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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'Tampa Neighborhoods'

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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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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.25.2012

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

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

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


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

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.21.2012

New Homes in Tampa…Builders are Busy Again! Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Avila, 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, MLS Listings in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market

In the past few years, there was little new construction in the Tampa Real Estate Market, but the “New Home” Market in Tampa is busy again. Builders in Tampa are buying lots, building custom homes and starting to build “spec houses” again. Most of my clients are looking for NEW homes, or “Newer” homes, so I am thrilled to see more New Construction on the market.  If you are looking for the Best Places to Live in Tampa, The Best Tampa Neighborhoods, The Best Schools in Tampa, or a new home in Tampa, just send me an email. I have been selling Real Estate in Tampa for over 17 years, so if you are looking for a local “expert” in the Tampa Real Estate market, you are in the right place.

New Home in Tampa

If you are looking for a new home, that is BRAND New Construction, in the Tampa Real Estate Market, and you are not working with an agent, it is VERY difficult to find what you are looking for. Most New Construction is not listed in MLS, or on Realtor.com, and is often under contract before the slab is poured!  The demand for new homes is high, so if you are relocating to Tampa, and you need expert advice, contact me today!

What is the cost of a “new” home in Tampa?

That depends on size, and, of course, location. Prices range from $300,000 to several million. Let me know if I can help!

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 Historic District, 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! Any questions about Tampa Real Estate? Contact me today! And, if you like this post, please share it on Twitter, using the “Tweet” button below!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.16.2012

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

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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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.21.2011

Cafe Pont Pleases the Palate

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Restaurants in St Pete, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market, Things to do in Tampa

Located in an unassuming strip mall in Largo, Cafe Pont is the perfect example of “Never Judge a Book by it’s Cover”! I have been enjoying this fabulous restaurant for many years, but after a recent dining experience with some friends who had never been there, I had to put it back on my “dine more often” list.

Osso Bucco

From start to finish, Cafe Pont is always amazing.  We enjoyed sips of Mushroom Bisque and Pumpkin Curry Crab Bisque, while awaiting our first course.  All agreed that our choices were delicious: from the Beefsteak Salad and Beet Salad  to the Sea Bass and THREE orders of Osso Bucco, we were very happy.  For dessert, we ordered a Raspberry Creme Brulee, Chocolate Tart and Artisinal Cheese Plate.  A selection of assorted chocolates topped the finish to a lovely evening. A bottle of Ferrari Carano Tresor was the perfect wine on a perfect night!

Cafe Ponte on Urbanspoon

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.10.2011

Downtown Tampa Restaurants…Samaria Cafe is a MUST

Filed under: Best Places, Best Places in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Downtown Tampa Events, Florida Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Restaurants in Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent

I have recently discovered a little “gem” of a family-owned restaurant for Breakfast and Lunch in Downtown Tampa! The Samaria Cafe, owned by a lovely couple who always stop by to “chat”, and check on the food, and the service, is THE place to go.

The menu is filled with so many choices, the hardest decision is “what to choose”!! Everything is fresh, and homemade. In many visits, I have never been disappointed! I usually order Quiche, or Eggs Benedict, but last time I was really in the mood for a “Croque Madame”, which is popular in France, and simply a  Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich, with a fried egg on top. Not on their menu, so I asked if I could have the Monte Cristo with a Fried Egg on top…No problem and it arrived with TWO eggs, perfectly cooked to my request. The owners and staff are so wonderful and the food is fabulous, it is the BEST breakfast spot in Downtown Tampa!

Samaria Cafe on Urbanspoon

While I am a “foodie”, my REAL profession is REAL ESTATE, so if you are looking for that perfect condo in Downtown Tampa, Channelside, Harbour Island, Hyde Park, South Tampa, or anything in the Suburbs, or need help finding the Best Tampa Neighborhoods, just contact me!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   10.17.2011

Where Are the Best Places to Live in Tampa? Find the Best School Districts in Tampa!

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

Best Places to Live in Tampa? Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?  For families who are relocating to Tampa, or a PCS to MacDill Air Force Base, it is ALWAYS about the school district.

I have been relocating families, to Tampa, the Tampa Suburbs and MacDill Air Force Base for over 17 years. I KNOW the schools.  Hillsborough County has some of the best schools in the US, including Plant High School, which ranks at 38, in the top 500 High Schools in the country.

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, and I can set up a search for you to receive the newest listings  in Tampa via email!

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 »   |   09.01.2011

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.

You can share this with your friends on Facebook or Twitter!

 

Listing and Photo Courtesy of IDX

 

 

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.30.2011

Where to Find a New Home in Tampa in a Top-Rated School District In Tampa

Filed under: Best Places in Tampa, Best Places to Live in Tampa, Best Tampa Neighborhoods, Best Tampa Schools, Buying a House in Tampa, Gated Communities in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, New Tampa, Relocation, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Wharton High School

Most of my clients are families with children, who are looking for the “Best Neighborhoods in Tampa”, and the “Best School Districts” in Tampa.  Tampa, the largest city in Hillsborough County, has many top-rated schools, in the State of Florida, and in the US, including three high schools in the top 100 High Schools in the US.

One of the areas that attracts many families with school-aged children, is the “New Tampa” area.  With prices for homes ranging from $200,000 to over a million, there are many options available at all price points.

This home, located in the Wharton High School District, is priced at $460,000.

With 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and nearly 3000 square feet, it sits on an oversized conservation homesite.

New Tampa is also an area where you can build a new home, so that is a popular option for many of my clients.  The Shoppes at Wiregrass and the New Tampa Regional Library are just minutes away! If choosing your own homesite, neighborhood, and all interior amenities is important to you, contact me today.  Most of the new construction is not listed in MLS, so it is important to work with an agent who knows the builder inventory.

Commuting to Downtown Tampa, or Tampa International Airport  is about 30 minutes!

Looking for the “best” neighborhood in Tampa? It depends on your lifestyle! and your price point. Let me know what you are looking for and I can help find the perfect neighborhood for your family.  Contact me today!

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, or any questions about the Tampa Real Estate market, please contact me. PCS to MacDill AFB or Moving to Tampa?

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Listing Information and Photo courtesy of IDX

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.28.2011

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