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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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Congress Takes a Vacation and Leaves Flood Insurance and the National Real Estate Industry in Limbo…Is That an Economic Stimulus Package? Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Contract, Florida Real Estate, Hyde Park Real Estate, Insurance, Jackie Colson-Miller, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

If you are under contract to purchase a home which requires Flood Insurance, anytime between March 29, 2010 and April 12, 2010, you can forget about closing on time! Why?  Your elected representatives in Washington, have suspended the National Flood Insurance Program by failing to enact legislation which allows the program to continue! Where are they? On “hiatus”… which is a polite word for “vacation”. Off sunning themselves in the Caribbean, perhaps?? On a late spring ski trip to Colorado? Where “aren’t” they… is the question. They are NOT sitting in their seats in Congress and attempting to remedy this MESS that they created.  They left all of their constituents without any means to obtain Flood Insurance, which is required in the purchase of many homes throughout the US.   Your Congress tied the National Flood Insurance legislation to a piece of unemployment legislation that ended in a filibuster.  What??? For three days the Real Estate Industry has been reeling from the effects of this “idiotic and careless” move on the part of the Federal Government.  What does unemployment benefit legislation have to do with flood insurance? Nothing, unless you can count the increased number of unemployed workers who will be end the result of this “government bureaucracy” at work!!

All  homebuyers closing in the next two weeks, who need flood insurance,  are “left in the lurch” until Congress sees fit to “restore” the National Flood Insurance Program, perhaps on April 12.  How much more “government” can we stand???  How about no “hiatus” for our elected officials. How irresponsible can the US Government be to require every American to have health insurance and work through the night to pass THAT legislation, despite the objection from the majority of their constituents, yet, in the same month, leave homeowners without the ability to purchase flood insurance for more than two weeks.  How irresponsible of the US Government to  take a vacation, and further hurt the U.S. economy, by stopping hundreds of thousands of Real Estate transactions from taking place in the month of April.

How irresponsible of the American people for continuing to vote for the same, irresponsible actions, by the same irresponsible elected officials who continue to fail their constituents and hurt the ever-flailing US economy and workforce. How irresponsible of the mainstream media for failing to make  this “hiatus” on the part of the US Government and the economic consequences to hundreds of thousands of homebuyers and sellers front page news. This is a “disaster” of major proportions in the Real Estate Industry this month. What does the media talk about? The Final Four.

How much irresponsibility can we place on others, if we do not vote these irresponsible legislators out in November. As, for the media, don’t buy a newspaper, or watch a news channel that doesn’t report “real” news. 

Now, I’m off to explain to my buyers who have traveled over a thousand miles to buy their home, how THEIR elected officials have turned their lives, along with the lives of their three children, upside down…without warning, just because they CAN.  But, rest assured, I will also be sending them a link to their Congressman’s website and a link to the Hillsborough County Voter’s Registration site…so, they are ready for November!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   03.31.2010

Hillsborough County to Vote on County Mayor Proposal…Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Tampa

In November, along with electing a new President of the United States, Hillsborough County voters will decide on whether, or not, to create a County Mayor position. There has been much confusion about this position, so it is a good idea to get informed about the Facts vs. Myths on any subjectbefore heading to the ballot box.

The County Mayoral position would not be an additional expense to the taxpayers, but it would be a NON-PARTISAN, ELECTED official. It would replace the County Administrator position, which is not an elected position, but is rather, appointed by the County Commission. The County Mayor would run the county, but would be accountable to the voters, not to the Commission who appoints him/her. It would be a 4 year term with a two-term limit.

This is an opportunity for voters to decide to ELECT an official who must report spending habits to the VOTERS!

Hillsboroughcountyrevenues

Have a look at the County Tax Revenues in the chart above. You can see that the County overspent the rate of growth and inflation FIVE FOLD! An elected official would have had to answer to the voters. The County took advantage of the rise in property values, along with the rise in property taxes, during those years and now they are crying about cuts . Instead of maintaining a budget in line with population growth and inflation, the County administrator RAISED the county spending to take advantage of the windfall from property tax revenues. These are REAL numbers that the media does not discuss. The County Administrator needs to explain how those dollars were overspent vs. reducing property taxes to stay in line with the 16% inflation rate.

Take some time to review the County Mayor proposal on the County Mayor Website.

My opinion? I want every tax dollar expenditure to be accountable to the voters? Dont You?

Its time to ask the County, and the media, for the TRUTH. Vote for the County Mayor positionits a step in the right direction.

