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Tampa Real Estate Sizzle…Your Best Source for Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Neighborhoods, South Tampa Real Estate, Florida Condominiums and The Latest News on The International Real Estate Market

Jackie Colson-Miller

Jackie Colson-Miller, CIPS
Certified International Property Specialist
NAR Liaison to Austria
Tampa Real Estate
Direct - (813)629-5757
Homeward Real Estate
3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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Moving to Tampa?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 Estatecontact me!

 

 


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Moving to Tampa With Time Warner? Find The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and the Best School Districts in Tampa

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Davis Islands Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, Harbour Island, Hyde Park Real Estate, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, New Tampa, Newsome High School, Places to Live, Plant High School, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

We are busy in the Tampa Real Estate Market. Unlike many cities in the country,  Tampa has plenty of families moving to the area for new positions and many job opportunities!  The school year has started, but families are hoping to relocate before the new year and the beginning of the next semester. This is the time when many families are searching for a home in the Tampa Real Estate Market to move right after the holidays. With Time Warner announcing it’s move to the Tampa Bay Area, more than 500 employees will be looking for the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa and The Best Places to Live in Tampa. The big question is…”Where are the best schools and the best neighborhoods in Tampa? The answer…it is different for every family and every “desired commute”.

Tampa is a great, family-oriented city. Located between the attractions in Orlando and the Gulf Beaches, along with one of the Best School Districts in the U.S., it is a fabulous place to live! I promise that you will NOT have to drive in snow, sleet, or freezing rain!

For more in-depth information on Tampa Schools and Tampa Neighborhoods, you should contact me today. I have been relocating families to the Tampa area for 17 years. I have three children who have been educated in both the public and private schools, along with the Magnet Schools. Most of my clients are busy professionals, or  families with children and I counsel them about the BEST choices for THEIR families.

Tampa is a large metropolitan area with many neighborhoods and many options at all price ranges, ranging from Gated Communities to Waterfront to City Living.  I can set up an online search for your specific needs, so send me an email, or give me a call, at 813.629.5757, so I can help narrow your options and find the Best Place to Live in Tampa for YOU!

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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Luxury Homes in Tampa/Where are Luxury Homes in The Best School Districts

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf course communities in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, Steinbrenner High School, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are relocating to the Tampa Bay area and looking for a home in the “Luxury Home Market”, you have several options. For resale, of course, remember it’s all about…Location, Location, Location.  Even if you do not have children, you must be concerned about the Best School Districts in Tampa and the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa, when you are buying a home in the Tampa Bay Area.  Also important, is the proximity to the Best Restaurants in Tampa and Shopping, etc.

One of the nicest areas, Lutz, is in the Steinbrenner High School District.

This is home features 6 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, den and media room with 6000 square feet, on a golf course and pond  lot. In a gated community, with 24 hour guard gate, priced at $889,950.

Convenient to the Veteran’s Expressway, it is an easy commute to Tampa International Airport and just fifteen minutes from the upscale shops at International Plaza.

For information on this home, or any home in the Luxury Real Estate Market in Tampa, contact me today!

If you would like to receive new listings, in any price range, as they come available, just send me an email and tell me about your housing needs and the type of neighborhood that you are looking for.

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Listing and Photo Courtesy of IDX

 

 

 


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New Tampa…One of the Best Neighborhoods and Best School Districts in Tampa

Filed under: Best Areas to Live in Tampa, Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Cheval Homes, Golf course communities in Tampa, New Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

Where are the Best Neighborhoods in Tampa? Where are the best schools in Tampa? Many of my clients are choosing the “New Tampa” area, which is convenient to I-75, and located in the NW section of Tampa. Why?

New Tampa offers new or “newer” construction, highly rated schools in Tampa, nicely landscaped neighborhoods and plenty of shopping and restaurants within a five mile radius. With the majority of homes priced from 250K to 500K, it is a popular area for families with children and military relocation to MacDill Air Force Base.
There is plenty of golf, tennis and various activities in each of the New Tampa neighborhoods.
New Tampa House
You can find the latest listings in New Tampa here, or, contact me, for more specifics about other options for the Best Neighborhood in Tampa for your family! If you are interested in new construction, most of those homes are not listed, so contact me with a specific request for new homes in Tampa in the best school districts in Tampa!

For seventeen years, I have been moving families into all of these wonderful Tampa Neighborhoods in top-rated school districts in Tampa:

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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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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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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Buying a House in Tampa? It’s a “Pet Friendly” City!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Pet Friendly Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Westchase

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Buying a House in Tampa, and Great Information about Living in Tampa…every day on The Real Estate Sizzle…

After a busy weekend of “house hunting” with some “out-of-town” clients and their sweet, fluffy ‘Coton de Tulear’ named Chanti, I thought an article about Chanti“Pet-Friendly” places in Tampa was in order!

