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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Moving to Tampa? Be Prepared to Move Quickly! Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, Real Estate News, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

Moving To Tampa? Looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? When families are moving to Tampa, everyone is looking for the same thing…”The Best”….it could be the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, it could be the Best Waterfront in Tampa, The Best Schools in Tampa. The family situation may be unique, but, “The Best” is always part of the househunting equation.

My role, as the Buyer’s agent, with nearly 20 years of experience, is to guide those relocating to Tampa to find what is “Best” for them. I ask a lot of questions about lifestyle and their current neighborhood, city vs. suburbs, commute time, work location, ages of the children, any special needs…you name it, I ask it! Lately, I have had to inform the potential buyers that our market has changed. The “Best” houses, and the “Best” neighborhoods are selling quickly. Multiple offers are common. I tell buyers to focus on a few neighborhoods that they like because the house they saw on the internet yesterday, might, very well, be under contract today. If you are planning a move to Tampa, please contact me as soon as possible, so I can start to search the perfect neighborhood for you and your family. There is no substitute for “seeing” a neighborhood in person, or chatting with me on the phone about all of your options.

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 .

For assistance in finding a house in Tampa, or any of the surrounding suburbs, the Plant High School District, which is #38 in the US, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

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I also LOVE Great Food, so check out my Restaurant Reviews on the Urban Spoon….!


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India’s Gril “Fires Up” the Tampa Restaurant Scene

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Buying a House in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate

When a friend mentioned there was a new Indian Restaurant that she had heard great things about, I quizzed her about the location. “It’s in a gas station near Westshore Plaza”, she said. She’s a vegetarian, from London, who knows great Indian food, so I was skeptical. HUH? Seriously? She could tell from the look on my face that I was doubtful about her story, so I said, “Let’s go and find it”…and we did.

We have since returned to India’s Gril again…and again…and again. Without a doubt, India’s Gril has some of the most flavorful Indian Food that I have ever had. Flavorful! Delicious! And, yes, it’s in a gas station. Well, technically, it is adjacent to a gas station, but very unassuming. When I RAVE about a lunch buffet, it HAS to be amazing. I don’t do buffets and I don’t do “cafeteria style”…just not my thing. But, I could eat lunch here every day and never tire of it!

Carnivores and Vegetarians, alike, are happy with four meatless and four chicken/beef/goat entrees every day, with a nice mix of Masalas, Khormas, the spicier Vindaloos, and traditional Tandoori and butter chicken, along with yogurt sauces, chutneys, salad and dessert. I love the goat masala…in fact, I think it’s one of my favorites, so don’t be shy about trying it! The vegetarian dishes are always different but perfectly spiced. I wish they offered cooking classes! The owner is wonderful and now recognizes us( not hard as few of the diners are American)! I almost hate to write a review, as now the place will be packed, but I will fight the crowds, and limited parking, for great food. India’s Gril is the perfect spot for a fabulous lunch, from 11-3, including Saturday. They also serve dinner ala carte, so that is next on my list!

India's Gril on Urbanspoon

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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Where are the Best Neighborhoods In Tampa? The Best Schools In Tampa?The Best Resource for Moving to Tampa is Here!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, MLS Listings in Tampa, Real Estate News, Relocation, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

January marks the beginning 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 17 years of relocation experience, let me help you with your home search in Tampa. You can find a variety of homes ranging from New Construction in Gated Communities to Historic Neighborhoods in the city of 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! If you wish to set up a home search, just contact me with your criteria!

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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It’s Restaurant Week in Tampa…Enjoy!

Filed under: Real Estate News

This is Restaurant Week in the Tampa Bay area, with many of the restaurants featuring prix fixe menus, of three courses, for $25, $30, or $35.

What a great way to try some of the best Restaurants in Tampa at reasonable prices!

You can find a complete list of all of the participating restaurants, and their menus, right  here.


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The Real Estate Sizzle in Washington, DC…Great Restaurants…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Real Estate News

I have enjoyed the past few days attending a conference in Washington DC. To my delight, it happened to be “Summer Restaurant Week”, with many of the best restaurants in the city participating in “prix fixe” menus for Lunch/Brunch and Dinner. I had done plenty of research prior to my trip, and had a list of many “must try” places, including plans to visit all of these restaurants, but was pleasantly surprised with the opportunity to sample more of the menu items at each venue, during this special week.

“Restaurant Week” prices, in all of the participating restaurants, were set at $20.10 for brunch/lunch and $35.10 for dinner. What a
great way to enjoy some amazing food at rock bottom prices! Most restaurants also offered a “flight” of wines with each menu. Tampa, are you listening? Get with this program!!!

