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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
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3401 Henderson Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
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'Things to Ponder'

        

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

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

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

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

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

Who was that candidate? Jeff Atwater!

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

Florida Governor – Bill McCollum

Florida Chief Financial Officer – Jeff Atwater*

Florida Attorney General – Pam Bondi

U.S. Senator – Marco Rubio*

US House District 11 – Mike Prendergast*

13th Judicial Circuit Group 4 – Liz Rice*

Hillsborough County Commission*

District 1 – Trey Rustmann*

District 2 – Victor Crist*

District 5 – Ken Hagan*

District 7 – Mark Sharpe*

Rep District 56 – Irene Guy*

Rep District 67 – Greg Steube*

Vote…Make a Difference!

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   08.10.2010

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 Estate…contact 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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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   05.18.2009

Will The Choice For Vice President Decide Your Vote? Tampa Real Estate News and More!

Filed under: Buying a House in Tampa, MLS Listings in Tampa, MLS Search, Moving to Tampa, Real Estate News, Schools in Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Things to Ponder

Let’s take a little break from the Tampa Real Estate Market today! I love politics and this is definitely the most interesting political year in my lifetime! The Vice Presidential candidates are about to be announced and there has been much speculation about whether, or not, the VP choices will affect the election results. With an estimated 14% of the voters still “undecided”, I think the VP choice will make a difference. And, of course, I have an opinion about “who” would make the best Vice Presidential choice, politically and strategically.

Let’s take a poll…Do you think the choice for Vice President will influence your vote? You can leave me a comment, too!

<a href=”http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/871249/” >Will The Choice for Vice President Decide Your Vote in the Presidential Election?</a> <br /> <span style=”font-size:9px;”> (<a href=”http://www.polldaddy.com”> surveys</a>)</span>

Moving to Tampa? Need help finding the best Neighborhood in Tampa? Contact me today!

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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   08.21.2008

“I’ll Take The Filet With My Legroom”…Tampa Real Estate News and More

Filed under: Real Estate News, Things to Ponder, Travel

If you are buying a house in Tampa, or anywhere in the world, chances are good that you will need to board an airplane. Lets talk about how the Real Estate Industry is still focused on customer service, while many industries have lost sight of “the happy client”.

The Real Estate Industry seems to be one of the few which has INCREASED its level of customer service over the past 10 years! Since I started selling real estate in 1994, I have seen major changes in the industryall of which have led to a more educated, more tech-savvy, more consumer-oriented Real Estate Agent. From cell phones to online listings to internet advertising to online transactionsconsumers and sellers have become accustomed to better customer service, more comprehensive marketing plans and a faster response time, than ever before. Discount Real Estate brokers are losing ground to full-service, customer-oriented Real Estate Brokerages. Customers want service from the Real Estate Industry, but we seem to be an anomaly in the service industry across the nation.

Contrast the level of response and service offered by a Professional Real Estate Agent, with that of other Tamparealestatetravelindustries, most notably the airline industry, over the past 10 years? When was the last time you called a customer service number and was able to speak to a live person, other than a voicemail system that leads you through a series of orders to press 1 for this, or press 2 for thatuntil, ultimately, none of them apply and you hang up in frustration. I have learned to press O with abandon, until someone, who might speak English, appears on the line!

The Airline Industry is the perfect example of how corporate efficiency and competitive pricing have translated into WORSE customer service over the years. Compared to Airline Travel of years gone by, what has changed? Checking in?? Do It Yourself Kiosks are becoming the norm. Planes have been reconfigured to cram more passengers into the same amount of space. Seats are smaller and rows are closer together. Most airlines have stopped serving meals in all but Business, or First Class, sections. Flights are overbooked, so purchasing a ticket doesnt really mean you get to board the plane! They often board the passengers and THEN inform them of a flight delay, so the disgruntled masses are trapped and cannot make other flight arrangements. Lost luggage statistics are staggering. These practices are widespread among all airlines. If such practices occurred in the Real Estate Industry, one might lose a license over a practice called price fixing . But, at the very least, you would definitely lose clients over poor customer service. Ive become accustomed to wrangling some last minute upgrades, bulkhead seats and navigating Seat Guru, just to get a little comfort on a long flight, but why is that necessary? I just want “a little filet with my legroom”...take me back to the air travel of the 70′s, please! Why are travelers treated worse, and worse, with each passing year?