Chart Courtesy of www.CountyMayor.com

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.22.2008

What is Storm Surge and How Will It Affect My Home in Tampa?

Filed under: Flood Insurance, Flood Zones in Tampa, Insurance, Luxury Homes in Tampa, MacDill AFB, MLS Listings in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Agent, Tampa Real Estate Market, Waterfront Homes in Tampa

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and Everything About Buying a Home in Tampa, or Living in Tampa…. Tampa is a fabulous city to live in! It IS surrounded by water, so as we head into the summer months, we are just a few weeks away from the beginning of “hurricane season”. It’s hard to believe it, since we haven’t had any rain in Tampa for WEEKS, but it is time to start talking about “hurricane preparedness” again. For most of us in the Tampa area, we are used to the yearly purchases of batteries, water, canned goods, etc., to prepare for the possibility of a storm. For homeowners who live close to the bay, the greatest threat from a hurricane in Tampa, is what is know as, “Storm Surge”. Storm surge is a threat to any coastal areas, which are often less than 10 feet above sea level. The surge is water that is pushed ashore by the force of a storm. The combination of a tropical storm, or a hurricane, along with high tides, can bring a wall of water up to 20 feet high. In Tampa, the South Tampa peninsula, surrounded by Hillsborough Bay and Tampa Bay, has flooded in low-lying areas during recent Flooded_homesTropical Storms and Hurricanes. Those areas are in designated flood zones, where lenders require a homeowner to purchase flood insurance. Many neighborhoods in South Tampa are in flood zones, B or C, which are lower risk for flood insurance requirements and many homeowners do not carry flood insurance, and, more importantly, many of them do not evacuate when a storm is brewing in the Gulf. Several years ago, a professor at USF, did a special report for TBO.com about the worst case scenario . Watch the interactive video about a simulated Storm Surge through downtown Tampa. Had Hurricane Charley hit Tampa,as predicted, in 2004, instead of Southeast Florida where it came ashore, the storm surge would have reached the third floor of Tampa General Hospital! Anyone who lived in South Tampa, and did not evacuate, would likely not have survived. Because most homes in Tampa have never been hit by such a storm, many residents feel that it will never happen, but it is far better to be prepared, than to be complacent. The path of a storm can vary by over 100 miles, so when a storm is threatening Florida, everyone needs to have an evacuation plan. Should a 20 foot storm surge come ashore in Tampa, the entire South Tampa area would be under water. Many of those homeowners would not be insured, because flood insurance was not required by a lender, though the cost of the policy would be reasonable, compared to higher-risk areas. Call your insurance agent today and add a Flood Insurance Policy to insure your most precious possessions and always evacuate when a storm is headed your way! 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? 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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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   05.06.2008

Buying a House In Tampa? Check the School District! Tampa Real Estate News…

Filed under: Buyers, MLS Listings in Tampa, Places to Live, Real Estate News, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Tampa Real Estate Market

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

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.

The School District has a very comprehensive website. Often, a listing agent does not include the schools assigned for a particular house, so you should check the district site 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!

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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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   04.22.2008

Moving to Tampa and Searching for Tampa Real Estate? What Are The Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?

Filed under: Channelside Tampa, Davis Islands Real Estate, Relocation, South Tampa, Tampa, Tampa Neighborhoods, Tampa Real Estate, Westchase

The Latest News on the Tampa Real Estate Market and living in Tampa every day!

Searching for Tampa Real Estate? What are some of the “Best Neighborhoods in Tampa?” That depends on your lifestyle! Empty-nesters will choose a different neighborhood than families with children, so if you are moving to Tampa, choosing the right neighborhood in Tampa, for your family, and your interests, is very important. This is a “must-read” if you are buying a home in Tampa.
Moving to a new city can be very daunting and moving to Tampa is no exception. It is a very large metropolitan area with a vast array of neighborhoods and prices, to suit every lifestyle.

Two of the most important questions that I ask my clients are, How Long of a Commute Do You Want? . Do you have children? Clients who work from a home office, or dont mind a long commute will have the option to buy a home in Tampa, St. Petersburg, or IMG_0017any of the surrounding suburbs in the area. And, choosing a neighborhood in a highly-rated school district, is important for most families.

Trying to stay close to Downtown Tampa, you might choose something in the Channelside District, or one of the South Tampa neighborhoods like Davis Islands, or Hyde Park.

Empty-nesters might consider the “condo life” on Bayshore Boulevard.

If you are relocating to MacDill Air Force Base, there are some communities, such as Riverview and Valrico, that are very popular with military families in Tampa.

