Buying | Tampa Bay Homes for Sale | RE/MAX ACR Elite Group, Inc.

What you need to know about HOA’s

Many communities, including condos, townhomes and single-family homes in master-planned communities, require residents to join a homeowners’ association. Gated communities and everyday subdivisions have them, as well, so you need to know what you’re getting into if you’re buying a house in Tampa or the surrounding suburbs that has a homeowners’ association, or HOA. Homeowners’ Association Dues When you live in a community with a homeowners’ association, you’ll be responsible for paying dues. … Continue reading...

How to Decide How Much to Put down on a Home

Before the foreclosure crisis, it wasn't uncommon for people to buy homes with no money down. The crash of 2008 changed that, however, and the pendulum swung the other way. You almost had to come up with 20 percent of the purchase price for a down payment on a home. While zero-down mortgages may never be as prevalent as they once were, there are low (and no) down-payment options out there. Government-backed loan programs offer zero-down and 3-percent programs, and even traditional lenders are … Continue reading...

Debunking Common Home Buying Myths

If you are a first-time home buyer, you understandably may have heard a million things about buying a home, and unfortunately some of the them may not be correct. While there may be many things that you need to learn along the way to get the full story on buying a house, there are some common myths that can be debunked for you right now to help you make a better overall decision about your home buying plans. You Need to Put 20 Percent Down One of the most common myths relates to how much money … Continue reading...

Pros and Cons of Over-55 Communities

As baby-boomers have aged, the development of more over-55 communities has proliferated. Where these active lifestyle neighborhoods were once seen only near resorts and golf courses, smaller-scale developments are springing up near large cities. If you are thinking about relocating to one of these communities, you need to understand the pros and cons. Downsizing While you can certainly downsize without moving to an over-55 community, the choice may be much easier in one. Often, it is difficult … Continue reading...

Buying a House “As Is”

When you're investigating buying a house, you quickly discover homes available in various conditions. If you've found a home you really like and the seller includes an "as is" clause in the contract, it's understandable to hesitate. Sometimes an "as is" home is quite redeemable and other times, it can turn into a money pit. It's important to consider several aspects before buying a house "as is." How "as is" affects a purchase contract In a standard home purchase contract, it states that key … Continue reading...

5 Tips for Homebuyers with Pets

If you're looking for a new home to buy, you'll have some wants and needs in mind. But if you have animals moving in with you, you'll have all their needs to consider, too, and that's when things get complicated. But with this five-point checklist, you can make sure your pets are covered before making your final decision. Space Your pets will want space to move around freely, inside and out, or as relevant to their type, and however much you enjoy their company, you'll want some … Continue reading...

5 Deal Breakers When Buying a Home

When buying a new home, it can be extremely difficult to find something that you like and can afford, so you might feel pressured into making a decision right away. However, ignoring some major flaws in a property may quickly turn your new home into a money pit. Make sure you examine any home carefully before you make an offer, or better yet, hire someone to conduct a professional inspection. Here are some problems you may encounter when inspecting a property, which might make you reconsider … Continue reading...

RE/MAX Reject: Why Home Buyers should choose a RE/MAX Agent

Anyone can show you houses. Watch this video to learn why you should choose a RE/MAX Agent when buying your next home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtaAX4Cw9MI&feature=youtu.be Are You thinking of buying a Home in Tampa Bay? Use our site to search homes for sale in Tampa Bay and all of our surrounding areas. Unlike the “big name” sites out there, our site is directly connected to our local MLS and is updated EVERY HOUR. By creating a Property Manager account you can stay on top of … Continue reading...

BUYERS BEWARE of Dual Agency When Buying a Home

Depending on the state where you're buying a home, laws related to agency and real estate representation can be different. The real estate agent you're working with will probably not be your agent in the legal sense of the term in most states. They will be called something like a representative or some other term that does not require the full duties of a legal agent. This article isn't about full agency, so the legal details aren't necessary. Whatever your real estate professional's level … Continue reading...

First-time Home Buyers: How to Buy your first home without it being a Financial Sinkhole

One thing that the housing and mortgage crash that began in late 2006 made clear was that a home isn't going to be a financial investment in the future. While your parents or grandparents may have purchased a home decades ago and they're sitting on major equity, that's going to be much more of a rarity in the future. Lifestyles have changed, and employment isn't the decades-long home it used to be. People are moving around more, and employees change jobs and even careers much more … Continue reading...