This was my culinary adventure, last week ,in Washington, DC:


Breakfast/Brunch

POSTE Moderne Brasserie

This top-rated restaurant is located in the classic Hotel Monaco in Penn Quarter. The sleek styling and open kitchen offers diners eggs from local farms, and is focused on sustainability, including greens from their own garden. While deciding on my options for the three-course brunch (for $20.10), the wait staff provided a basket of fresh baked goods, including scones, croissants, fruit bread and a blueberry square on the order of “blueberry bread pudding”. At that point, I knew I was in for a treat. The first courses sampled were the “house made” doughnuts with chocolate ganache, lemon curd and seasonal jam fillings, as well as a granola parfait. The yeast raised, sugar crusted treats, served with a cherry crème fraiche sorbet, were the stuff our sweet tooth dreams about! As I gobbled them, I realized I had forgotten to take a picture, so the waitress happily obliged me with a fresh batch for the photo op! The granola parfait was served in a martini glass, perfectly layered with fresh yogurt, granola, blueberries, strawberries and a drizzle of organic honey! Oh my! I sent pictures ,via my Blackberry, to my favorite foodie friend in Tampa!

Next up, …the Eggs Hussarde .The poached eggs were nestled atop a marchand de vin sauce in the perfectly spiced and crusted potato skins. After devouring them, with the side of nueske bacon and a simple arugula salad, I was wondering how I could possibly manage the “final course”…the 8th Street Market Cobbler. This final “delight” arrived “en pot” fresh out of the oven. A mélange of perfectly chosen blueberries and peaches was topped with just enough sweet and spice to tantalize the tastebuds. A scoop of crème fraiche sorbet “topped” it off.
We enjoyed mimosas, fabulous food and very attentive service. This restaurant would be on my “must go” list for the next trip to Washington, DC.
Poste on Urbanspoon

LUNCH
At the top of every “list” I had seen about great restaurants in Washington, DC, one name kept reappearing…Zaytinya. Described as Mediterranean/Greek, I was expecting something one might find in a typical Tarpon Springs restaurant. Wrong, I was. The glassy, open and contemporary, Zaytinya, occupies a prime corner in the Penn Quarter area. I stopped in for a “late” lunch after a full day of sightseeing. Also participating in the “Restaurant Week” adventure, I was beginning to REALLY enjoy this concept of the long, leisurely, multi-course lunch, which I so loved while living in Europe many years ago. I settled in at the bar and the affable bartender offered me the menu, along with the “Four Course Lunch” ,for this special week. Four Courses, fourteen options…this was getting to be lots of fun!
I chose the crispy eggplant with roasted garlic-yogurt sauce as my starter. The generous portion arrived perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection. Next up, the Garides Me Anitha..sauteed shrimp swimming in a delightful blend of dill, shallot, mustard and lemon . I had to pace myself, at this point, and ordered a glass of Tempranillo, a great choice for the third course…Lamb Kleftico…tender morsels of lamb, with feta and spices, wrapped in phyllo and served with a dill yogurt. It was sublime! The finale, was a “shot glass” of Muscat-soaked apricots , vanilla yogurt cream, apricot sorbet and chopped pistachios…a festival of flavors for my tastebuds. Some of the “regulars” were lamenting the recent loss of Zaytinya’s Executive Chef. No need…this place is “humming” with a great staff and a creative menu. The bar was packed on Friday night, so consider this a “must go”…and RUN!
Zaytinya on Urbanspoon

DINNER
Scouring the reviews for the “perfect” DC Restaurant prior to my trip, I settled on the unique, CEDAR
, both for it’s menu , rave reviews and unique location and secured a reservation in advance. Nestled in a basement space, in the restaurant-filled Penn Quarter, it was small, quiet and intimate, the perfect respite after a long travel day, at the best table in the house… A quiet corner to relax and enjoy the feast ahead. This was my “first” adventure for Summer Restaurant Week and a very special one, indeed. Cedar was offering a Three Course dinner for the “Restaurant Week” Price of $35.10, along with a Wine Pairing with each course for $20.
The bread basket arrived with a side of unsalted butter and sea salt, a nice European touch.
Of the five offerings for appetizers, we chose a Market Lettuce Salad with fennel, corn, tomatoes, parmesan and an mustard-tarragon vinaigrette. This light tasty mix was served with a Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay, from the Loire Valley. Light and crisp, with no hint of oak, it was the perfect choice.
Partial to Red Wines, I chose the Roasted Beet Salad with dates, carmelized pecans and goat cheese, appropriately paired with the Spanish Garnacha Campos De Luz. Other unique offerings included a Crispy Pork Belly with watermelon/jalapeno jelly, Chilled Corn Soup with Blue Crab and a Marinated Calimari.