One of the most popular suburbs, which is less than 30 minutes from Downtown Tampa, is Westchase. Filled with shops, restaurants, tennis, golf and a variety of housing styles, there is something for everyone. Golfers might also enjoy Cheval, Hunter’s Green, or one of the many other golf communities in the Tampa Bay area.

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 Estatecontact me!

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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   04.04.2008

Foreign Investors…Florida is a Top Choice…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Real Estate, International Real Estate, Real Estate News, Relocation, Sellers, Tampa

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

 

Florida is the place for British and European Investors! With the British Pound trading at 2 to 1 against the American Dollar, many of the investors in the Florida market are from the U.K. As the Euro continues to rise against the Dollar, we are getting increasing numbers of European buyers, as well. Now, Canadians are enjoying a 1 to 1 currency exchange with the U.S. Dollar. Prices in Florida are the lowest in years, so the time is right for foreign investment. There are some great bargains on beachfront condos, so don’t wait until the prices begin to recover! If you are interested in buying a condo on the beach, a home in Tampa, orReal Estate anywhere in the world, contact me.

 

A portion of my business is focused on the International Market. I am a Certified International Property Specialist and member of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). Many of my clients are from foreign countries or work for foreign companies Beachin the U.S. Florida is very much an International Destination. Tampa is perfectly situated between Disney World and the Gulf Beaches. It is a great location for foreign investors. Having the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) designation, which is earned by less than 1% of all Real Estate Agents, allows me to better assist my foreign clients. Every country handles foreign investors differently and CIPS agents are specially trained to understand, and facilitate, the purchase and sale of Real Estate in every country around the world!

Real Estate is no longer a local market. Savvy buyers are Global. They are looking for smart investments all over the world, based on World_mapthe strength or weakness of a countrys currency, political stability, its economic development and potential for long-term gains. The political and economic situation in Venezuela right now, is sending Venezuelans to seek safe shelter for themselves and their finances. Many of them are heading to Florida and Central America. Check the latest exchange rate for your currency to see what you can spend in U.S. Dollars!

Conversely, the political and economic climate in Panama, makes it the number one Retiree destination in the world right now! Watch for more on the advantages of buying property in Panama, Costa Rica and Eastern Europe… in future International Real Estate articlesstay tuned…

If you would like to receive notifications of new articles on the Real Estate Sizzle by emailclick here.

 

I can help with your move to 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, Hunters Green, Arbor Greene, Apollo Beach, South Shore, MiraBay, Golf Communities, Waterfront Homes, Luxury Homes in Tampa, Condos in Tampa and International Real EstatePanama, Costa Rica, Europe, U.K…contact me!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   04.02.2008

Relocating Families? Where are the Top Schools in Tampa?

Filed under: Buyers, Real Estate News, Relocation, Schools in Tampa, South Tampa, Tampa

When familites are buying a house in Tampa, I could write the scriptwhen relocating to Tampa, the question is always the sameWhere are the Top Schools? The answer? There are MANY good school choices in the Tampa Bay area.

Hillsborough County, which contains Tampa, and the surrounding communities, is the 8th largest school district in the U.S. and is home to several of the Top 100 High Schools in the country. It boasts an A rating in the State of Florida and has many choices available at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels. School assignment is made based on your home address, so choosing the right neighborhood is critical for families. Aside from the assigned school, there are many other options:

Magnet Schools

There are magnet schools available in the Arts, Math, Science, Technology, Languages, and Environment at Elementary, Middle and High School levels. Students must apply to the program and meet certain criteria to be accepted. Admission to these programs is fairly competitive.

International Baccalaureate

The IB program is available at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels and students are assigned to one of three High Schools based on the home address. This popular program now includes Robinson, along with Hillsborough and King High Schools. Admission to this program is very competitive.

In the Top 100 High School rankings by Newsweek, the two IB schools in the County, Hillsborough and King, ranked 21 and 73, respectively. Plant High School scored a 73, the only non-IB school to make the list. The Plant High School district is consistently a top choice for relocating families. Parents can check their childs grades online!

The district also offers school choice and special assignment at space available schools.

The district is very tech savvy with a comprehensive web site, online grades and an online system where parents can put money on their childs lunch account and then check to see what they ate for lunch. I love it! Free breakfast is provided for all students in the district!

For more information on the Hillsborough County Schools, contact me, or visit the web site.Hillsborough County Schools.