If you are looking for a Pet-Friendly hotel in Tampa, there are two good choices in the downtown area: Sheraton Riverwalk and Marriott Residence Inn. The Riverwalk is, obviously, on the River and a little more convenient for walking to the shops and restaurants on Harbour Island and the Downtown/Channelside areas.

Pet Friendly restaurants in Tampa are mainly in several distinct areas:

Downtown/Harbour Island/Channelside:

Most of the Restaurants with an Outdoor Patio will accomodate dogs. In Channelside, try Tina Tapas, Bennigans, Hooters, Zelda’s and Margarita Mamas. On Harbour Island, Cafe Dufrain has a small outdoor patio.

Hyde Park

Restaurant BT, Timpano, Smoke Barbecue, The Rack and The Wine Exchange all have outdoor dining.

Davis Islands

Downtown Davis Islands is a dog lover’s dream!  Chez Bryce, Estella’s Mexican Restaurant, Yeoman’s Road Pub, Tate Brother’s Pizza and Thai Island and Flamingo Cafe, all have outdoor dining.

Buying a house in Tampa, or need more information on Pet Friendly places in Tampa, contact me!

If you would like to receive a list of homes in a certain price range…send me an email!

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 Estatecontact me!

 


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How To Find The “Assigned School District” For A House in Tampa…Tampa Real Estate News.

Filed under: MLS Listings in Tampa, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Schools

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Tampa Neighborhoods and Tampa School Districts and the Best Schools in Tampa…

In Hillsborough County, the 8th Largest School District in the U.S., Teacherschool assignments are based on your home address. Florida schools are rated annually, with grades of A-F. While there are many school choices available with charter schools, magnet schools, and the International Baccalaureate programs, a house in one of the top-rated school districts, with an A rating, will have a better resale value than one in a lesser-rated district. Three of the district high schools have made the list of the Top 100 High Schools in the country. Special assignments to a specific school, outside of your assigned school, are available on a space-available basis, but every address in Tampa is assigned to a specific high school, middle school and elementary school.

It can be frustrating to determine what “school district” a particular home is located in, since too many agents neglect to include this information when a home is listed in MLS. Fortunately, the School District has a very comprehensive website. You can check the district site  to locate the school district assigned to a particular address before you make an offer. Even if you do not have any children, or are not planning to have children, the school district will affect your resale value!

If you need MORE help with school districts in Tampa, or the best neighborhoods in Tampa, contact me today!

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? Need informations about the schools in Tampa?

It is a “Buyer’s Market” in Tampa, with plenty of inventory of homes to choose from!

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 Estatecontact me!


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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you looking for a “unique” property of your own?  I can help with any Tampa neighborhood, including:

 

South Tampa, Davis Islands, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Hyde Park, Culbreath Isles, Palma Ceia, Westchase, Waterchase, Odessa, Cheval, Avila, Brandon, Riverview, FishHawk, New Tampa, Tampa Palms, Hunter’s Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, Condos in Tampa and International Real Estatecontact me!

 

Sign up for my email list to receive the latest information on the Tampa Real Estate Market, Living in Tampa, and the International Real Estate Market!

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

 

 

 

 


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Buying a Waterfront Home in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, CDD in Tampa, Florida Real Estate, Gated Communities in Tampa, Golf Course Communities in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Foreclosures, Tampa Home Search, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

It’s “relocation season” in Tampa, the time of year when families with children are relocating and searching for the perfect neighborhood and school district.  Many of the Tampa neighborhoods are filled with conservation areas and ponds.  Buyers who are moving from northern states are often shocked to see “Don’t Feed The Alligator” signs in the middle of a “city” neighborhood. 

Many of the newer subdivisions in Tampa, have natural, or man-made lakes.  Plenty of Tampa golf communities are filled with “water hazards” along the golf course. You can find them in Westchase, Live Oak, Cheval and Avila, just to name a few. I remember the first “pond front”  house I sold in Cheval.  We were doing the “walk through” the day before closing, just as the neighborhood gator was out for a swim.  The buyer, from Missouri, was stunned to see the mammoth creature just hundreds of yards away! We don’t have penguins in Florida, but we do have alligators!  If you are moving from outside of Florida, and spent your summers enjoying a swim in the local pond, or lake, then you need to understand one simple equation:

Fresh Water = Alligators= NO SWIMMING

Yes, Alligators will come out of the water to sun themselves on the banks, or in search of food. That leads to the second equation about alligators:

Feed The Alligator = Alligator Views Humans as a Food Source.

This article was prompted an article by Seth Godin…Tips To Avoid Alligator Attacks. Common Sense, but pretty funny!

Bottom line?  If you want to swim in Florida…head for the pool, or the beach!

Looking for the perfect home in any Tampa neighborhood, or a “bargain” in the Tampa Real Estate Market? Contact me today…we can chat about how to avoid alligators!

 


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