The Creekstone Farms Flat Iron Steak was served with white bean ragu, bacon, green garlic and pea tendrils. It was deliciously paired with a Rutherford Ranch Cabernet, one of my favorites, and not listed on the wine list! The Grilled Fin Tuna with cherry tomato confit was perfectly done and paired with the same Chardonnay as the salad. The staff was very willing to “swap” wine pairings, as they did when I ordered my dessert course and opted for a St. Germain/Elder Flower Liqueur & Champagne, in lieu of the assigned Riesling, which paired with a heavenly Yellow Peach-Almond Crumble Cake topped with Tahitian Vanilla Chantilly. Due to a mishap in the kitchen, we were able to sample ALL of the desserts that evening. The Coconut Tres Leches Cake with passion fruit sauce arrived overdone and was promptly replaced with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Bar with Candied hazelnuts…a chocolate lover’s dream.
CEDAR earns major kudos on every level….creativity, ambiance, service and quality…put it at the top of your list for great restaurants in Washington, DC.
Cedar Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Of course, there are some “less than memorable” Restaurants…let’s say they are on my “didn’t love it” list.

Bistro Bis
Highly recommended, I stopped in for a nice breakfast to “power” me for a long day of sightseeing. While the corned beef hash was delicious, and the poached eggs perfectly “runny”, as requested, the staff was “stiff and rude”. It felt like a scene from the Stepford Wives. No personality. No verve. No return visit.
Bistro Bis on Urbanspoon

Acadiana
This restaurant was touted for their char-grilled oysters and New Orleans Style food. The large space and outdoor patio were busy and the bar area was packed on a Friday night. The service was slow and the wait staff a bit surly, with a 15 minute wait on the bottle of wine. I ordered a Red Snapper that I am convinced was really Grouper, which arrived uncooked. It later reappeared seemingly “trimmed” of my initial bite and, I suspect, had been “microwaved”. Nothing special here…plenty of better options in DC.
Acadiana on Urbanspoon


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My Endorsements in Hillsborough County Primary Races…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Real Estate News, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Things to Ponder

The State and Local Primary Races have become hotly contested topics in recent conversations.  Since the 2008 Election, I have committed to be more involved in the political process… a commitment to know the candidates that I am voting for. As a result, I have had the benefit of meeting nearly all of the candidates* in these races and have asked them some tough, and pointed, questions. I have listened to their speeches, their histories and their personal philosophies. I have listened and listened and listened….for consistency,  and ethics.  I have read their body language and have  seen how they respond to difficult questions. Some candidates squirm and evade real answers.  Their names are not on this list. While I do not agree 100% with ANY candidate, I will always vote for the candidate that answers my questions with eloquence and honesty.

While many voters are using the “rail” issue as a litmus test for a candidate this year, I have not used that  single issue as a reason for, or, against an endorsement in any race.  I care more about ethics, business experience,  and a commitment to more efficiency and less waste in Government. I want to see “principles” not “promises”.  Enough said.

At a political fundraiser several years ago, I met an eloquent, fiscal conservative, who gave the following message, with respect to cutting the State Budget in Tallahassee: “This is the year for “requireds”, not “desireds” and that is the message we need to “get” in Florida this year”.  It was a memorable speech. He is a memorable candidate. I took that message home to my kids that night. My son, 16 at the time, rolled his eyes at me and exclaimed, “Mother, you really need to stop going to those political events”.  I laughed, and told my son that would not happen. I’m involved in the process!

Who was that candidate? Jeff Atwater!

Here are my endorsements in the State and Local Republican Primary:

Florida Governor – Bill McCollum

Florida Chief Financial Officer – Jeff Atwater*

Florida Attorney General – Pam Bondi

U.S. Senator – Marco Rubio*

US House District 11 – Mike Prendergast*

13th Judicial Circuit Group 4 – Liz Rice*

Hillsborough County Commission*

District 1 – Trey Rustmann*

District 2 – Victor Crist*

District 5 – Ken Hagan*

District 7 – Mark Sharpe*

Rep District 56 – Irene Guy*

Rep District 67 – Greg Steube*

Vote…Make a Difference!


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Looking for a Deepwater Lot in South Tampa! Tampa Real Estate

Filed under: Real Estate News

I am looking for an oversized lot on a deepwater canal, lagoon, or Open Bay in Beach Park, Sunset Park or Davis Islands. I have clients who are ready to build!  If you have a property that is not currently listed, please contact me today, either by email, or phone…813.629.5757

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Best Restaurants in Tampa? Try the “Yummy House”!

Filed under: Real Estate News

Chinese Food would normally be LAST on my list of dining choices, so when I RAVE about the Yummy House you must ignore your experiences with the typical “mushy” chow mein, or “chinese buffet” that is your “typical” Chinese food experience.

