A SOURCE FOR REAL ESTATE & TAMPA BAY INFORMATION

Why do home sales fall apart between contract and closing? Most contract failures trace back to financing, appraisal, insurance, or inspection issues. In the Tampa Bay market, insurance and lender requirements are the most common late-stage deal killers — and both are solvable with the right team in

Do you have to replace an older roof before selling a Tampa Bay home? No — Florida law protects roofs under 15 years old from age-only insurance denial, and a roof 15 years or older can stay insurable with an inspection showing at least 5 years of remaining useful life (F.S. 627.7011). What roof age

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.

How do you establish Florida domicile after buying a Tampa Bay home? Florida has no state income tax and no day-count residency test of its own, so establishing domicile is about proving you intend to make Florida your permanent home — and severing the ties that let your former state keep taxing you

How does a Florida wind mitigation inspection save a Tampa Bay luxury homeowner money on insurance? A licensed inspector completes a Uniform Mitigation Verification Inspection Form (OIR-B1-1802) — required by Florida Statute § 627.0629 — that documents seven hurricane-resilience features on a Tampa

Once you go under contract, you’ll move through inspections, appraisal, title and lien review, loan approval, and a final walkthrough before closing — typically within 30 to 45 days in most financed transactions. You Accepted an Offer — Now What? The champagne moment is short-lived. You’ve reviewed

  Should you buy new construction or a resale home in Tampa Bay in 2026 if your budget is $750K+—and where should you look? In 2026, $750K+ buyers in Tampa Bay typically choose new construction for modern design, lower near-term maintenance, and builder warranties; choose resale for established neig

Introduction Getting a high-end home ready to sell fast in Tampa takes more than just sweeping through the rooms and hoping for the best. Buyers looking at luxury homes expect more than basic charm. They want a home that looks fresh, feels comfortable, and makes moving in feel seamless. That’s why p

Seller Strategy Should You Go “Private” When Selling? Why Most Tampa Bay Sellers Lose Money (and Exposure) “Private,” “exclusive,” or “off-MLS” listings can sound appealing if you want a quiet process. For a very small minority, they’re useful. For most sellers in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwat

Typical costs of selling a Tampa home include agent commissions, title fees, state transfer taxes, and potential repairs. Shane Vanderson helps you understand and plan for these expenses. 1. Real Estate Commissions In Tampa, seller-paid commissions are usually around 5–6% of the sale price, split be

Accepting a cash offer can speed up your Tampa home sale and reduce risk, but it may come at a lower price. Shane Vanderson helps evaluate when a cash offer makes sense for your goals. 1. Advantages of Cash Offers Faster closings, often 2–3 weeks Fewer contingencies Less risk of financing falling th

Open houses give buyers a chance to tour your Tampa home in person. Shane Vanderson uses them strategically to maximize exposure, generate interest, and attract serious offers. 1. Purpose of Open Houses They showcase your home to multiple buyers at once, creating buzz and potential competition. 2. H

Curb appeal creates the first impression for buyers. In Tampa’s competitive market, a well-maintained exterior can attract more buyers and lead to higher offers. Shane Vanderson shows you how small changes make a big impact. 1. Why Curb Appeal Matters Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers s

When selling your Tampa home, inspections are a standard step where buyers evaluate the property’s condition. Shane Vanderson helps you prepare in advance, handle negotiations, and keep your deal on track. 1. What to Expect During Inspections Buyers typically schedule an inspection within the first

The biggest mistakes Tampa sellers make include overpricing, skipping repairs or presentation, poor marketing, and choosing the wrong agent. Shane Vanderson helps you avoid these pitfalls for a smoother sale. 1. Overpricing Your Home Pricing too high is the number one mistake. In Tampa’s competitive