Why have Americans accepted being abandoned, starved, and herded like cattle, in order to travel by air? Have we become so used to poor customer service that saving $30.00, or $50.00, or even $100.00, on an airline ticket is more important that having a little leg room, a little nourishment and a polite employee check our bags and insure that the trip is a positive experience. Have we become so numb to being treated badly, that we accept it as the new norm in the travel industry. When you dine in a Restaurant and receive poor service, do you continue to patronize that establishment? When a store clerk is rude, or a pizza is delivered cold and with the wrong toppings, how quickly would you choose to recommend them?? While the local establishments, and local Real Estate agents, depend on a high level of customer service to keep their clientele, the airline industry has taken a different stance Take it, or leave it If you want to fly from here to there you are stuck with the poor service in the industry.

I challenge even ONE of the airlines, to step up to the plate, and provide its customers with old fashioned customer serviceOR, at least ,my kind of customer servicebigger seats, more leg room, live, polite employees and a meal with a smile, where a paid ticket is guaranteed a seat on the flight I will pay more for the return of the “old days”, and so will many travelersairlines just never seem to give us the option!

As you can imagine, many of my articles are borne of my real-life experiencesafter a flight-delay and a near-miss connection, during my sprint from Terminal D to Terminal A (avoid Atlanta at all costs) and no time for a quick biteI am still waiting on my lost luggage, which has been entrusted to a courier service, who cant find my office building on one of the busiest streets in South Tampa! There IS a better wayWho wants to start an airline? Warren BuffettWhere are You???

What do YOU think? Would you pay more for better airline service? Don’t you want ” a little filet with your legroom?”

If you would like a client-centered level of customer service in the Real Estate Industry, 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 Estatecontact me!

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   12.10.2007

Thinking Outside the Box…In Life…and In Real Estate…Tampa Real Estate News, and More!

Filed under: Real Estate News, Things to Ponder

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.

Last week I was inundated with well-wishes for Thanksgiving Happy Turkey Day Gobble, Gobble , and the like. Some years ago, I decided to revolt against the traditional Thanksgiving meal. It goes along with my think outside the box mentality! This year, I enjoyed a lovely, succulent, seafood-stuffed lobster. It happens to be my favorite mealand one of my specialties.

LobsterI sent a Thanksgiving card that said Save a Turkey, Eat a Lobster! I thought about the millions of Americans who followed tradition, and feasted on turkey, dressing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie! Traditional and predictable. Tradition is comfortableit evokes warm and fuzzy feelings. People are creatures of habit and, for many, change is uncomfortable.

While I was enjoying my lobster, I thought about how this year in the real estate industry was also about thinking outside the box , and making changes in your business plan, in order to be successful How traditional methods of marketing, such as newspaper advertising, were no longer effective means to sell a home How traditional agents were still wasting their Sunday afternoons waiting for few buyers to visit an open house. I was thinking about how just talking about Real Estate topics on my blog, The Real Estate Sizzle, had pushed me out of the traditional Real Estate Worldhad gotten me thinking outside the box . I was thinking about how my International Property Specialist designation this year has resulted in business from foreign investors, as well as Americans seeking properties abroad. It was a year to think globally , not just locally .

Its a new world in the Real Estate industry, one that requires going beyond finding buyers in the local market. With over 80% of the buyers searching for homes on the internet, real estate agents who are still using traditional methods to sell homes will be outsold by those who understand that a changing market requires changing your approach. If the Pilgrims could not longer find turkeys, I expect they would have learned to set some lobster traps instead. They would have adapted to a changing environment. Can you?

Today, just for fun, make ONE change in your everyday routinebreak from tradition. Take a different route on your way home. Order something unusual for lunch. Wear a color that you would not usually choose. Think Outside the Box and see what a positive effect it can have on your dayyour business and your life!

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 Estatecontact me!

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Posted by jackie   |   2 Comments »   |   11.25.2007

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007…How About Credit Amnesty?…Tampa Real Estate Market News

Filed under: mortgage news, Real Estate News, Short Sale, Tampa Real Estate, Things to Ponder

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.

 

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 Debtwas passed recently. This is a big help to homeowners caught in the Real Estate market downturn who sell their homes for less than the mortgage amount, where the lender forgives the difference between the loan amount and the sale price. This is commonly known as a short sale .

Prior to the passage of the Act, that forgiven amount was considered taxable income by the IRS. So, not only did the homeowner lose their home, they had to pay taxes on the unrealized income. Horrible!

