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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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'Luxury Homes in Tampa'

« Previous Entries        

Moving to Tampa?The Most Important Thing About Buying a Home in The Tampa Real Estate Market

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

THE LATEST NEWS ON THE TAMPA REAL ESTATE MARKET, BUYING A HOME IN TAMPA, TAMPA NEIGHBORHOODS,  AND REAL ESTATE ISSUES AROUND THE WORLD, EVERY DAY, ON THE REAL ESTATE SIZZLE…

 

Moving to Tampa? PCS to MacDill Air Force Base?  Looking for expert advice in the Tampa Real Estate Market?

When you are buying a home in the Tampa Real Estate market, or anywhere in the World, you should NEVER fail to get a Home Inspection done to check for any structural, or mechanical, defects in the home you are buying. With the number of “foreclosures” on the market being sold “as is”, it is VERY important that you have any home you are intending to buy inspected by a PROFESSIONAL Home Inspector.

Very often, buyers are trying to save money by having a “friend” who claims to be a contractor do the inspection. BAD IDEA. Home Inspectors are certified through ASHI, a professional association of Home Inspectors. They have specialized training, standards to uphold and checklists they can follow, eliminating the likelihood that they might “miss” something. While no inspector is perfect, the more training the inspector has, the more thorough he is likely to be in examining the home for any possible defects, especially those not visible to the untrained eye.

Davis_water

Occasionally, you will need to hire additional inspectors, depending on the home. A waterfront home generally will require a seawall inspection, or a dock inspection. Property in a rural area may warrant a septic inspection or well inspection.

Wood-burning fireplaces should really be inspected for any loose mortar, or creosote build-up. I recommend a local chimney sweep for those inspections. Radon inspections are common in many areas East of Tampa and that requires a cannister to be placed in the home for several days, then collected, and tested, for the presence of Radon Gas.

While the cost of inspections is not inexpensive, the cost of NOT uncovering a problem until after you are the homeowner can be HUGE. Ask your Real Estate Professional for the best inspectors, not the cheapest ones!

If you would like to receive a list of homes in a certain price range…send me an email! I have been relocation families to Tampa for 17 years and have had three children in Private Schools, Magnet Schools and Public Schools! If you need help finding the RIGHT Neighborhood for your family, please contact me today.

I can help with your move to any Tampa neighborhood, or Real Estate Listings in the Tampa area, including: South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estate…contact me!

 

 

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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   01.03.2012

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

Beach Park and Sunset Park…Great Neighborhoods in the Plant High School District…Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, 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.”

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”.

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.

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 »   |   05.02.2011

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 School Districts in Tampa?

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Harbour Island, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Schools, Waterchase, Waterfront Homes in Tampa, Westchase, Westshore Yacht Club

It is  the height of “Relocation Season” in Tampa…that time of year when families are planning moves to the Tampa Bay Area to coincide with the start of the next school year.  Every family with children is looking for the same things…GOOD SCHOOLS!   Hillsborough County has one of the Top-Rated School Districts in the State, with many options for students of all talents.  With over 16 years of relocation experience, let me help you with your home search in Tampa.

With a population of over 1 million, the Tampa Area is widespread, so there are many different neighborhoods to choose from in the 300K to over 1 million range.  From City Living to Waterfront Homes to  Golf Course Communities, families moving to Tampa have many options.

If you are planning a move to Tampa, contact me, to help choose the perfect home for your family!

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

Beach Park and Sunset Park, Great Neighborhoods in the Plant High District

Tampa Neighborhoods from $300,000 to $500,000

Where are the Best 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, 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 »   |   04.29.2011

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

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

Harbour Island…A Popular Neighborhood in the Plant High School District…Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Buying a House in Tampa, Celebrity Homes inTampa, Channelside Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods

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.

Popular with boaters, there are a limited number of slips available on the Seddon Channel. On the waterfront, just blocks from downtown Tampa, Harbour Island offers the combination of prestige, convenience, 24 -hour Harbour baysecurity 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 startinPort royalg 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 prices from the 600’s. Villas dominate Port Royal and St. Tropez, with non-waterfront starting in the 800’s and waterfront prices over 1.5 million. Single Family Homes are available from 1 to 5 million.

I just listed this townhome for $389.000!  Located in the Plant High School District, and walking distance to Downtown, it is the perfect location!

Considering a move to Tampa? Contact me! 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!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.03.2010

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

Moving to Tampa? Start Searching for Tampa Homes Ahead of the Crowds…Tampa Real Estate Searches and More

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Florida Real Estate, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate

Finding a home in the Best Neighborhoods, or the Top-Rated School District in Tampa, means start EARLY!

This is “Relocation Season” in Tampa!  Many families, with school-aged children, are busy “house-hunting” in the Tampa area, so they can get settled in time for the new school year, which begins in August. This is a busy time of year for a PCS To  MacDill AFB, as well.  Moving to Tampa with children involves, not only finding the best neighborhoods, but it also requires some research about the best schools in Tampa. Most families want to get settled during the summer, but the best homes, at the best prices, are the FIRST to sell.  If you are looking for the most choices in the Tampa Real Estate market, you should start looking NOW.  By June, or July, your options will be limited and the “best” homes will already be sold! The earlier you start house hunting, the more likely you are to find exactly what you want in the Tampa Real Estate Market.

If you are moving to Tampa, or looking for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, and you have children, finding the right school will be at the top of your “to do” list!  Hillsborough County is the 8th largest school district in the Country and has many top-rated schools, both Nationwide and Statewide.

Each street address has a specific “school district” assigned to it, but another option to consider is one of the many “Magnet Schools” available at all grade levels.

I deal with a heavily “International” clientele.  Many of my clients have bi-lingual children and want to immerse them in a curriculum that is focused on languages and international studies.  I, personally, studied at a French elementary school and later at a university in Switzerland.  While studying Russian History in French may not appeal to everyone, it is EXACTLY the kind of challenge that many students thrive upon!

Hillsborough County offers the Interational Baccalaureate programme at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels. MacFarlane Park Elementary,  offers the IB program at the primary level, focused on ages 3–12.  Located on MacDill Avenue, close to South Tampa, MacFarlane Park Elementary is rated in the top 1% of all Florida School.  You can find more information about their program here.

Hillsborough County offers Magnet Programs in Math, Science, Arts, Performing Arts, International Studies and more.  Before you enroll your child, consider all of the options available to you.  To be considered for a magnet program, there is an application process and a spring deadline for the following school year.  This is the time to start investigating your options for the 2009–2010 school year.

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:

 

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!

 

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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 »   |   02.01.2010

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