Get pre-approved for a mortgage - Getting a mortgage pre-approval will save yourself the grief of looking at homes you can't afford and put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right one. Don't just get pre-qualified for a mortgage, which is based on a quick review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.

Make sure you are working with a good lender - Getting a mortgage is a very important part of the equation. Make sure you are working with someone reputable, preferably in the Tampa Bay Area. When I deal with buyers who are using out of town banks there are typically more snags in the transacation.

Learn the market - Before you can purchase a home you need to feel comfortable about where you are buying and the price range you are looking in. You can learn the market by seeing properties for sale in Tampa Bay or searching the MLS. Knowing the market will prevent you from looking for properties that do not exist and will save you alot of time and aggravation.

Hire a professional Realtor - Your time is very valuable. Hiring a real estate agent will save you time and money. Driving around aimlessly on weekends and scanning the weekend newspaper is time consuming. Hire a Tampa Bay Realtor to consult with you on what you are looking for and get a list of properties currently for sale.

With a hot real estate market comes a rise in the number of Realtors. There are thousands of agents to choose from in the Tampa Bay Area alone. Many of them are part time. Make sure you hire someone who can adequately handle your transaction. I am a full time real estate professional who will dedicate 100% to your transaction. Contact me for more information on how I can help you find the home you are looking for.

Don't try to find the deal of the century - I see too many people try to find homes undervalued or a "steal". They have waited on the sidelines for a long time looking for that deal of the century. In the mean time bay area home prices have been rising quickly. They would have made out better if they just picked out the best home in their price range that suited their needs. 

Hire a home inspector - This is typically the largest purchase you ever going to make. Spend a few extra bucks and get a home inspection. It could save you alot of money in the long run.

Don't Let Your Emotions Take Over - Keep a cool head during the entire home buying process, especially during and after a home inspection. Be realistic. No home is perfect, especially older homes. It's not unusual for new owners to take care of some repairs themselves. Don't let the seller's refusal to do a small repair kill the deal on a home you truly love.

On the other hand, don't fall so much in love with the house that you'll buy it no matter what needs to be done--unless you're sure you can handle it emotionally and financially. Decide what type of repairs you can realistically tackle, then stick with the decision.

Building a home - I deal with many people looking for new construction. Some people think that the builder will give them a better price for the home without a Realtor. That is not true.  Builders will charge you the same whether you have an agent or not. Builders are in the business to make money, not to protect your interests. It is best to have a professional representing your interests. There are builders out there that will not hesitate to take advantage of a buyer who does not have someone representing them. 

Most of the new communities are not listed on the MLS so give me a call or send me an email for more information if you are looking to build a new home. 

Work with a good attorney or title company - There are alot of people that go into handling the purchase and sale of a home. Any one of these parties can foul up the transacation. Get referrals to find good people to work with.

This is just a handful of tips for buying real estate in Tampa. I would be happy to represent you in the purchase of your next home in the Tampa Bay Area. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

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