The Real Estate Sizzle

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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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'Hyde Park Real Estate'

« Previous Entries        

Boca Kitchen Bar Is “Smokin”…New Restaurant Opens in Hyde Park

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, CIPS, Hyde Park Real Estate, Living in Downtown Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent

I have been driving past Boca for several weeks, in the old “Smoke” space on Platt St.   Happy to see “Smoke” evaporate(you can find that review here, too), I was looking forward to a new look, AND, a much better menu.
I made reservations for lunch, and was joined by my favorite “foodie” friend, which is always an epicurean adventure of multiple courses! Thankfully, they have enclosed the outdoor patio, so the space itself is much roomier AND air conditioned. We were promptly greeted by Erika, who, truly, ranks among the “rock stars” of wait staff. She was beyond attentive and, by the time we got to dessert, I think she was “reading our minds”. More on that later…
We decided to share one of the Flatbreads as a first course, and my friend wanted one with the Burrata Cheese, so we ordered the So-Cal…Spicy Tomato Jam, Tomato, Burrata Cheese and Basil Pesto. The toppings were absolutely the freshest, but the crust was a little tough and it needed some salt. No salt, or pepper, on the table, is one of my pet peeves, but Erika promptly brought us some fresh sea salt and pepper. ** Note to all restaurants**…please put salt and pepper on the table!
Our Entrees were the Steak & Egg Salad, and one of the day’s specials, an Oyster PoBoy with Homemade Chips.
I like my steak to “moo” and my eggs to “cheep”, or they are too well done. I am very specific when I place an order and the kitchen delivered the dish perfectly…Grilled Flank Steak, Grilled Radiccio and Frisee Greens with a fresh fried egg and a blue cheese crumble vinaigrette, all done with the appropriate “rareness”. It was fabulous…and HUGE!


Not a fan of Oysters, I had to trust my friend when she showered praise on her PoBoy, especially the house-baked Ciabbata bread and fresh horseradish on the side. Now, really full, but what’s a food review without dessert, right? In deciding to “share”, we were discussing our options in front of Erika and had narrowed it to Hot Chocolate Truffle “Bon Bons” with Strawberry Fields Cream or The Homage to Ybor…a red apple cobbler with dolce de Leche Ice Cream, Nutella Ganache and smoke Coconut Crumb. We never actually “told” Erika what our choice was, but she overheard me discuss my aversion to Strawberry(and only Strawberry) Ice Cream and placed our order for the Homage to Ybor. Great service!
Upon exiting, we were greeted by the chef, Chad McColgin, who took our “flatbread” critique very well and we chatted about our enjoyable dining experience. We left with a basket of assorted, locally grown tomatoes, as Boca Kitchen Bar is also a “market” for some local produce and unique products made in-house.
I can’t wait to head back to Boca for dinner!
Boca Kitchen Bar Market on Urbanspoon

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.21.2012

The Best Schools in Tampa Are Some of the Best Schools in the US!

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Bloomingdale High School, Davis Islands Real Estate, Harbour Island, Hyde Park Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Newsome High School, Plant High School, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate

Tampa Schools Received National Recognition, once again! In the Washington Post’s High School Challenge, High Schools across the United States were “ranked” using the following criteria: The number of Advanced Placement Classes, International Baccalaureate Classes and College Level Tests a school had given in 2010 was divided by the number of graduating seniors.

This method insures that the size of the student body did not influence the rankings.

 

H. B. Plant High School, Tampa

The Tampa School District is a “Countywide” District.  Hillsborough County Schools  have plenty to brag about! Ten of the Hillsborough County High Schools made the “Top 500″ High School List and Three of the top 100 High Schools in the US  are in the Hillsborough County School District.  Once Again, H.B. Plant High school, with a U.S. ranking of 38th “Best High School in the US”,  is the only non-IB school of  the top three schools in the District.

Below is the list of the Ten Hillsborough County (Tampa Schools) that made the Top 500 High Schools in the U.S.

I have also noted if they are an International Baccalaureate School, or a Magnet School.

National Rankings for Tampa Area High Schools

#38     H.B. Plant High School, Tampa (South Tampa Neighborhood)

#52     C. Leon King High School, Tampa  (International Baccalaureate Program)

#56     Hillsborough High School, Tampa (International Baccalaureate Program)

#129   Wharton High School, Tampa (New Tampa Neighborhood)

#195    Newsome High School, Lithia  (FishHawk Neighborhood)

#251    Gaither High School, Tampa (Carrollwood Neighborhood)

#254    Freedom High School, Tampa, (Lutz, New Tampa Neighborhoods)

#299    Bloomingdale High School, Valrico (Bloomingdale, Valrico Neighborhoods)

#407    Blake High School, Tampa (Downtown and Magnet School for the Creative, Performing and Visual Arts)

#492     Chamberlain High School, Tampa (Carrollwood Neighborhood)

If you are moving to Tampa, you have some GREAT school choices! Any questions??? Contact me today!

