SI Real Estate Tampa and The Beaches

  Even before the pandemic swept in on the country, people from the Northeast and West Coast have been relocating to Tampa Bay. Tempted by the warm sunshine almost 250 days a year, dazzling sandy beaches, and too many outdoor activities to count, Tampa is a serious contender for anyone looking for a permanent change in lifestyle. As many of us now are working remotely and have the flexibility to work from anywhere, it no longer makes sense to live in a high-priced, cold-weather state if you don’t have to. Tampa is one of the go-to places for anyone searching for more spacious and affordable homes, an active lifestyle, absence of state income tax, and a healthy job market. Here are our Top Ten Reasons to call Tampa Bay home. 1. Phenomenal Weather Year-Round  It’s no secret that the near-perfect weather in Tampa Bay is the biggest draw for most people who decide to relocate here. More than 200 days of sunshine a year and an average daily temperature of 70o ranks The Sunshine State as the

 4 Helpful Tips When Buying Your New Home New construction homes come with countless perks! The process is more straightforward than traditional home buying and everything is brand new as well as customizable! Buying new has skyrocketed in popularity in the past year around Tampa Bay. Low home inventory has led homebuyers to forgo the competitive resale market and choose to buy and build in new communities.   Although new construction homes have many perks, there are a few things you should do during the process to make the most out of your new home and avoid costly mistakes.     Shop Around with Your Real Estate Agent It’s important to do research ahead of time and meet with the builders that are within your budget. The builder’s sales consultants will go over how long it will take your home to be built, floorplans, and incentives they have. Some builders have a list of inventory homes that move-in ready or near completion that the sales consultant will provide. Shopping aro

  A Reflection on How the Unprecedented Events of 2020 Changed Our Real Estate Market If someone told us in 2019 what was to happen the following year, we would not have believed them. From second graders learning through Zoom to one-way arrows in supermarket aisles, all aspects of our everyday lives have been impacted. The lockdowns in early spring especially affected those in the service industry. Restaurants relied on curbside pick up and hotels adopted new cleaning processes and precautions. The real estate industry was no different. Masks, gloves, and sometimes shoe coverings became a requirement during home tours. Virtual consultations replaced coffee shop meetings and closings moved outdoors. How the pandemic affected the real estate market and buyer trends made residential real estate one of the most interesting industries to watch in 2020. The national lockdown in the US began around mid-March. Springtime is usually the busiest time of the year for real estate, but this

Unbeatable Perks that Help Our Veterans Purchase Their Dream Home The VA Loan Program is one of the best mortgage options out there. VA Loans are designed to make homeownership affordable for veterans and active-duty military members. There are millions of veterans and service members that are eligible, but only a few use their benefit. If you qualify for this type of loan, here are a few reasons to take advantage now!   VA Loans are relatively easy to qualify for. VA Loans are backed and guaranteed by the U.S Government. Because there is less risk involved for the bank, there is a higher chance of loan approval compared to an FHA or Conventional Loan. Additionally, lenders are more flexible regarding an applicant’s credit score.   A Down Payment is not required. This is a HUGE perk of qualifying for a VA Loan! Usually, with an FHA loan or conventional loan, you will need to pay a minimum of 3.5% - 5%. On a home priced at $300,000, $15,000 would need to be placed down with an F

 Benefits of Homeownership Outweigh the Pros of Renting Making the decision to buy a home can be a daunting one. Many people rule out purchasing a house, as it can feel intimidating and they don’t think they qualify. In reality, many renters have the qualifications and ability to become homeowners. It is a major financial decision but is also extremely rewarding and empowering to be able to own where you live. Here are 4 signs you may want to consider becoming a homeowner.   You love where you live and plan to stay for a while.   Renting is great for people that are new to the area and are unsure if that is where they want to live. If you’ve been living in your city for a few years and plan on settling there, it may be best to consider buying. Also, if you’ve been living there a while and working in the same industry, that will help you qualify for a loan. Mortgage lenders typically require at least 2 years of stable employment in the same industry to approve your loan.   Your rent kee

  Hundreds of Northerners are Moving to Florida Each Day When Florida comes to mind, many used to think of a vacation spot or a place to eventually retire. This has all changed over time, but especially in 2020. Florida has become one of the hottest places to relocate due to the Coronavirus. According to the Daily Mail, around 950 people move to the Sunshine State each day. According to a Douglas Elliman August report, new contracts for single-family homes and condominiums continued to rise in Pinellas and Hillsborough County — after having doubled in July.   The Coronavirus lockdown resulted in many people reflecting on their lifestyles, especially for people that received work from home orders. Those living in major cities began to realize that working and living in a tiny one-bedroom apartment was just not ideal. Close living quarters in apartment buildings also began to make residents feel uneasy with social distancing becoming the new normal. The desire for outdoor spaces all