One bite of the Salt and Pepper Calamari and you will be hooked! The combination of ginger, garlic and scallions is “right on” …spicy and flavorful. Not on the menu, you can also have the Grouper done this way, as well. In my opinion, anything done “Salt and Pepper” style is amazing. For “traditionalists”, try anything with the XO sauce and don’t miss the Hot and Sour Soup. While the menu has a plethora of mind-boggling choices, always check the daily specials and ask the waiter for recommendations. On my last visit, I had baby clams, in the shell, sauteed with ginger and scallions…. by far, some of the best, most flavorful, mollusks I have ever tasted.   Quite a feat, since I am from New England, where clams are practically served every which way, even for breakfast! Now, I ask for that dish even though it’s not on the regular menu.  They are very accomodating with special requests.

Every visit to the Yummy House requires a new dish to try!  Last week, the Grouper in Coconut Curry Sauce called my name from the “specials” board.  The fish was fresh, perfectly seasoned and absolutely delicious.

Be prepared to wait for a table, but it is worth it! The servings are huge, so order several different items to share and count on a return visit!

The Yummy House does not serve beer or wine, so BYOB. There is no corkage fee!
Yummy House on Urbanspoon


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Taps Wine and Beer Hits the Spot for Downtown Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Channelside Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Restaurants in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods

I had heard really mixed reviews about Taps Wine Bar  since it’s entry on the Downtown Tampa Restaurant Scene.  A prime location on the ground level of Skypoint, the only Condo Skyscraper, it has a natural clientele with the “resident GenX/yuppie crowd” who inhabit the glassy tower.

I stopped in for a bite after a movie at the Tampa Theatre nearby, and was pleasantly surprised.  A female vocalist, Kim, was crooning sweet melodies and keeping the back room crowded, so we headed to one of the sofas in the front room and settled in for a bite.   The atmosphere was very relaxing and the servers were very apologetic about being busy. I thought they were fairly attentive, though they continued to apologize for the slow service.  Though the menu is a beer drinkers delight, we focused on the wine list and perused the dinner menu. I ordered the Ridge Zinfandel, which I really enjoy and  is hard to find on a wine list. One of the managers, “Matt”, suggested I try the Prisoner Zinfandel Blend instead.  His suggestion was “right on” with a blend of Zinfandel, Cab and Syrah, it was bold and rich with just the right “berry” fruit finish. Next up, he suggested the Carmenere, from Chile and poured me a sip! Rich and dark, but not heavy tannin, I could taste a hint of current and oak.  It was very smooth and a great alternative for Cabernet drinkers. With a glass of that in hand, I was ready to order a bite to eat.

The variety and reasonable pricing would please most palates, from appetizers to salads, sandwiches and desserts, it was a decent “noshing” menu.  The Far East salad was delicately flavored and loaded with fresh Ahi Tuna.  It was delicious.  The cheese plate featured five very generous portions of various domestic and imported cheeses, salted nuts and sliced fruit.  My only complaint was the lack of a “blue” cheese and a sharp knife. Overall, the food and wine pairings were very good and I will definitely be back for more “sampling”.

Servers were busy, but they continued to check on us and Matt seemed thrilled to have a couple of adventurous “guinea pigs”  for his wine recommendations.  The music was great and the atmosphere cozy…check it out and tell me what you think!

Taps Wine & Beer Merchants on Urbanspoon

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Plant High School Makes “Newsweek Top 50″ List…Tampa Real Estate News…Best Schools in Tampa

Filed under: Plant High School, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa

 Plant High School, in South Tampa, was the only non-magnet school in the Tampa Bay area to make the “Top 50″ list of the Best High Schools in the U.S, according to Newsweek Magazine.

Are you looking for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market, relocating to Tampa, or have orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Do you need information about the Best Schools in Tampa? Every week, I receive inquiries about Tampa Real Estate in the Plant High School District.   I live, and work, in the Plant High District in Tampa, so I know it very well!

Plant High School is located in the South Tampa neighborhood of Palma Ceia , just south of the Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, which is part of Tampa zip code 33629. A variety of housing styles, from 1920s Bungalows to Stately homes along the fairways, sit on brick streets, lined with grandfather oaks.

It is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in South Tampa!

In this little “nook” in the Tampa Real Estate Market, Prices range from $300,000 to several million! Just 5 minutes to downtown Tampa or Tampa General Hospital, and 10 minutes to the airport, it is a very convenient neighborhood for the busy professional. The proximity to Plant High school makes it a top choice for families moving to Tampa!

You can read some of my previous articles about homes in Tampa neighborhoods, which are located in the Plant High District:

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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