How Soon Should You Start House-Hunting in Tampa if You Want to Move Next Winter?

Published On: September 25, 2021|Categories: Blog, Buyers, Tampa|Tags: , , |

How Soon Should You Start House Hunting in Tampa if You Want to Move Next Winter

Moving to Tampa Bay, Florida next winter? Wondering how soon should you start house hunting? The key to a smooth, stress-free move is all in the timing. The Tampa Bay real estate market is dynamic, and understanding its rhythms can be the difference between a rushed, frustrating experience and securing your dream home. Let’s delve into the details.

How Soon Should You Start House-Hunting in Tampa if You Want to Move Next Winter?

The Tampa Bay housing market is a vibrant one, with its beautiful beaches, thriving downtown, and friendly communities. Yet it also presents unique challenges that make timing your house-hunting effort critical. We’ll examine factors like:

  • Understanding the Tampa real estate market
  • Timing your house hunt just right
  • Getting your financing in order
  • Setting your priorities in a home

Here’s a closer look at each.

Understanding the Tampa Real Estate Market

The Tampa housing market can be competitive, particularly in popular neighborhoods close to the beach or downtown. Properties tend to move fast, and demand often outpaces supply. To navigate this market effectively, you’ll need a deep understanding of the local trends. Starting your research early will give you the upper hand when you’re ready to make offers.

Timing Your House Hunt Just Right

As a general rule, starting your house hunt six to eight months before your planned move is a good strategy. That gives you plenty of time to explore the market, find the right neighborhoods, and identify potential homes without feeling rushed. In Tampa, this also aligns well with the slower summer months when fewer buyers are competing for properties.

Getting Your Financing in Order

Before you start looking for homes, you’ll want to get your financing lined up. Having a pre-approval letter from a lender shows sellers that you’re serious and can afford the property. It can take several weeks to get pre-approved, so this should be one of the first steps in your house-hunting journey.

Setting Your Priorities in a Home

When you start house hunting early, you’ll have more time to refine your priorities. What features do you need in a home? What’s your preferred neighborhood? What’s your budget? By taking the time to answer these questions, you’ll make your search more efficient and more likely to find a home that truly meets your needs.

FAQ About House-Hunting in Tampa if You Want to Move Next Winter

Check out these commonly asked questions about how soon you should start house-hunting in Tampa if you want to move next winter. If you don’t see the answers you’re looking for here, please call our office and we’ll get you the information you need.

How competitive is the Tampa real estate market?

The Tampa real estate market can be highly competitive, especially in sought-after neighborhoods. Starting your house hunt early can give you an edge.

How long does it typically take to buy a house in Tampa?

Typically, it can take between 30 and 60 days from making an offer to closing on a house in Tampa. This doesn’t include the time spent searching for a home, which can take several months.

When is the best time to start looking for a house in Tampa?

Starting your house hunt six to eight months before you plan to move is generally a good strategy. In Tampa, this often coincides with the slower summer months, which can work in your favor.

Now that you’re equipped with this guide, you can confidently time your house-hunting journey in Tampa. Whether you’re moving from across town or across the country, a little planning goes a long way towards making your next move a success. Start your house hunt early, get your finances ready, know your priorities, and understand the local market dynamics. With these tips in mind, you’ll be in great shape.

Amazing 3BR/2.5BA/1 Car Garage home for sale in the perfect location of West Tampa!  RECENT UPGRADES: ROOF 12/24, CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION & FILTER SYSTEM 11/24, EXTERIOR PAINT '25, INTERIOR PAINT '25, NEW CARPET '25, & Newer first floor laminate.  X Zone: Non-Required/Optional Flood Insurance & high elevation (estimated 30ft)! This 2-Story home has newer luxury plank vinyl throughout the main floor, open family room concept, stainless steel appliances, half bathroom (downstairs), a great front patio under shingle, & plenty of storage space! Upstairs, you'll find a large master suite with walk-out balcony, large walk-in closet & private bath. Additionally, 2 bedrooms share a full bath (Jack and Jill layout) & washer/dryer set-up (in main upstairs hallway area). Enjoy a high seer rated A/C unit system ('18). Lastly, there is alley access to a 1 car attached garage, long driveway, & fully fenced yard (complete with manual roller/gate)! Great location & home!  The West River expansion of the RIVERWALK/ARMATURE WORKS/Hillsborough River is rapidly expanding on the west-side of the river & this home is in the heart of it all!  Close to downtown, U. of Tampa, Channelside, Hyde Park, The Heights, Riverwalk, Armature Works, NOHO, SOHO, Channelside, and much more!  Come see this home today!  See attached tours and website! $465,000 Active

2130 W Spruce Street Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,518 SqFt 0.06 Acres

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

Updated 2/1 Home with Separate 1/1 Attic Suite in Palmetto Beach

Located in Palmetto Beach, this unique property offers a 2-bedroom, 1-bath main home plus a separate 1-bedroom, 1-bath finished attic suite—perfect for multi-use living. The main home features all-new vinyl plank flooring throughout and a traditional casita-style layout where the living room, dining area, and kitchen flow together with ease. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove and gas water heater for energy-efficient utility.

A custom spiral staircase leads to the upstairs suite, a fully finished space with its own private bathroom—ideal for guests, a home office, or rental potential. The roof was recently replaced with permits in March 2025, offering peace of mind for years to come.

At the rear of the property, you'll find a covered carport with space for two vehicles and an additional storage area. Updated windows and thoughtful improvements throughout make this home move-in ready. Just one block from scenic DeSoto Park, it’s a perfect setting for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, green space, and waterfront views—all while being just minutes from downtown Tampa and major roadways. $290,000 Active

2402 Harper Street Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,352 SqFt 0.07 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:

Join our team

Please fill out the below form completely and include your resume & cover letter and we will get back to you quickly!

  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 50 MB.