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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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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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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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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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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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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 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 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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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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PCS to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, Hunter\'s Green Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, Moving to Tampa, Tampa MLS Listings, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

The Latest News on Tampa Real Estate, Moving to Tampa, The Best Tampa Neighborhoods and MacDill Air Force Base Relocation, every day…

MacDill AFB is one of the largest employers in Tampa, with many military and civilian employees, who live all over the Tampa Bay area. It is “relocation season”…the time of year when many families with children are planning their move, or PCS,  to Tampa. The top priority for those families is always the school district.  With recent changes to school boundaries for six of the area high schools, it is important to work with an agent who knows the best school options for your child and the best neighborhood in Tampa for your family.

If you are moving to Tampa, for a position at MacDill Air Force Base, contact me, to find the right neighborhood for you, and your family. I have been relocating military families in Tampa for 15 years!

You can read some of my previous articles about moving to Tampa, and relocation to MacDill Air Force Base:

MacDill Air Force Base…One of Tampa’s Largest Employers

Orders to MacDill Air Force Base? Find the Best Tampa Neighborhoods

Looking for real estate in Tampa?

 

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

 

Brandon,  Riverhills, Valrico, 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!

 


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