Some suggest that, along with Mortgage Forgiveness, we need some legislation concerning Credit Amnesty. Many homeowners caught in the trap of lowered home values, along with adjusting mortgages and tightened mortgage underwriting have a history of excellent credit. They have good FICO scores, excellent payment history and find themselves in dire financial straits with no options besides foreclosure, short sale and perhaps bankruptcy. Should some legislation be passed to help these, otherwise, good credit managers who found themselves in the “credit crunch”. I think it is worth some consideration.

Roberta Murphy, at Luxury Home Digest, writes an excellent article on that topic. What do you think?

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 Estatecontact me!

 

 

 

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Posted by jackie   |   Click Here To Comment »   |   11.07.2007

Political Issues In Real Estate, and Beyond…Women Will Decide the Future in 2008…Tampa Real Estate News and MORE

Filed under: Real Estate News, Things to Ponder

Just a little word from Jackie’s Soap Box today

Women were granted the right to vote with the passage of the 19th amendment in 1919, which was ratified in 1920. Equality is a wonderful thing. What few Americans may realize, is that the fate of the 2008 Presidential Election lies with the female voters !

Why? Because 54% of the voters in 2008 will be women! I ask every Woman voter (and, certainly Men, too) to get informed before heading to the ballot box.

At 54percent.org you will find the latest information on all of the candidates, and their stances, on each of the issues.

I find that most Americans who call themselves a Democrat or Republican, dont really know what that means. Sometimes I think they simply register for the same party their parents did, but dont know how the party stands on various issues. Many dont know enough about the track record of each WomanvoterPresidential Candidate to make an informed voting decision. Will any candidate match your views 100%? Probably not, but you should know enough about each of the candidates to find the best person to represent you, and your political views.

Use 54percent.org to get unbiased information about all of the candidates. They are factsnot commentary.

Florida has a BIG vote on Property Tax reform on the same day as the Florida Presidential Primary in January. Tax reform is a non-partisan issue that has gotten VERY politicized in Florida. I will talk more about my thoughts on the plan, but know that I am STILL voting NO because this latest plan doesnt address the long-term issues with our property tax systemand legislators have been bullied into supporting itmore on that laterWe could talk about that for a week!

With exactly one year until the 2008 Presidential Election, we all have a responsibility to make an informed voting decisionGet the FACTS on all of the candidates.Review their track records. What have they successfully done? Campaign promises are often never fulfilled but they can certainly sway the voters who arent informed and like the sound of promises In any industry, the best measure of ones future success is ones past accomplishments. I doubt our current president had any idea, while on the campaign trail, that his administration would be filled with the unprecedented disasters of 9/11, Terrorism, Florida Hurricanes of 2004, Hurricane Katrina, War in Iraq, etc.

The President cannot possibly anticipate all of the future events to affect the Oval Office, but it is our duty as Americans, and as the Women who will control this election, to choose the candidate who is BEST PREPARED to handle any disaster, and any issue affecting the United States and the World. Keep that in mind as you review the candidates, their records and their promises . Who is the best person to handle anything that comes along?

You wont find me promoting any candidates on The Real Estate Sizzle, but I am promoting Education for all Voters. You have been granted the RIGHT to vote, now you have the DUTY to understand what you are voting for! Get Informed!

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Posted by jackie   |   1 Comment »   |   11.06.2007

Controversy, A Condominium and a Court Ruling on Bayshore Boulevard

Filed under: Florida Condominiums, Real Estate News, South Tampa, Tampa Real Estate, Things to Ponder

When you are buying a home in Tampa, check the zoning on the vacant lot nearby..

If you are familiar with Bayshore Boulevard, in Tampa, it is one of the most famous spots in town. Said to be the longest contiguous sidewalk in the world, the street winds along the bay, from Downtown Tampa to the tip of the peninsula, which ends at MacDill Air Force Base.

Housing along Bayshore Boulevard is a mix of high-rise condominiums, large historic homes, grand new homes, and is some of the most prestigious real estate in the city.

Controversy erupted several years ago over a parcel(seen in the photo below) that was zoned for multi-family(high-rise) development. Surrounding parcels were already home to high-rises, but this parcel had gone undeveloped for many years and the single-family homes on the neighboring street had enjoyed the vacant lot as a neighbor. When a developer revealed plans to erect a high-rise on the parcel, which was allowed by current zoning laws, the neighbors rallied and involved the City Council, to put a stop to the development. The parcel happens to be in an historic district, so the Architectural Review Commission stepped in and joined the fight, objecting to the height of the building, along with objecting to the entire development itself. In 2004, the ARC, without any jurisdiction to do so, denied the proposed building over a height issue. The City Council chose not to uphold the law when the developer appealed that decision. In 2005, a Court ruled that the citys ZONING laws regulate height, not the Architectural Review Commission.

