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First Time Home Buyer Tampa Bay

Closing

13 articlestagged “Closing

Florida home with impact-resistant windows and solar panels representing PACE financing improvements
Buyer Education

PACE Loans in Florida: What Tampa Bay First-Time Buyers Must Know Before Closing

A PACE assessment on a home you're buying can kill your FHA or conventional loan — and most buyers never see it coming. Here's how to spot it, what to do, and when PACE financing makes sense after you own.

Sep 8, 20266 min read
Pen signing a legal document at a desk representing real estate attorney review
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
Buyer Education

Solar Panels and Your Tampa Bay Home Purchase: What First-Time Buyers Must Know

Leased solar panels can delay your closing, affect your mortgage approval, and add zero to your appraisal. Here's what Tampa Bay first-time buyers need to know before making an offer.

Sep 4, 20266 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
Single-family home with a large grassy yard showing clear property boundaries in a Tampa Bay neighborhood
Buyer Education

Florida Property Survey Explained: What Tampa Bay First-Time Buyers Need to Know

A property survey reveals your lot's true boundaries, easements, and encroachments before you close. Here's what every first-time buyer in Tampa Bay needs to know — and when to order one. Call (813) 733-7907.

Aug 24, 20269 min read
Person reviewing mortgage documents at a desk representing the pre-approval to closing period
Mortgage Tips

What NOT to Do After Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida

Your mortgage pre-approval isn't a guarantee — one wrong move between now and closing can kill your loan. Here are the 8 things Florida first-time buyers must avoid after pre-approval. Call (813) 733-7907.

Aug 19, 20266 min read
Couple reviewing mortgage documents before closing on their first home
Buyer Education

Clear to Close in Florida: What First-Time Buyers Need to Do in the Final Week Before Closing

Clear to close is the milestone every first-time buyer waits for — but the work isn't done yet. Here's what to do in the final days before your Florida closing. Call Barrett Henry, REALTOR® at (813) 733-7907.

Aug 17, 20269 min read
Two people reviewing a real estate purchase agreement at a table
Buyer Education

How Should You Hold Title When Buying a Home in Florida? What Every First-Time Buyer Needs to Know

Tenancy by the entireties, joint tenancy, tenancy in common — the way you hold title in Florida affects your asset protection, taxes, and what happens if a co-owner dies. Here's how to choose correctly the first time.

Aug 13, 20267 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
Keys on a table next to closing documents
Buyer Education

Florida Closing Day: What Happens at the Table (Walkthrough)

Closing takes 45 min to 1.5 hours. See exactly what you'll sign, what to bring, and what to double-check at your Florida closing table. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jul 8, 20266 min read
Couple reviewing financial documents with an agent at a table
Buyer Education

Florida Escrow Process Explained: Deposit to Closing (2026)

Escrow protects your deposit and funds until closing. Learn how much earnest money to put down, escrow timelines, and your rights in Florida. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jun 10, 20267 min read
Stack of property documents and legal papers on a desk
Buyer Education

Florida Title Search Explained: 6 Issues It Catches (2026)

A Florida title search catches liens, judgments, and ownership problems before closing. Learn what's covered and why you can't skip it. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jun 9, 20268 min read
HVAC system outside a residential home showing air conditioning unit and ductwork
Closing

HVAC Fails Before Closing? 3 Options for Florida Buyers

HVAC failure before closing doesn't have to kill your deal. Learn about escrow holdbacks, repair credits, and your contract rights in Florida. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jun 6, 20267 min read

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