A SOURCE FOR REAL ESTATE & TAMPA BAY INFORMATION

Can you use a VA loan to buy a high-end home in Tampa Bay? Yes. Since the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act took effect on January 1, 2020, VA loans carry no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement — a qualified buyer PCSing to MacDill Air Force Base can finance a South Tampa home above th

What happens to the furniture when you sell a furnished home in Tampa Bay? Furniture does not convey with a Florida home unless the contract says it does. The standard FR/BAR contract transfers fixtures and a specific list of items — appliances, ceiling fans, light fixtures, window treatments — but

Can you still negotiate on a downtown Tampa condo? Yes. In 2026, a buyer I represented closed on SkyPoint Unit 1614 at 777 N Ashley Drive for $660,000 — $99,000 below the $759,000 list price — in 47 days from our first meeting to keys. The short version Thirteen tours. One offer. Nine days from cont

Can you sell a Tampa Bay condo with a special assessment? Yes — a levied or pending special assessment doesn't stop a Florida condo sale, but it changes the mechanics. Under the current FR/BAR Condominium Rider (revised June 2025), a special assessment levied as of the contract's effective date defa

Should you buy at Pendry Residences Tampa or The Residences at The Tampa EDITION? Pendry Residences Tampa is a 38-story hotel-and-condo tower under construction at 111 S. Ashley Drive on the Tampa Riverwalk, with roughly 200 residences reported to be priced from about $1.7 million and completion and

Should you take a cash offer over a financed offer on a Tampa Bay luxury home? Not automatically. Cash removes the two contingencies that most often kill a deal — financing and the lender's appraisal — and can close in as little as one to two weeks instead of the 30–45 days a mortgage usually needs.

What's a jumbo loan in Tampa Bay in 2026, and how is it different from a conforming mortgage? In Tampa Bay, any single-unit purchase that requires a mortgage above $832,750 is a jumbo loan in 2026 — that's the FHFA baseline conforming limit for Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and every Florida county

What's the real difference between HOA fees and condo association fees in Tampa Bay? In Tampa Bay, an HOA fee pays for shared neighborhood elements — gates, landscaping, the clubhouse, sometimes a community pool — under Florida Statutes Chapter 720. A condo association fee pays for the building itse

How is the sale of a Tampa Bay second home or vacation property taxed? Selling a Tampa Bay second home or vacation property triggers federal long-term capital gains tax — typically 15% or 20%, plus a 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax for higher earners — on the gain above your adjusted cost basis. Flor

Should you waive the home inspection on a Tampa Bay luxury home? In most cases, no. The Tampa Bay market in 2026 no longer rewards waived inspections the way the 2021–2022 frenzy did, and the issues an inspection tends to surface on a $1.5M–$5M home — aging seawalls, insurance-disqualifying roofs, o

Focus on reserve funding levels, delinquency rates, pending special assessments, and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) compliance. These four areas reveal whether a building is financially healthy or headed for costly surprises after closing. Why Condo Financials Matter More Than Floor Plans

Why Selling a Condo on Harbour Island Is Different If you own a condo on Harbour Island and you’re thinking about selling, the process looks different than listing a single-family home in South Tampa. You’re not just selling a unit — you’re selling a lifestyle, an association, and a financial pictur

How Property Taxes Work for Luxury Buyers Relocating to Florida If you’re moving to Florida from a high-tax state — New York, New Jersey, California, Illinois, Connecticut — the tax math is probably a big part of why. No state income tax. No estate tax. And a property tax system built around protect

High-rise condominiums in Tampa offer a unique blend of luxury, convenience, and urban lifestyle that appeals to many buyers. This comprehensive guide will explore the various aspects of high-rise living, including the benefits, top buildings, and essential factors to consider when purchasing. As ur

Living in a luxury condo with pets can be a rewarding experience, combining upscale amenities with the joy of having furry companions. This guide explores the essential features of pet-friendly luxury condos in Tampa Bay, helping pet owners navigate their options while ensuring their pets are well a

If you’re comparing a condo-hotel like Hotel ORA with a traditional investment property in Tampa Bay, the right choice comes down to control, flexibility, lifestyle use, and how hands-on you want to be as an owner. Is a condo-hotel like Hotel ORA a smarter way to own Tampa Bay real estate than a tra

  Should you buy a condo in Downtown Tampa or Downtown St. Petersburg in 2026? Both are strong bets, but Tampa favors scale, finance, and new high-rises, while St. Pete offers arts, walkability, and coastal character. Your best choice depends on commute patterns, lifestyle pace, and resale strategy.

Creating a luxury home gym is an investment in both health and lifestyle, offering a personalized space for fitness enthusiasts. This guide will explore the essential elements of designing a high-end gym, from selecting the best equipment to optimizing the interior design. Many homeowners face chall

Research emphasizes the critical role of a well-defined marketing strategy in successfully selling luxury properties, especially when facing a soft market. Selling a luxury home can be a complex process, especially when the property remains on the market longer than expected. Understanding the reaso

  Which investment makes more sense in Tampa Bay 2026—single-family homes or luxury condos—based on your lifestyle and long-term goals? Single-family homes generally offer more privacy and land value upside, while luxury condos deliver turnkey living, amenities, and walkability. Your best choice dep