Bay-shoreRecently, a District Court of Appeal upheld the original ruling. The development planned is within the current zoning laws and the Architectural Review Commission does not govern height restrictions. It took many years of litigation for the developer to finally hear that he is within his rights, and the zoning laws, to develop the parcel.
What is the real issue here? A developer purchased a parcel, was planning to develop it according to current zoning laws and a group of homeowners managed to wreak enough havoc with the City that the project has been in litigation for years. Those homeowners purchased property near a vacant lot that was destined for high-rise development. That never changed. When the development was finally planned, they didn’t like it. It wasn’t against the law. It wasn’t against the zoning ordinances. They simply didn’t like it. So, they started to whine, and whine, and whine, until the whining grew so loud that the “law” was ignored.
The question isWhy did the City of Tampa, the City Council and their attorneys choose to ignore zoning laws and cause years of litigation expense. That parcel sat vacant for many years and changes in zoning laws along Bayshore Boulevard could have been proposed at any time.

The developer is seeking One Million dollars in reimbursement from the city. The City Council effectively prevented legal construction of a building during a hot real estate market. Now, the market has cooled and the developer has suffered great financial losses at the expense of the City, because of the neighbors who chose to ignore the zoning laws when they purchased their homes near the vacant lot.

Should some of that expense be passed on to the members of the ARC who knew their jurisdiction did not include height restrictions? Should the voters think twice in the next election about re-electing the city officials who chose to ignore the zoning laws and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars NEEDLESSLY because some very whiney neighbors kept stomping their feet like kindergarteners who insisted on having their way .

Just a little more food for thought on The Real Estate Sizzle today.

What do you think? Who should be held financially responsible for the litigation that occurred? And, should city officials be sanctioned when their failure to follow the law results in litigation at the taxpayers expense? Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below!

If you are buying real estate in Tampa, selling real estate in Tampa, or need information about relocating anywhere in the U.S. or the world….contact me!

Get the latest news on The Real Estate Sizzle every day!

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Posted by jackie   |   2 Comments »   |   09.07.2007

Downsizing Your Space and Your Lifestyle…Is it The Path to Happiness?

Filed under: Sizzle Snacks, Things to Ponder

Americans are upsizing everything! Bigger homes, bigger cars, bigger TV screens are looming everywhere. How big is the closetbuyers ask. Only 3 Bathrooms? My children cant possibly share!

The bigger is better phenomenon doesnt seem to be ending anytime soon. McMansions are replacing aging 40′s ranch-style homes. Rising gas prices dont seem to affect the number of Suburban on the road!

What is the cost to all of this space? Have Americans become so Houseused to having 1000+ square feet per person, that we have forgotten how to interact with each other? Have we forgotten how to have conversation, and are watching television on three separate big screens in three separate rooms? Has the dining room and the family meal, been replaced by microwaved food in front of the television set, or Taco Bell in the back of the Suburban on the run to soccer practice.

Has anyone stopped to consider that the decrease in family values may be correlated with the supersizing of our homes and our lifestyles? Is there any correlation between square footage and happiness? I suspect there is, but it would not be that “increased square footage” leads to “increased happiness”.

This “supersized” lifestyle is unique to the U.S. In Europe, and other countries around the world, homes are smaller, televisions are inconsequential, bathrooms are fewer, cars are fuel-efficient and conversations are plentiful. Those countries have less crime, longer lifespans and healthier lives. What have we done to ourselves? And, what can we learn from their “downsized” lives?

In a unique lifestyle, Claire Wolfe, lives in a cabin totaling 309 square feetHow is that for efficiency? Read her story and reflect on how supersizing has affected your life

I know that my next “home” will be something smaller and very “low maintenance”…nothing more challenging than changing a light bulb!

Just more food for thought on The Real Estate Sizzle. I like to keep your minds churning…

What do you thinkleave me a comment!

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If you are “downsizing”, “upsizing” while buying real estate in Tampa, Florida, or anywhere in the world, I can help.

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Posted by jackie   |   4 Comments »   |   08.17.2007