3 Secrets for Home-Buying Success in Today’s Red-Hot Market

If you’re buying a home for sale in Tampa Bay, how can you be successful in a red-hot market? This guide explains.

Check out these three tips to make your home-buying experience a positive one:

Shop below your price range
Lock in mortgage preapproval before you start house-hunting
Act fast and make your best offer immediately

Here’s a closer look at each.

Secret #1 for Home-Buying Success: Shop Below Your Price Range

with many homes selling at or above asking price, it’s best if you begin house hunting below your price range. That way, you have some wiggle room if it comes down to a negotiation or a bidding war.

Besides, it’s better to shop for homes below your price range because you may end up saving a significant amount of money. Many people find that spending less than they can afford is the smartest route. If that’s your situation, you can take the money you save on monthly mortgage payments and turn it around by putting it into your home. Over time, you can make all the improvements you need to transform your space into exactly what you wanted in the first place.

Secret #2 for Home-Buying Success: Lock in Mortgage Preapproval Before You Start House-Hunting

You should never start house hunting without mortgage preapproval. That’s because when you find a home you love, you need to act quickly. In fact, that’s Secret #3, but more on that later.

It pays to have mortgage preapproval for several reasons. First, most sellers won’t even entertain an offer that doesn’t come with a preapproval letter. That’s because they have no way of knowing whether someone will actually let you borrow the money to purchase their home.

Second, getting a pre-approval letter lets you know exactly how much house you can afford. There are few things worse than thinking you’ll be approved for a certain amount, shopping for homes in that price range, and later finding out – after you find your dream home, of course – that you don’t qualify to borrow that much money.

Secret #3 for Home-Buying Success: Act Fast and Make Your Best Offer Immediately

When real estate markets are slow and sluggish, it’s OK to offer less than your best offer right out of the gate. However, many sellers are enjoying the luxury of having multiple offers within a matter of days of listing a home. That means they can pick and choose to find the offer that’s right for them. It’s in your best interest to make your best offer immediately; that way, you have a better shot at sellers considering you a valid competitor for the home. Remember, other people are putting forth their best offers, too.

Awesome home located in the heart of Northdale. This 3 bedroom/2.5 bath single family pool home with an attached oversized 2 car garage features elegant upgrades throughout. Gorgeous porcelain light, wood look tile floors extend through the formal living room, kitchen and dining areas and expertly installed inlaid tile floors in the family room. The family room is also equipped with a wood burning stone fireplace with shelving on each side along with additional shelving and cabinets on the opposite side of the room. The kitchen features solid wood custom cabinetry, light Corian counters, and a beautiful travertine backsplash. Also located on the first floor is a half bath and a large inside utility room with washer and dryer hook ups with a large utility sink. On the upper level there are two nice sized bedrooms with ceiling fans and a full bath, as well as an incredible master suite where no expense has been spared, including it's own 1.5 ton A/C unit. It also features a stunning 55 Sq Ft custom walk-in closet lined with aromatic cedar and a granite top island dresser. Located just outside the walk-in and master bath there is a custom granite top vanity/desk. The master bath features beautiful solid wood and granite custom cabinetry and a HUGE travertine and glass shower with multiple wall jets, shower heads and a bench. Hardwood floors extend through the generously sized master leading to the private covered balcony with incredible views overlooking the 10th & 18th fairways of the Northdale East Course. Attached is a stairway leading from the balcony to the backyard oasis. Here, you will find a step up wooden deck. Perfect area for lounging, outside dining or soaking up some sun. The home has a large screened in pool with paver decking and a lanai with two outdoor fans and French doors that open up to the family room. In addition, the home features an irrigation system, two doggie doors with vinyl fenced side yards for Fido.
Roof and A/C were replaced in 2014.
Interior pictures will be added Saturday 8/13/22

$515,000 Active

4611 Landscape Drive Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,078 SqFt 0.200 Acres

Welcome to your new home! This well maintained single family home is all renovated, and in close proximity to the best that Tampa has to offer. It has been professionally painted inside/out, features 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, and an inviting open concept floor plan. The living room is cozy and great to relax or entertain your family and friends. The bright kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, modern soft close cabinets and granite countertops. In-closet washer/dryer allows you to organize all your laundry needs and keep everything neat. The shingle and fiberglass membrane roof, AC, and water heater are about 5 years old, for your peace of mind. The carport has a gate, but the beautiful landscaped backyard and patio can also easily be used for entertaining as well. Tandem parking offers parking spots for several cars, not to mention that the front of the house and the fenced backyard requires very minimum maintenance.

$389,000 Active

1512 W Kirby Street Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,248 SqFt 0.120 Acres

Remodeled home within walking distance to the Bucs Stadium. Use this entire 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home for yourself or lease it out. It can be split into a 2/1 and 1/1, both have full kitchens. Also, perfect for a mother in law suite with its own separate entrance. Open great room plan with large kitchen that boasts granite counters, white shaker cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. Laminate wood floors throughout the entire home, 5" baseboards, ceiling fans, and all appliances stay including the washer and dryer.

$389,000 Active

3317 W Saint Conrad Street Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,114 SqFt 0.110 Acres

This home is Eligible for 100% Financing with NO Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and Zero down payment for qualified buyers!!! The property went into a partial renovation that includes a bathroom and kitchen remodel with new cabinets, granite counter top, new appliances and plumbing service. The main house has 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, plus an attached in-law suite of 1br/1bath, which the owners rent on short term bases, through Air B&B. The ample parking space in the front of the house, also renders occasional revenue from parking fees charged to football fans when there are games at Raymond James Stadium. Location is everything and this charming home is in the heart of the city. Close to Raymond James Stadium great for tailgating and then walking over to watch a football game. It is just minutes away from Tampa International Airport, The International Mall, Hillsborough Community College, Down Town Tampa, many shops, restaurants and a quick drive over to the beaches. This home is a must see and act quick, because it should not last long on the market.

$429,000 Active

3317 W Braddock Street Tampa, Florida

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,148 SqFt 0.120 Acres

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