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 here, while somewhat depressed from a while ago, have begun to go back up again.  Properties you see now probably won't be available at these price levels for long.  If you want a home in the Tampa Bay area, buy NOW before prices start going back up.  You may wish to read a recent blog article discussing the fact that Home Mortgages Really Are Available Now.

Realize what a difference your "Down Payment" can make.  Use our Mortgage Payment Calculator to estimate what your monthly payments would be with various amounts of down payment funds.

Short on cash ?  Don't ignore the possibility of having the seller help you with the closing costs on your new home.  I recently posted an article on my blog that you may want to read on the ways in which The Seller Can Help You Buy Their Home.

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.