A SOURCE FOR REAL ESTATE & TAMPA BAY INFORMATION

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 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 Art House or 400 Central in Downtown St. Petersburg? Art House is a 42-story, 244-residence tower from Kolter Urban — the developer's third condominium high-rise in downtown St. Petersburg — that began welcoming residents in late 2025. The Residences at 400 Central is a 46-story, 3

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

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

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

The Pier in St. Petersburg stands as a beacon, offering a unique blend of waterfront living and urban convenience. This article delves into the defining features that make The Pier a premier attraction for luxury buyers, including its stunning location, diverse amenities, and the types of residentia

  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

  Tampa Bay is renowned for its exclusive private clubs that offer a luxurious lifestyle, combining high-end amenities with a vibrant community atmosphere. This guide explores the top private clubs in the area, highlighting their unique features and the benefits of membership. Readers will learn abo

Which luxury condo developments in Downtown Tampa and Downtown St. Petersburg should you prioritize if you’re buying in 2026—and how do you choose the right one? Luxury buyers targeting 2026 should shortlist new or newer high-rise condos in Downtown Tampa and St. Petersburg based on delivery timing,

  Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Pete vs Ritz-Carlton Tampa—which ultra-luxury condo is the better choice for Tampa Bay buyers who want lifestyle, exclusivity, and long-term value? Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Pete typically wins for true waterfront “arrive-by-boat” lifestyle and newer ultra-lux p

How do you choose the right waterfront luxury neighborhood in Tampa Bay for 2026? Start by matching your boating needs (draft, bridges, no-wake zones), your day-to-day lifestyle (privacy vs proximity), and your risk profile (flood/wind exposure, seawalls, and insurance). Then compare access, resale

What do high-net-worth buyers need to know about the $5 million+ luxury market in Tampa Bay before 2026? High-net-worth buyers in Tampa Bay's $5 million+ luxury market should focus on emerging trends, investment opportunities, and the area's unique lifestyle offerings to make informed decisions by 2