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First-time buyer? You may qualify for $10,000–$35,000 in assistance → (813) 733-7907
First Time Home Buyer Tampa Bay

Closing Costs

15 articlestagged “Closing Costs”

New construction homes being built in Tampa Bay neighborhood with lumber framing visible
New Construction

Impact Fees on New Construction in Tampa Bay: What First-Time Buyers Must Understand

Impact fees add $15,000–$35,000+ to new home prices in Tampa Bay. Learn what they are, how they vary by county, and how they affect your purchase in 2026. Call (813) 733-7907.

Oct 7, 202611 min read
Affordable neighborhood homes in Tampa Florida representing CRA down payment assistance program for first-time buyers
Down Payment Assistance

Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance: Up to $100,000 for East Tampa Buyers (2026)

The Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance program gives first-time buyers up to $50,000 in CRA neighborhoods, and up to $100. Call (813) 733-7907.

Oct 3, 20269 min read
Florida real estate closing documents with calculator representing documentary stamp tax costs
Buyer Education

Florida Documentary Stamp Tax: What First-Time Buyers Actually Pay at Closing

Florida charges documentary stamp taxes on every real estate closing. Learn the exact rates, who pays, how much you'll owe.

Sep 27, 20266 min read
Wall calendar with house keys representing mortgage payment timing for Tampa Bay first-time homebuyers
Buyer Education

When Is Your First Mortgage Payment Due After Closing in Florida?

First-time buyers in Tampa Bay often assume their first mortgage payment is due the month after closing. It isn't.

Sep 21, 20268 min read
Florida suburban home with green lawn representing Hillsborough County HFA Home Sweet Home first-time buyer program
Down Payment Assistance

Home Sweet Home Hillsborough: Up to $15,000 from the County HFA for First-Time Buyers

Hillsborough County's Housing Finance Authority gives first-time buyers up to $15,000 at 0% interest with no monthly payments. Call (813) 733-7907.

Sep 11, 20268 min read
a house and stacks of coins on a table
Lender Tips

Mortgage Points Worth It First Time Buyer? When to Buy Down

Learn when buying mortgage points makes financial sense for first-time buyers in Tampa Bay. Expert guidance on break-even analysis.

Aug 22, 20268 min read
White single-family home exterior in Tampa Florida representing City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream down payment assistance program
Down Payment Assistance

City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream: Up to $50,000 for First-Time Buyers (2026 Guide)

Tampa's DARE program gives income-qualified first-time buyers up to $50,000 toward down payment and closing costs. Call (813) 733-7907.

Aug 4, 20267 min read
First-time homebuyer reviewing mortgage documents at a desk before closing
Buyer Education

Closing Disclosure Explained: How to Read All 5 Pages Before You Sign (Florida 2026)

Your Closing Disclosure arrives 3 days before closing. Here's how to read every page, spot errors, and know exactly how much to bring.

Jul 29, 20268 min read
Calculator and financial documents on a desk representing mortgage discount point calculations for Tampa Bay home buyers
Mortgage Strategy

Mortgage Discount Points: Should Tampa Bay First-Time Buyers Pay Them?

One discount point costs 1% of your loan and lowers your rate ~0.25%. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jul 24, 20267 min read
Person signing real estate closing documents at a table
Buyer Education

Florida Closing Costs 2026: What First-Time Buyers Pay

Florida closing costs run 2%-5% of purchase price. See the full fee breakdown, how to get sellers to cover them. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jul 13, 20268 min read
Modern new construction home exterior with a manicured lawn
Market Strategy

Tampa Bay Builder Incentives 2026: Up to $55K in Credits

Tampa Bay builders offer $20K-$55K in credits, rate buydowns. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jun 29, 20267 min read
Mortgage rate comparison chart showing 2-1 buydown savings for Tampa Bay buyers
Market Strategy

2-1 Rate Buydown Explained: Save Thousands in Year 1 (2026)

A 2-1 buydown cuts your rate by 2% the first year, saving $400+/month on a $350K home. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jun 28, 20269 min read
Two professionals shaking hands representing a successful Tampa Bay real estate negotiation
Market Strategy

Seller Concessions in Tampa Bay: Get Closing Costs Paid (2026)

FHA allows 6% seller concessions, VA has no cap. See how to negotiate sellers to pay your closing costs and stack with DPA. Call (813) 733-7907.

Jun 27, 20267 min read
Person reviewing a detailed report document with highlighter and notes
Negotiation

Inspection Report Negotiation: Save Thousands in Florida (2026)

Turn inspection findings into $3K-$10K in credits or repairs, even on Florida as-is contracts. See what to negotiate and what to skip. Call (813) 733-7907.

May 24, 20266 min read
Calculator and receipts on a desk representing hidden homebuying costs
Budgeting

13 Hidden Costs Tampa Bay First-Time Buyers Miss in 2026

Beyond your mortgage: insurance gaps, HOA surprises, the year-2 tax jump, and 10 more costs most buyers miss. Call (813) 733-7907.

Apr 26, 20266 min read

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