You can read the The Washington Post Ranking America’s Best High Schools 2011, for more information.

 

The Latest News on The Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Moving to  Tampa, The Best Tampa Schools and Fun Things to Do in Tampa are here, every day, on The Real Estate Sizzle.  Contact me for ANYTHING, you need about moving to Tampa!

For more information about the Tampa Real Estate market,  New Homes in Tampa, Tampa Builders, Tampa Neighborhoods, including Lutz, 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 »   |   07.19.2011

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

Great Places for Lunch in Tampa…Lauro Ristorante…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Market

The First in a Series on “Great Places for Lunch” in Tampa.

One of my favorite things about selling Real Estate, is introducing newcomers to some of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. I live, and work, in the Plant High School District, so Lauro’s, on Henderson Blvd, is one of my absolute favorite places for lunch, not only for the food, but the atmosphere.  There are plenty of “loud” places, with each of them boasting to have the “best sandwich” for this, or that! Plenty of places where you stand in a very crowded  line, place an order and try to find a (dirty) table where you “wait” for your name to be called.  I don’t do “cattle call” lunches. No cafeteria style. No one screaming my name, or my number, to get my lunch.  It’s neither cheaper, nor more convenient, to dine in one of those places, but it is really annoying.  It’s just not my “thing”.  My work days are hectic.  When I take a break for lunch, I like to sit, relax, peruse the menu and be served by a professional wait staff, not a gum-chewing, tatoo bearing,  piercing loaded, post-teen/pre-adult who doesn’t know on which side of the plate to place a fork.

I have been “lunching” at Lauro’s for years. I love it when one of my friends calls and says she is in the mood for a “Lauro” day.   The same staff greets us at the door. They know our favorite table. The dining room is quiet, the servers are professional  and the owner is always mulling about checking on things.  The lunch specials can’t be beat, as they include the entree and a soup, or house salad.  My favorite soup is the cream of mushroom, but the lentil soup or minestrone are also good choices.  Try a Trout Cleopatra or Grouper Livornese. In the mood for Pasta? The gnocchi, agnolotti and lasagna are all fabulous.  The staff is very accommodating and you can order any fish, or pasta, in any style or sauce.  Each lunch entree comes with either pasta or vegetable. I doubt you will have room for dessert, but you should try the tiramisu!  So, you’ve just had a fabulous lunch, in quiet surroundings, for the same price as one of those “cattle call” places…what kind of lunch hour would YOU prefer?

Try Lauro for dinner….they are offering a three-course meal for $22.50!

Lauro's Ristorante Italiano on Urbanspoon

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!

For more news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, go to my Home Page.

For more of my Restaurant reviews, go to my Urban Spoon profile!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.06.2010

PCS to MacDill AFB? Homebuyer Tax Credit Has Been Extended for Some Homebuyers…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, First-Time Homebuyers, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Hyde Park Real Estate, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

Moving to Tampa? Looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? Where are the Best Schools in Tampa? Are you relocating for PCS or a position at MacDill Air Force Base?

This is “relocation time” for many families, civilians and active duty military who are moving to Tampa for a job transfer, or position at Centcom, SoCom or MacDill Air Force Base.  While the Homebuyer tax credit is expiring in June, there is a special exception for active duty military who have been deployed for at least 90 days, prior to May 1, 2010.  For those who qualify, the homebuyer tax credit has been extended for one year.

If you have more questions about the tax credit extension for active military, or are looking for a home in Tampa, or need advice on the best Tampa neighborhood for YOU, please contact me today!

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   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.26.2010

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

Congress Takes a Vacation and Leaves Flood Insurance and the National Real Estate Industry in Limbo…Is That an Economic Stimulus Package? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Contract, Florida Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Insurance, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

If you are under contract to purchase a home which requires Flood Insurance, anytime between March 29, 2010 and April 12, 2010, you can forget about closing on time! Why?  Your elected representatives in Washington, have suspended the National Flood Insurance Program by failing to enact legislation which allows the program to continue! Where are they? On “hiatus”… which is a polite word for “vacation”. Off sunning themselves in the Caribbean, perhaps?? On a late spring ski trip to Colorado? Where “aren’t” they… is the question. They are NOT sitting in their seats in Congress and attempting to remedy this MESS that they created.  They left all of their constituents without any means to obtain Flood Insurance, which is required in the purchase of many homes throughout the US.   Your Congress tied the National Flood Insurance legislation to a piece of unemployment legislation that ended in a filibuster.  What??? For three days the Real Estate Industry has been reeling from the effects of this “idiotic and careless” move on the part of the Federal Government.  What does unemployment benefit legislation have to do with flood insurance? Nothing, unless you can count the increased number of unemployed workers who will be end the result of this “government bureaucracy” at work!!

