The Real Estate Sizzle

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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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 Best Places to Live in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Best Places, Buying a House in Tampa, Historic Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Places to Live, Plant High School, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Schools, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The latest news on the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, Moving to Tampa and PCS to Macdill Air Force Base….
Many Families are searching the Tampa Real Estate Market for homes in highly-rated school districts in Tampa.  The Plant High School District is always at the top of that list.  Here is another article in my series on “Plant High School Neighborhoods.”  Plant High School is one of the “Top 100 High Schools” in the U.S., so I am always relocating families into the Plant High School District.
I have been spending a lot of time in Beach Park and Sunset Park lately, as I am looking for a “teardown”, for some clients who are looking to build a new home in the Plant High School district.
Beach Park and Sunset Park, two well-established South Tampa neighborhoods, run South of Kennedy Boulevard and East and West of Westshore Boulevard and border Tampa Bay.  Large lots, along with grandfather oaks, line the winding streets that Tampabeachparkhave been popular since their development in the 1950’s.  Brick ranches, Mediterranean and Traditional styled-homes fill these neighborhoods which include waterfront homes in Beach Park Isles and Sunset Park Isles, commonly known as the “fingers”, which dead-end into Tampa Bay, making this area very popular for boating enthusiasts!

Grady and Dale Mabry Elementary Schools, Coleman Middle School and Plant High School are all “top” rated, making Beach Park and Sunset Park an ideal choice for families with children. Just a ten minute drive to Tampa International Airport, or Downtown Tampa, it is very convenient for the busy professional!

Prices range from $400,000 to several million. For a list of the homes available in Beach Park, or Sunset Park, you can contact me today!

You can read some of my previous articles about Tampa neighborhoods:

New Suburb Beautiful

Parkland Estates

Culbreath Isles

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   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.12.2010

Would You Live in A Chicken Coop? Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Places to Live, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Things to Ponder

Doorout(Large)In the Tampa Real Estate Market, you will find plenty of “cool” places to live that were converted from historic buildings, or warehouses, especially in the Channelside district,  and even a former “bread factory”, as is the case with a recent project in the Hyde Park area.

In other parts of the world, and the U.S., it’s not unusual to find former churches, or other structures with unique architectural qualities, being converted to residences. It’s a nice departure from the “tear down and build new” mentality. But, there are some structures that normally don’t render themselves to a conversion for  residential use. In many rural areas, you will find former farms with many “outbuildings”…barns, garages and, of course, chicken coops.  Would you live in a chicken coop???

Guest(Large)I asked that question recently as my daughter and son-in-law moved to a former “Chicken Coop” in Sonoma County. That’s right…a chicken coop. Ironically, both mothers asked the same question…”Does it smell?”…I guess that’s a “mother” question. The chickens are long gone, so apparently the odor went with them!

In the middle of a vineyard, with a few goats and wild turkeys nexVines(Large)t door, the photos convinced me that life was pretty sweet in the chicken coop. What do you think?  Could you live in a chicken coop?

Are you looking for a “unique” property of your own?  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!

For more information about the schools in Tampa, or assistance in relocation to any Tampa neighborhood, contact me today.

 

 

 

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.18.2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

While most of my articles on The Real Estate Sizzle are about the Tampa Real Estate Market, you will find plenty to read about living in Tampa, fun things to do in Tampa and great places to eat in Tampa.  Check out my favorite restaurants and read my reviews at Urban Spoon!

How about a “Google Alert”? I stopped reading the newspaper and get the majority of my “real estate news” via google. You can set up an an alert for “Real Estate Sizzle”, or “Tampa Real Estate”, or any subject you are trying to follow.  When an article is posted on that subject, whether it’s in the Wall Street Journal, the local news, or on a website, “google” will find it and email the link to you!

Do you want to receive listings in any Tampa, St. Pete, or Clearwater Beach area?  That’s easy…send me an email and tell me what you are searching for!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Culbreath Isles, MacDill AFB,  South Tampa, Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Channelside, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Houses in the Plant High School District, Tampa Schools, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa, the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, or International Real Estate contact me today.

 

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.26.2009

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

Looking for a “Walkable Neighborhood” in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Pet Friendly Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Market

One of the great things about “City Life”  in Tampa, or anywhere in the World, is the ability to walk to shops, restaurants, schools and more.  I’m a “City Mouse”.  I have enjoyed life in cities where I walked, hopped on the tram, or traveled by train every day!

At Walkscore, you can check the “walkability” of any neighborhood!  What a great idea for someone new to town, or looking for a house in a specific neighborhood. 

It’s easy…type in the street address and you get a “walkability score”, along with all of the closest stores, bars, restaurants, schools, libraries and more! It also gives you a detailed map, with the all of the local “joints” indicated by location! Very cool!

I live in a very “walkable” neighborhood in South Tampa. If you are looking for the perfect Tampa neighborhood for your family, contact 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, Clearwater Beach, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real.  Questions about the best “Walkable” neighborhoods in Tampa…send me an email!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.10.2008

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

How to Buy A Home in The Tampa Real Estate Market…Despite the Economic Crisis! Get an FHA Loan!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Historic Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Real Estate Market

Americans are “paralyzed” this week, as we watch various Financial Institutions crumble.  They are being “gobbled up” by bigger, and healthier, financial institutions. The European financial markets are experiencing the same issues and the Euro has fallen against the dollar this week.   Whether you call it, the “survival of the fittest”, or see it as the Free Market Economy at work, homebuyers in the Tampa Real Estate Market need to be assured that mortgages are still available! And, yes, mortgages are available.

What loan product is available?  What is the minimum down-payment?  Can a seller help with closing costs?  These are common questions for a home-buyer, but are even more important, given our current economic climate.

For the “under $300,000” price point, the best option is an FHA loan!

Here’s Why:

1. Loan limits of $292,500

2. Only a 3% downpayment

3. Seller can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price towards closing costs

4. Buyers with credit scores under 680 are considered

At higher price points, other mortgage products, other than VA loans, require larger downpayments and certain credit scores. In the Tampa Real Estate  market, with record low prices gettting an FHA is a great option!

For the latest listings in the Tampa Real Estate Market in all price ranges, or help with an FHA lender, please contact me today!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.01.2008

Find the Best Schools and The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News

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

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

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

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

Golf Course Communities:

Cheval

Hunter’s Green

Westchase

Davis Islands

Tampa Schools

Relocation to MacDill Air Force Base

Hyde Park

Find the Right Neighborhood in Tampa

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

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.07.2008

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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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   07.30.2008

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