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 Estatecontact me!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   04.01.2008

Special Insurance Coverage For Condominium Owners…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Florida Real Estate, Insurance, Real Estate News, Tampa

When you are buying a condominium in Tampa, or on Clearwater Beach, too often, a homeowner is rushing to purchase Homeowners insurance prior to closing, and realizes, only after a peril, that several hundred dollars in additional insurance coverage may have saved him THOUSANDS in a loss or damages. Many insurance agents do not take the time to offer all of the various riders or policies available, so the astute homebuyer needs to do a little homework.

Loss Assessment Coverage

Florida is filled with condominiums and this unique coverage should be purchased by every condominium owner! It covers the cost of a Atriumspecial assessment to the unit owner, when that assessment is caused by a liability to the condominium association in excess of the limits of theMaster Policy , that is the policy paid for by the HOA fees for structure and liability insurance.

For example, several years ago one of the condominiums in Tampa, on Bayshore Boulevard, needed structural work to each of the balconies, due to a construction flaw. This resulted in a special assessment to each of the unit owners in excess of $8,000. Loss assessment coverage would have cost less than $75/year, but few condominium owners are aware that such coverage exists, so most of the owners had to bear that expense out-of pocket! OUCH!

When you are purchasing a condominium, ask your agent for Loss Assessment coverage Not all insurance companies offer it, so you may have to call several companies before you find it. Special Assessments are very common, so start shopping for insurance long before your closing day and make sure you are FULLY insured.

If you are a current condominium owner, call your agent and add Loss Assessment coverage to your current policy today!

If you are looking for the perfect condominium in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, or St. Pete Beach, contact me today.

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Posted by jackie   |   5 Comments »   |   03.09.2008

Enjoy Life in Tampa Bay at Westshore Yacht Club

Filed under: Buyers, Florida Real Estate, Real Estate News, Relocation, South Tampa, Tampa, Where is Jackie Now?

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4335723079366831224

If you are moving to Tampa, or checking out the latest news on the Tampa Real Estate Market, one of the newest developments in South Tampa is Westshore Yacht Club, a gated community which fronts on Tampa Bay. Buyers can Wyc-1choose from Townhomes, Condominiums and Single Family Homes, starting in the 300′s and has a variety of housing styles from Mediterranean to Traditional. The condominium units in the Castillo Towers have front to back views of the bay and downtown Tampa with prices starting in the 500′s. Yac_ht

The neighborhood is just 10 miles from the airport or downtown and an easy drive across the bay to downtown St. Petersburg. A waterfront community, Westshore Yacht Club has 149 floating concrete docks, so it is definitely a boaters paradise.

The Bay Club, call it a country club on the bay features a dining room, billiard room, cigar patio, fitness room, mens and ladies spas, pool, outdoor and indoor barswhat a place! It recently opened…with rave reviews!

Westshore Yacht Club is the perfect lifestyle!

For more information on Westshore Yacht Club, give me a call at (813)629 5757 or send me an email [email protected]

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Posted by jackie   |   4 Comments »   |   02.12.2008

How Much Are Property Taxes in Tampa?…Buying a House in Tampa?…Tampa Real Estate News

Filed under: Property Taxes in Florida, Relocation, Tampa, Tampa Real Estate Market

If you are buying a home in Tampa, or just starting to look at the prices of Tampa Real Estate, a common question involves the cost of property taxes. Properties are reassessed when they are sold, so the existing tax bill on the property you might buy has NO relevance to the taxes you will pay in the future. The new tax bill will be based on the purchase price, not the existing tax bill.

Since Florida has no state income tax, property taxes tend to be higher than some areas in the U.S. , so when you think about your total tax bill, you need to consider the lack of State Income Taxes in Florida.

In Hillsborough County, in which Tampa is the largest city, there is an easy way to estimate your tax bill. The property appraisers office has an online tax estimator, which can help you understand the local property taxes.

If the community you are considering has a CDD fee, that will be an additional fee on your tax bill.

Today, January 29th, 2008, Floridians will vote on a referendum to make the assessed value of your home “portable”. I have written many articles on why this is a bad plan and creates further inequity among all property owners in the tax system. Here is a little-known fact: If the referendum does not pass with a 60% vote, the property tax issue will go to the Florida Tax and Budget Reform Commission for a BETTER plan and the legislature will take up the issue AGAIN. This is not publicized, but true. I will vote NO…you’ve heard all of that in my previous articles:

Vote No on Amendment 1

Another Plan for Tax Reform

For any questions about property taxes in Tampa, or help finding the perfect home in Tampa, please contact me!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   01.28.2008

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