Buyer Resources

Greater St Pete and Tampa Bay area Home Buyers FAQ's

Answering Your Greater St Petersburg and Tampa Bay Area Home Buying Questions

Buying a home is both thrilling and a bit unnerving, especially if you're a first-time home buyer. Both experienced home buyers and first-time buyers alike will benefit from the frequently asked questions below. Before you begin your Greater St Pete and Tampa Bay area home search, it is recommended that you prepare yourself for the journey by educating yourself. This will ensure you are a knowledgeable home buyer prepared to make a confident home buying decision.

Q - I've never purchased a home before.  Where should I begin?

A - Actually, you've already started the process. Fact-finding and reading articles is a great way to become a smart consumer. The highest priorities on which to focus before you begin searching for specific areas, neighborhoods, or homes would be:

  • Familiarize yourself with your personal finances.
  • Learn about the Greater St Pete and Tampa Bay area real estate market.
  • Carefully review your budget and begin to eliminate as much debt as possible.
  • Have a down payment and earnest money ready when the time comes to act and make your offer.

Your next step is to contact us. As your home buying specialists, we'll protect your interest and manage the details of the real estate transaction on your behalf to your complete satisfaction.  For more experienced buyers, a little brush up on the real estate process wouldn't be a bad idea. Of course, you'll need a really sharp Greater St Pete and Tampa Bay area real estate team to protect your interests too!

Q - With all the bad news about mortgage products and home foreclosures, how do I avoid making a big mistake when deciding which type of loan to select?

A - Once we meet and review your finances along with your home buying needs, you should select a lending consultant. We can recommend several trusted lending professionals or you can choose your own. Having upmost confidence in your lender is important. Be sure you feel completely at ease with them.  They should speak to you in easy to understand terms.  Ask lots of questions and never sign any document until you know what you are signing and feel completely at ease signing it. Fixed interest rate loans and interest rates are still very attractive. Of course, the type of loan best for you depends on several factors. Here are just a few:

  • How much money do you have for a down payment?
  • How long do you plan to live in the home?
  • Do you qualify for a FHA or VA loan?

The market has shifted recently and fewer homes are avaialble, making the competition fierce. Any offer must be accompanied with a preapproval letter if you are seeking financing, or a "proof of funds" document if you are buying cash. Sellers will not even consider an offer unless they know the buyers finances are secure. There are STILL good deals out there but you have to be ready to buy when you see one! Our mission is to have you be the first one who gets into a newly listed home and have the "other guy" be a day late and a dollar short.

Let's Get Started!

Are you ready to schedule your home buying consultation?  If so, contact us today and together we will review your needs and your budget to help you find the right Greater St Pete and Tampa Bay area home for you!

Questions? Just Ask!

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