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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

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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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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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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Why Online Home Searches Cost Homebuyers Time and Money! Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are moving to Tampa, or anywhere in the world, you are likely among the large number of homebuyers who begin with an “online” search for homes.  Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia and many of the other home search sites are often the “first stop” for homebuyers who are new to an area. They are a good “starting point”, simply to gauge the prices in a particular neighborhood, but they are NO substitute for the knowledge obtained from a local real estate agent. This article was prompted by an email this morning, from a client in New Tampa who has a friend moving to Seattle.  The friend has been shopping online for Seattle Real Estate.  She is confused about neighborhoods and pricing! Of course she is!  She needs a local real estate agent…not Realtor.com!

Here is are some interesting statistics:

87% of all Homebuyers begin their home search on the internet

In the past 15 years, NONE of my clients have bought a home they found on the internet.

Why? Because every online listing is presented to look “attractive”, but what you see is rarely what you get.  Listing agents use photos and descriptions to “entice” a buyer. They don’t show the neighboring homes in disrepair, the proximity to commercial properties, the old roof, or any other “undesirable” aspects of the home. Sites like Zillow, which estimate the market value of a home, don’t use accurate information for square footage, or recent sales.

Unlike buying a “Sony camera”, or a specific book or, perhaps a Nintendo Wii on the internet, no two homes are exactly alike, so you can’t “comparison shop” for homes, the way you would for any other product.

Buyer’s agents listen to what a homebuyer is looking for in terms of price, neighborhood, commute, schools and other amenities. There is NO substitute for the knowledge of a local real estate agent who knows “street by street” the different neighborhoods in Tampa.

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, 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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Tampa Real Estate News…New Condominium Disclosure in Florida

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Disclosure, Florida Condominiums, Florida Contract, Florida Real Estate Law, MacDill AFB, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Tampa Real Estate Market, along with most of the coastal areas in Florida are filled with condominiums.  As of January 1, 2009, a new Condominum Disclosure must be provided to the buyers of a “resale”, or “non-developer” condominum in Florida. 

This form, called the Condominium Governance Form, details the rights and responsibilities of the condominium board, voting rights for unit owners, meeting notices and other details concerning ownership of a condominium unit within a specific building. 

If you are a condominium owner in Tampa, or are considering the purchase of a condo in Tampa, you should review the form and understand the requirements of the disclosure to a potential buyer.  If your property is for sale, you should gather the latest copy of the Condominum Documents for your association, along with any addendums, meeting notices, or information about special assessments.  If you do not have a current copy, you should order one from your association, since you will need to provide the new Condominium Governance Form, along with the all of the information required by the form, to a potential buyer!

If you have any questions about the new form, or are interested in buying, or selling a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, contact me today!

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, including: South Tampa, MacDill AFB, 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….send me an email!


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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, 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 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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Mortgage Rates at 4.5%?? A Gift for Homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, mortgage news, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

The latest news on The Tampa Real Estate Market, Buying a House in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods and International Real Estate Issues, every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

The Tampa Real Estate Market is “abuzz” today with the news of mortgage rates dropping to 4.5%.  My phone has been ringing all morning.  Is it true?

Maybe!  The Treasury Department is considering the purchase of mortgage-backed securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which would encourage lenders to lower 30–year fixed rates to 4.5%, thereby stimulating activity in the housing industry, with a “trickle down” effect to the rest of the economy. The Treasury Department is expected to make a decision as early as Monday. So, stay tuned.

My advice?  If you are looking for a home in Tampa, or looking to invest in the real estate market, THIS IS THE TIME.  There are plenty of bargains, and foreclosures, in Tampa Real Estate, as well as the Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market.  Sellers are willing to negotiate. When the rates drop again, you need to LOCK and BUY! 

What does that mean?  Most lenders will “lock” your interest rate, for a certain length of time, usually 30 – 45 days. If you are a homebuyer, you need to be prepared to move quickly, to lock an interest rate, find a home, and close in 30 days! Take advantage of the “Best Buyer’s Market” in recent history…low interest rates and lower home prices are a homebuyer’s dream!

Looking for Tampa Real Estate?  Bargains? Foreclosures? Great Neighborhoods and School Districts in Tampa?  Contact me today, for help with the homebuying process, or a local mortgage lender!

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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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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The Dollar is on the Rise…Foreign Investors Should Buy Florida Properies Now! Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Clearwater Beach Real Estate, International Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

Foreign Investors have been “eyeing” waterfront properties in Florida for over a year!  With declining prices in the Florida Real ClearwaterbeachEstate Market, many foreigners have been waiting for the prices to drop even farther.  But, the dollar has been on the upswing recently, so playing the “waiting game” is perhaps not the wisest strategy.

Using the exchange rate for the Euro, a European Buyer would have paid $270,000 USD in January vs. $283,000 USD, today, for the same condo priced at $400,000.  As the dollar continues to improve in foreign markets, the “cost” of buying property in the US will increase.  Waterfront properties in the Tampa Bay Area and the Beaches are selling at 20–30% less than several years ago, so this is DEFINITELY the time to buy!

Waterfront prices range from the 300’s to over one million.  For more information on buying waterfront, or beachfront property in Florida, contact me today!

Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Redington Shores, Bellair Beach, Sand Key, Sunset Beach, Treasure Island, Tampa Real Estate


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The Tampa Real Estate Market is a “Bargain”…See the Most Overpriced Markets in the U.S.

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buyers, Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase

Looking for a bargain? The Tampa Real Estate Market is one of the best values in the U.S. this year. With housing prices down 20%, and more, over 2007, Tampa Real Estate is the place to invest!

In contrast, have a look at some of the most “Overpriced” Zip Codes in the U.S., as announced this week in Forbes Magazine.

Looking a home in the Tampa Bay area? Send me an email and let me know what area and price range you are looking for…and be glad you aren’t looking in San Jose California!

You can read some of my previous articles about the Schools in Tampa and Information about moving to Tampa.

Hyde Park…One of the Top-rated School Districts in Tampa and the U.S.

New Suburb Beautiful

Tampa Schools Receive Top FCAT scores

What is the Best Tampa Neighborhood for YOU?

For information on any neighborhood in Tampa, homes in the highly-rated school districts, or if you are relocating to Tampa, please contact me.

It’s a “Buyer’s Market” in Tampa! If you would like to receive listings in a certain neighborhood, or price range, just let me know! Looking for Real Estate in Tampa or information about the Tampa Real Estate market? Moving to Tampa? 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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Foreign Investors Invade The Clearwater Beach Real Estate Market!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Clearwater Beach Real Estate, Florida Beachfront property, Florida Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

 The Latest News on the Tampa Bay Area Real Estate Market every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

Florida is the place for British and European Investors! While dining, and relaxing by the pool, on Clearwater Beach this weekend, it seemed everyone was speaking a foreign language!  There were Danes, Norwegians, Australians, British and Europeans everywhere I went! We had much discussion about the Clearwater Real Estate Market and the “value” it represents for foreign investors in 2008! 

 

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, or Real 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 country’s currency, political stability, it’s 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” articles…stay tuned…

If you would like to receive notifications of new articles on the Real Estate Sizzle by email…click 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, 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…Panama, Costa Rica, Europe, U.K…contact me!


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