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First Time Home Buyer Tampa Bay

Buyer Education

8 articlestagged “Buyer Education

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Buyer Education

Do First-Time Home Buyers in Florida Need a Real Estate Attorney?

Florida does not require a real estate attorney at closing, but there are situations where hiring one makes sense. Here is what Tampa Bay first-time buyers need to know.

Sep 7, 20267 min read
Single-family home exterior in a Florida suburban neighborhood
Buyer Education

How to Research a Neighborhood Before Buying Your First Home in Tampa Bay

Flood zones, school ratings, HOA reserves, and commute times: what Tampa Bay first-time buyers must verify before making an offer. Guidance from Barrett Henry, REALTOR®.

Sep 6, 20267 min read
Suburban Florida home with tile roof visible against a blue sky
Buyer Education

Roof Age and Florida Insurance: What First-Time Buyers Must Know Before Making an Offer

Florida insurers can refuse to cover homes with roofs past their expected life — and that can kill your mortgage. Barrett Henry, REALTOR® with REMAX Collective, explains the 15-year rule, how to negotiate roof issues, and what to ask before you fall in love with a house. Call (813) 733-7907.

Aug 28, 20269 min read
Calculator and financial documents on a desk representing home buying cost analysis
Buyer Education

What 12 More Months of Renting Actually Costs You in Tampa Bay (The Real Math)

The true cost of waiting to buy isn't just rent. Tampa Bay first-time buyers lose $18,000+ per year in equity, tax breaks, and rising prices. See the full breakdown.

Aug 17, 20268 min read
Suburban home exterior with green lawn representing a Tampa Bay real estate purchase opportunity
Buyer Education

Short Sales in Tampa Bay 2026: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

Short sales can mean real savings — but they come with a unique set of rules in Florida. Barrett Henry, REALTOR® explains the process, the risks, and how first-time buyers can win.

Aug 15, 20266 min read
Inspector examining an electrical panel as part of a Florida 4-point home inspection
Buyer Education

Florida's 4-Point Inspection: What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know

Most Florida first-time buyers are blindsided by the 4-point inspection requirement. Barrett Henry, REALTOR® with REMAX Collective explains what it covers, what makes a home fail, and how to protect your closing. Call (813) 733-7907.

Aug 12, 20269 min read
House model next to a calculator and financial documents
Buyer Education

What Is PITI? Understanding Your True Monthly Mortgage Payment in Tampa Bay

PITI is Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance — the real number you'll pay each month. Here's how to calculate it for a Tampa Bay home in 2026.

Aug 11, 20267 min read
Modern single-family home exterior in a Florida neighborhood, representing the choice between townhomes and single-family homes for first-time buyers in Tampa Bay
Buyer Education

Townhome vs Single-Family Home in Tampa Bay: Which Is Right for Your First Purchase?

Comparing townhomes and single-family homes in Tampa Bay? See the price difference, HOA costs, financing rules, and which works with DPA programs. Call (813) 733-7907.

Aug 2, 20266 min read

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