First-Time Home Buying in Tampa Bay What to Know

Published On: March 3, 2023|Categories: Blog|Tags: , |

First Time Home Buying in Tampa Bay What to Know

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.

Related: How to find your dream home in Tampa’s competitive real estate market

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.

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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.

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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.

Great location in Chardonnay in Carrollwood Village, community pool and lots of nearby greenspace, parks, trails etc.  Eat in kitchen has granite counters and updated cabinetry, all appliances included, screen back porch with no rear neighbors.  This unit is well priced, sold in "as is" condition, master shower needs to be redone.   Great opportunity to own a wonderful unit in exceptional Carrollwood Village, central location close to dining, entertainment, major highways and airport. Carrollwood Village Park has wonderful splash pads minutes away, Carrollwood Cultural Center, Carrollwood Country Club and more nearby $249,900 Active

14061 Notreville Way Tampa, Florida

2 Beds 3 Baths 1,094 SqFt 0.02 Acres

Stunning Model-Like 4 BR/Office/3 Bath/3 Car Garage Pool Home on a Large Private Fenced Conservation Lot!  Welcome to your new lifestyle in sought after beautiful Belle Glen! This tastefully updated gem is centrally located between Carrollwood, Keystone, and Odessa community in the Top Rated Steinbrenner High School district. You’ll be captivated by the curb appeal along with the beautiful, canopied tree lined street, the quaint pond-front park, the 2 community gazebos, and playground area plus a basketball court. Step inside this warm and inviting one-story home, featuring an office that’s perfect for working or can easily serve as a guestroom. The grand double door entry leads you into a welcoming foyer, complemented by an open concept dining & living room with glass doors to the large covered, paver and screen refreshing pool area, ideal for entertaining friends and family. Throughout the home, you’ll find beautiful wood floors, plantation shutters, recessed lights and crown molding that enhance its charm & ambiance. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with stainless steel appliances, white solid wood cabinets, stone countertops, and a skylight naturally lit breakfast nook, all overlooking the spacious family room where connection and interaction flow seamlessly. Gather around the cozy wood-burning fireplace with cherished ones.  Retreat to your master suite, where you can enjoy pool views from the comfort of your room, complete with a walk-in closet and a luxurious en-suite bath.  The three secondary bedrooms are spacious, providing ample room for relaxation. Step outside to your outdoor oasis! The large brick-paved lanai, overlooking peaceful conservation views, is perfect for sensational outdoor living. Take a refreshing dip in your lagoon style pool or host a delightful BBQ in this backyard haven, designed for entertaining and enjoying life to the fullest. This wonderful home and vibrant community are just couple minutes from the Veterans Expressway and all the shopping, dining, & amenities Carrollwood has to offer. Easy access to Tampa Intl Airport, Hospitals, Bucs Stadium, Busch Gardens, Beaches, International & Westshore, Citrus Park Malls. Excellent Schools! NO Flood Insurance Required & NO CDDs!  Don’t miss the opportunity to embrace this fantastic lifestyle! Schedule your tour today!  Homeowner Updates: Roof replaced DEC 2019, Top of the Line Pool Screen replaced 2024, Pool Pump and Salt Cell replaced 2023, Kitchen & all 3 bathrooms updated in last 3 Years. Interior Design Touches are found all throughout this home. $800,000 Pending

5627 Glencrest Blvd Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,898 SqFt 0.34 Acres

Step into comfort, privacy, and style at 20203 Merry Oak Ave—an upgraded former model home tucked behind the 24-hour guarded security gates of Live Oak Preserve in the heart of New Tampa. Perfectly situated on a peaceful conservation lot with no rear neighbors, this spacious one-story residence offers 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms across a smartly designed split-bedroom layout. Inside, you’ll find soaring ceilings, wood-look tile flooring, and abundant natural light creating a warm, open atmosphere throughout the main living areas. A flexible front room offers the ideal space for a home office, formal living room, or play area. The kitchen is a true gathering space, featuring 42” cherry wood cabinetry, stainless steel Whirlpool appliances, a gas stove, and a large breakfast bar that seamlessly connects to the dining area and family room. Sliding glass doors open to a covered, screened-in lanai that overlooks lush conservation—your private escape to enjoy quiet mornings or relaxed evenings. The owner’s suite is privately tucked away and includes a walk-in closet and an en-suite bath with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a separate shower. Two additional bedrooms share a full bathroom, while the fourth bedroom features its own full bath—perfect for guests or an in-law suite setup. This home has been thoughtfully updated with major improvements in the past four years, including a newer roof, newer water heater, fresh exterior and interior paint, and new west-facing double-pane windows that enhance energy efficiency and comfort. Additional highlights include a two-car garage, an interior laundry room, ceiling fans in every bedroom, and tasteful finishes throughout. Live Oak Preserve offers resort-style amenities that elevate everyday living, including a clubhouse, two swimming pools, a splash pad, fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, playground, batting cage, and putting green. With top-rated schools nearby and easy access to I-75, Wiregrass Mall, Tampa Premium Outlets, USF, and Moffitt, this home blends convenience, community, and lifestyle into one exceptional opportunity. Don’t miss your chance to call this New Tampa gem your own—schedule your private showing today and experience everything Live Oak Preserve has to offer! $496,500 Active

20203 Merry Oak Avenue Tampa, Florida

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,053 SqFt 0.15 Acres

Beautifully Salt Water Pool and Spa renovated home in 2022 with 4 bedroom and 2 bathrooms, open living/dining/kitchen floorplan home in a fantastic South Tampa. 
This home is complete with a private master suite with master bath, a split floor plan with three additional bedrooms, Quiet private yard with large 15 X 36 pool area.  A privacy fencing and stately shade trees. Many upgrades throughout include new cabinets, counters tops and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, new lighting, new A/C unit in 2024, and new Roof installed 2023. Flood zone x and proudly high and dry during 2024 storms.  Come see this gem with nothing left to do but move in! $625,000 Active

5413 S Martin Avenue Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,300 SqFt 0.2 Acres

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