All  homebuyers closing in the next two weeks, who need flood insurance,  are “left in the lurch” until Congress sees fit to “restore” the National Flood Insurance Program, perhaps on April 12.  How much more “government” can we stand???  How about no “hiatus” for our elected officials. How irresponsible can the US Government be to require every American to have health insurance and work through the night to pass THAT legislation, despite the objection from the majority of their constituents, yet, in the same month, leave homeowners without the ability to purchase flood insurance for more than two weeks.  How irresponsible of the US Government to  take a vacation, and further hurt the U.S. economy, by stopping hundreds of thousands of Real Estate transactions from taking place in the month of April.

How irresponsible of the American people for continuing to vote for the same, irresponsible actions, by the same irresponsible elected officials who continue to fail their constituents and hurt the ever-flailing US economy and workforce. How irresponsible of the mainstream media for failing to make  this “hiatus” on the part of the US Government and the economic consequences to hundreds of thousands of homebuyers and sellers front page news. This is a “disaster” of major proportions in the Real Estate Industry this month. What does the media talk about? The Final Four.

How much irresponsibility can we place on others, if we do not vote these irresponsible legislators out in November. As, for the media, don’t buy a newspaper, or watch a news channel that doesn’t report “real” news. 

Now, I’m off to explain to my buyers who have traveled over a thousand miles to buy their home, how THEIR elected officials have turned their lives, along with the lives of their three children, upside down…without warning, just because they CAN.  But, rest assured, I will also be sending them a link to their Congressman’s website and a link to the Hillsborough County Voter’s Registration site…so, they are ready for November!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.31.2010

Buying a House in Tampa? Hurry, Or You Will Miss Out On Homestead Exemption

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Homestead Exemption, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News

The Latest News in Tampa Real Estate, Buying a Home in Tampa or anywhere in the World!

We are in the “end of year crunch”  with buyers who are trying to close on a home in Tampa before the end of the year. WHY? It’s all about getting the “Homestead Exemption”!

Florida Law allows for up to $50,000 to be deducted from the assessed valuation for a primary residence, which can significantly lower your property tax bill for a home in Tampa, or any city in Florida.

For example, If your home is “assessed” for $300,000, and it is your primary residence, once you file for a “homestead exemption”, your property tax bill will be based on $250,000, not $300,000.

Once you purchase a home in Tampa, in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must file an appication with the property appraisers office. You need only file once, and must reside in the home, on January 1, of the first year you are claiming the Homestead Exemption. JANUARY 1, 2010….YOU MUST RESIDE IN THE RESIDENCE BY THIS DATE, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR 2010.  Many lenders are “backed up” and cannot close your loan in 30 days, especially if you are missing any documentation for your loan application.  Read my latest article on “Buying a Home in Tampa in 30 days”! In Hillsborough County, in order to qualify for the Homestead Exemption, you must file your application prior to March 1, 2010.

You can download the forms, here, and then see the list of County offices where you can file the application for the Homestead Exemption.

Don’t wait…you will find long lines as it get’s closer to the deadline!

It’s a buyer’s market in Tampa!  I can help find the perfect home in any Tampa neighborhood!

Read some of my previous articles about finding the right neighborhood in 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, 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 »   |   11.18.2009

Moving To Tampa? Why Plant High is Among the Best Schools in the Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

The Tampa Real Estate Market, which is primarily Hillsborough County, is filled with “A” Rated Schools. But, when parents are looking for the Best Schools in Tampa, and the best neighborhoods in Tampa, they delve a little deeper into the differences between the various top-rated schools.

Plant High School, in South Tampa, consistently ranks among the best high schools in the U.S.  Nationally ranked in the top 100 high schools, for the fourth consecutive year,  by Newsweek Magazine, you can count on a top-quality education for your student. 

What makes Plant High School stand out among the rest??? Motivated students, a multitude of Advanced Placement and Honors Courses and a top-notch faculty produce a student population in which 97% of the graduates go on to college.

In the 2009 graduating class at Plant High School, 57% of the graduates earned a 4.0 GPA, or better! That is impressive!

For information about buying a home in the Plant Hight School District, moving to Tampa, or relocation to MacDill AFB, send me an email!

Looking for real estate in Tampa? Need a list of the “A rated” schools in Tampa?  Send me an email today!

 

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or Selling a house in Tampa, I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including:

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   06.08.2009

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