To buy or sell a home or condo in Tampa Bay Florida, call upon an expert

Knowing how much to offer is one of the most difficult parts of buying a home.  Ask your Buyers Agent for a list of recently sold properties of comparable size, location and amenities.  Comparing the price of those with the price of the home you want will tell you whether this property is realistically priced.

Get real estate advice from a Professional Buyers Agent.  Don't count on Aunt Emily who was a realtor in Maine 20 years ago.   The builder or the Realtor® representing the Seller isn't looking out for your interests at all.   You want a realtor who represents YOU !

Some parts of Tampa Bay are very much "in demand."  Property prices in areas like South Tampa, while still attractive, are going up rapidly.  In other areas, prices are more reasonably priced and rising at more reasdonable rates.  But, if you want to live in a particular neighborhood, buying a home there now will avoid the inevitable price increases that come year after year.

Realize what a difference your "Down Payment" can make.  If your down payment is at least 20% of the purchase price, you will avoid paying for "Mortgage Insurance."  In addition, some mortgage providers give a lower interest rate if you make more than the minimum required down payment.
      Use our Mortgage Payment Calculator to estimate what your monthly payments would be.

Get "pre-approved" for a mortgage.  The process you will go through with a mortgage broker or bank will not only let you know how much home you can afford.  It will also improve your chances of getting the home or condo you want at the price you offer.  Sellers are more likely to accept an offer just a bit lower than they had hoped for if they know that you're "already approved" for a mortgage.

Don't make big purchases or move money around before applying for a mortgage   Approval for a mortgage depends, in part, on the ratio of your income to current debt.  Buying a new car or a home theater system could put your debt ratio over the limit.  Similarly, during the approval process, the mortgage broker will review your "sources of funds."  It helps if your checking, savings and investment accounts remain stable and in the same place for a few months before you apply for a mortgage.

For Resale Properties, get a "Professional Inspection" before closing  A professional home inspection will uncover any major faults in the home so the Seller, not you, pays to correct them.

For new construction, Builders' reps may try to sell you many upgrades, some of which add little, if any, value to your home when you re-sell it.  I know which upgrades add value and which don't.

     Whether you are looking for a home to raise a family or a quiet retirement setting, just request my free Tampa Florida Information Package or call me for help in planning your move to one of our wonderful Tampa Bay communities.