How to Buy Your First Home in Tampa: A Simple Guide for Newcomers

You have finally saved up enough money to buy your first home in Tampa. It feels great—you're on your way to financial independence and a better life for yourself and your family.  Buying a home is an exciting time for most people, but it can also be stressful. There's more to buying a home than just picking out which house you like and writing a check. While it might seem intimidating, here are some things that you need to do before buying a new home in Tampa.

Why Buy Your First Home in Tampa?

There are many reasons to choose Tampa if you're thinking about buying your first home. Tampa is an excellent place for young professionals who want to build careers, families looking for more space, and retirees looking for their next adventure. Another reason to buy your first home in Tampa is the weather. Located in the heart of Florida, you can live year-round without needing to wear winter gear. The average temperature in Tampa ranges from 71 degrees in the winter to 91 degrees in the summer. 

What To Consider When Buying a Home in Tampa

When you’re searching for a home, there are specific questions you should ask yourself. But if you’re moving to Tampa, there are a few additional questions to consider: 

• What is your ideal location? For example, do you want to live in Hyde Park, Davis Island, Channel District, Clearwater, or Harbour Island?
• What size and type of home is the best quality for your family?
• How much of a down payment can you afford?
• Can you raise the closing costs (taxes, fees, and administrative expenses) in due time?
• What features are you looking for in a home?
• What kind of lifestyle do you live?

The sooner you answer these questions before stepping into the market for a home, the more likely you'll land a good deal.

Steps to Buying Your First Home in Tampa

Buying a home can be daunting. A home is a sanctuary and a place to rest after long days at work. Many considerations and questions need answers before buying a home. So, if you're thinking of buying a home, ask yourself these questions first: Where do you want to live? Tampa Bay is full of different neighborhoods with their respective pros and cons. What is the purpose of your house? For example, if you want to start a family in your new home, you'll need three bedrooms.  On the other hand, perhaps you're looking for an investment property that will pay off in the long run. So it may be beneficial for you to have more than just one bedroom. Here are the steps you should take to buy your first house in Tampa.

1. The first thing you need to do is create a budget.
2. Plan and make sure you can afford the down payments without debt.
3. Save money for the down payments.
4. Look at the market value of the homes that you're interested in.
5. Research real estate listings and local real estate investors
6. Compare different homes and decide which ones fit best into your price range.
7. Find a top Tampa realtor who has your best interests at heart. An agent who understands the local market can help you make the right decision.
8. Make your offer and possible negotiations.
9. Finish the conditions and all the paperwork.
10. Close the transaction once you reach a definitive agreement with your agent or real estate investor.
11. Finalize your home purchase.

How Much is a Down Payment on a Home in Florida?

Homebuyers looking to buy a home in Florida can expect a down payment between 3% and 3.5%. However, a credit score below 620 may see the mortgage rate increase.  First-time home buyers may be eligible for first-time Homebuyer programs.  

Tampa First Time Home Buyer Programs

Although housing costs are relatively low in Tampa, first-time homeownership is still a substantial financial investment, and the cost can be overwhelming to first-time home buyers.  To make it less daunting, you should consider home buyer programs that provide down payment assistance, mortgage assistance, and assistance with closing costs. The City of Tampa provides down payment assistance loans for income-eligible homebuyers that help first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership. The program provides up to $14,999 to eligible applicants. Many other programs can help you with your down payments. You just need to identify a reputable and reliable program.

List of Resources For First Time Home Buyers in Tampa

The following resources are helpful on your journey of becoming a homeowner:

• "Dare to Own the Dream" (DARE)
• Hillsborough County Down Payment Assistance
• HUD Florida

No Need to Purchase A Home Alone. Real Estate Experts Can Help 

Tampa is one of the most popular cities to purchase a first home. It’s affordable, but it’s also a great place to live and work. The Tampa real estate market has been booming for over a year, and it doesn't look like the growth is slowing down anytime soon. As a first-time buyer, you'll be looking for an area that meets your needs while staying within your budget. If you’re looking to buy your first home in Tampa, Florida, the team at GenTeam Property Group is here to help. We have a wide selection of properties available, and our agents are experts in the Tampa area market. So contact us today to get started on finding your dream home.