market.

You can read some of my previous articles on Tampa Neighborhoods:

Palma Ceia…the “Plant High School” neighborhood

Hyde Park..a historic neighborhood in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Golf Course Communities:

Cheval

Hunter’s Green

Westchase

Davis Islands

I can help with your move to any Tampa Neighborhood, or provide information on the Tampa School Districts, contact me today!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.19.2008

The Tampa Real Estate Market and CDD fees in Neighborhoods

Filed under: Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

This summer I am relocating many families to Tampa, and explaining the various “nuances” about the Tampa Real Estate Market.  One of the “most asked” questions is “What 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   |   1 Comment »   |   07.29.2008

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