First-Time Home Buying in Tampa Bay What to Know

Published On: March 3, 2023|Categories: Blog|Tags: First Time Home Buyers, Tampa Bay home Buying|

Are you thinking about buying your first home in Tampa Bay? If so, congratulations! Buying a home is a big step, but it can also be a little overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to do your research and know what you’re getting into. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what you need to know about first-time home buying in Tampa Bay.

Get Your Finances in Order

Before you start looking for a home, it’s important to get your finances in order. This means figuring out how much you can afford to spend on a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, and saving up for a down payment. The more you can save for a down payment, the better. A larger down payment can help you get a better interest rate and lower monthly payments.

Hire a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent can be a valuable resource for first-time home buyers. An agent can help you find homes that fit your needs and budget, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the home-buying process. They can also help you understand the local real estate market and answer any questions you may have.

Do Your Research

Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to do your research. This means figuring out what you’re looking for in a home, what the different neighborhoods in Tampa Bay have to offer, and what you can expect to pay for a home in each neighborhood. You should also research the local real estate market to see what homes have recently sold for and what the average home prices are.

Inspect the Home

Once you’ve found a home that you’re interested in, it’s important to have it inspected. A home inspection will tell you if there are any major issues with the home, such as a leaky roof or a faulty foundation. An inspection can also give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision about whether to buy the home.

Buying your first home in Tampa Bay can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, but with the right information and preparation, you can make it a successful one. Just remember to get your finances in order, hire a real estate agent, do your research, and inspect the home before you buy.

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. One or more photo(s) have been virtually staged. New listing! Take advantage of this opportunity! Come and see this 2-bedroom 2, 2-bathroom home located in the heart of Tampa. This bright and airy home was completely remodeled in 2018, including a new roof, stucco, paint, a gutter system with a leaf guard, recessed lighting, kitchen cabinets, granite countertop, renovated bathrooms, floors, and paint. This home features an attached garage that can accommodate future rental income. This beautiful home is conveniently located less than 3 miles from the Veteran Express Way and close to many shopping centers, malls, etc. Don't miss this opportunity!!

$398,000 Active

8309 Jackson Springs Road Tampa, Florida

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,093 SqFt 0.130 Acres

Excellent redevelopment opportunity on the busy street of Sligh Avenue just steps from Zoo Tampa! This property is 18,850 sq ft and is currently zoned CG (commercial general). “Commercial general provides areas where a variety of retail and commercial service activities can be conducted compatible with surrounding uses and residential district.” It would make a great low rise complex, townhouse community or storage facility. The possibilities are endless! There is currently a small historic storefront with a longterm stable tenant that is month to month as well as a small block building that houses a working well. The value is in the land, it’s location and its vast redevelopment potential.

$689,000 Active

1411 W Sligh Avenue Tampa, Florida

2 Beds 1 Baths 480 SqFt 0.430 Acres

Welcome to the highly desirable Lake Ellen Subdivision in the heart of Carrollwood. Nestled on a 1/2 ACRE LOT and quiet CUL DE SAC, this beautiful 4 BED, 2.5 BATH POOL home is a DREAM and has so MANY UPDATES. Arrive at the home and notice the mature landscaping and extended driveway perfect for multiple vehicles, Boat, or RV! Enter the front door to view the FABULOUS SPLIT FLOOR PLAN and the upgraded wood look laminate flooring throughout. To the left is the formal sitting room that flows into the formal dining room and then into the kitchen. The GORGEOUS Kitchen has been UPDATED with granite countertops, tall wood cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. A view of your PRIVATE OASIS BACKYARD can be seen from the kitchen and several areas of the home. From the kitchen, you can step down to the bottom level to view the family/living room with timeless stone FIREPLACE, laundry room, garage, and 4th bedroom. The UPDATED half bath is located off of the living room for guest convenience. Head back to the second level and then up the stairs to the 3rd level to view the Primary suite and the other 2 bedrooms. The SPACIOUS PRIMARY SUITE has a fabulous freshly renovated ENSUITE BATH and 2 Separate Closets. The Primary has its very own PRIVATE BALCONY (recently updated with long lasting composite boards) to sit and sip your morning coffee while enjoying the peaceful views of your MASSIVE BACKYARD. The other 2 bedrooms are spacious and share an UPDATED FULL BATH with shower/tub combo. From the bottom level family room, access your very own private backyard Oasis showcasing paver lined patio and pool deck, IN GROUND POOL, playground, and GAZEBO (with electricity) perfect for entertaining guests and hosting parties. ADDITIONAL FEATURES/UPDATES INCLUDE: Roof 2015, 2024 Water Heater, All NEW WINDOWS AND DOORS, New paver pool deck 2023, Retextured entire home, Large Baseboards, and oversized windows with custom wood trim. Residents have access to the lake via a private community boat ramp. LOW HOA fees and NO CDD fees! X flood zone! CONVENIENTLY LOCATED just minutes away from Dale Mabry, restaurants, shopping, Downtown Tampa, I-275, I-75, Tampa International Airport, and much more! CHARM and LOCATION all tied into one!

$649,900 Active

3209 Rowan Lane Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,144 SqFt 0.510 Acres

Welcome to this stunning 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home nestled in the heart of
Bayshore Beautiful. Boasting 3288 square feet of luxurious living space, this
residence is a true gem. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by an abundance of
natural light and pristine Italian tile floors throughout. The spacious living areas
are perfect for both relaxation and entertainment and seamlessly flow into the
kitchen and built-in eating space. The gourmet kitchen, fully renovated in 2020, is
a chef's dream with top-of-the-line Quartz counter tops and solid wood cabinets
with high-end gas appliances, including dual ovens and ample storage space. A
bedroom and full bath complete the downstairs living area.
Step outside to your own private oasis, complete with a saltwater swimming pool
and a screened porch overlooking the lush backyard. Ideal for hosting summer
gatherings or simply unwinding after a long day, this outdoor space is sure to
impress. The yard offers plenty of room for pets and play with beautiful
landscaping throughout.
Upstairs, discover a spacious layout featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, including a
convenient Jack and Jill bath shared between two of the bedrooms, while the
third boasts a private en suite. The stunning Master suite showcases tray ceilings,
a remarkable walk-in closet, and a fully renovated Master bath with a luxurious
walk-in shower equipped with dual shower heads.
Other notable features of this home include a two-car garage with an electric car
charger, a full house generator for peace of mind, and impact-resistant windows
and doors for added security
Located just a short walk from Bayshore Boulevard, this property offers easy
access to waterfront parks, restaurants, and farmers markets. Don't miss your
chance to own this exquisite home in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in
town. Schedule your private showing today and experience luxury living at its
finest!

$1,810,000 Active

3210 W Knights Avenue Tampa, Florida

5 Beds 4 Baths 3,288 SqFt 0.160 Acres

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Tampa Bay?

You can use this website to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all its communities. Our site is directly connected to the Tampa Bay MLS, and we update our listings every hour. You can even use our site to create your own account and get emails as soon as a new home hits the market, price change alerts and so much more.

While you’re here, check out these listings: