Should I Sell My Tampa Home Before Buying My Next One?
Moving within Tampa, or out of it, means coordinating two contracts and one move date. Here is how to pick the right order.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Selling first gives certainty and stronger buying power; buying first avoids a double move but can mean carrying two homes. Decide based on carrying costs, how fast your home will sell and how fixed your move date is.
Your Three Options
Sell first
Know your proceeds and shop as a strong, non-contingent buyer. Use a longer closing or post-closing occupancy to bridge the gap.
Buy first
Move once, then sell an empty home. Budget for two mortgages, taxes, insurance and utilities.
Contingent offer
Buy only if your home sells. Works best when your home is already listed.
Talk to a lender early
Bridge loans or equity lines may help if you buy first.
Tampa Factors
Homestead portability
Moving within Florida? Up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes benefit may transfer to a new homestead established within the required time, generally three years.
Insurance timing
New policies can pause during storm threats, affecting closings in hurricane season. See the best time to sell.
Decide in Three Questions
Can you carry two homes for several months?
How confident are you in your home’s value? Start with a home value review.
How fixed is your move date?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in my home after closing?
Often, yes, with a written post-closing occupancy agreement.
Are contingent offers accepted in South Tampa?
Sometimes, but they are weaker than non-contingent offers in competitive neighborhoods.
Does selling first mean moving twice?
Not necessarily. A longer closing or occupancy agreement can help.
Should I get my home value first?
Yes. It tells you what you can afford and which order makes sense.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Inherited Homes
Inherited a Home in Tampa? What to Do First
Inheriting a home often comes at a hard time. A few early steps protect the property and make the decision ahead easier.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
First secure the home and keep insurance and utilities in place, then confirm who has legal authority to sell: a trustee, a court-appointed personal representative or the heirs together. Then get a value and decide whether to keep, rent or sell.
The First 30 Days
Secure the home and remove valuables and papers
Notify the insurer and ask about vacancy coverage
Keep power and water on to prevent humidity damage
Forward mail and track taxes, HOA dues and mortgage
Locate the deed, will or trust
Who Can Sell?
Trust
The successor trustee can usually sell under the trust’s terms.
Probate
A personal representative appointed by the court typically handles the sale.
Florida homestead rules can affect inheritance and sale. Speak with a Florida probate attorney before listing. This is general information, not legal advice.
Keep, Rent or Sell
Many South Tampa estate homes are older properties on valuable lots, so selling can make sense, especially with several heirs. A home value review gives everyone the same numbers, including value as a lot. See selling for lot value.
Preparing an Estate Home
Clean out with an estate sale company
Sell as-is or make selected repairs
Compare a cash offer if repairs are major. See cash or list
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need probate to sell an inherited house in Florida?
Not always. It depends on title, trusts and the estate. A Florida probate attorney can advise.
Can I sell an inherited Tampa home as-is?
Yes, with disclosure of known material issues.
Should we keep paying the mortgage?
Generally, keeping payments current protects the property while the estate is settled.
Can Scott help heirs who live out of state?
Yes. A local Realtor can coordinate access, vendors, showings and closing paperwork.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Compare Your Options
Cash Offer or Listing? How to Decide When Selling Your Tampa Home
Cash offers promise speed and simplicity. Listings usually bring a higher price. The right choice for your Tampa home depends on condition, timing and, above all, your net.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Listing usually brings the highest price because more buyers compete. A cash offer trades some of that price for speed, convenience and certainty. Compare both by net proceeds after repairs, costs and time.
Side-by-Side
Factor
Listing
Cash offer
Price
Typically higher
Typically lower
Timeline
Weeks to months
Days to a few weeks
Repairs
Often negotiated
Usually none
Showings
Yes
One walkthrough
Financing risk
Possible
None with verified funds
When a Cash Sale Makes Sense
Major repairs or insurance problems
Inherited or vacant homes
A firm deadline
Tenant-occupied properties
Spot the Wholesaler
“And/or assigns” on the contract
No proof of funds in the buyer’s name
Tiny or delayed deposit
Long, easy-exit inspection period
Get the Best of Both
List as-is and invite cash buyers to compete with financed buyers, or get a verified cash offer as your baseline. Scott can show you both side by side. See how to sell your home fast in Tampa and the cost to sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cash offer for my Tampa house a good idea?
It can be, especially for homes needing major work or on a tight timeline. Compare it with a realistic listing by net proceeds.
How fast can a cash sale close in Tampa?
A verified cash buyer can often close in days to a few weeks, depending on title work.
How do I verify a cash buyer?
Request proof of funds in the buyer’s name and a meaningful deposit held by a title company.
Can a Realtor get me cash offers?
Yes. Scott can collect offers from verified buyers and compare them with listing your home.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Timing Your Sale
When Is the Best Time to Sell a Home in South Tampa?
Homes sell in South Tampa all year, but buyer activity follows a few clear patterns, especially for families watching the school calendar.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Late winter through spring is typically the busiest time to sell in South Tampa, as families plan summer moves before the new school year. But local inventory, interest rates and your home’s readiness usually matter more than the month.
The South Tampa Year
January to May
Peak demand. Families targeting South Tampa schools want to be settled by August.
Summer
Steady activity, with families closing before school starts.
Hurricane season, June 1 to November 30
When a storm threatens, insurers may pause new policies, which can delay closings. This matters most in flood-prone areas like Davis Islands. See selling on Davis Islands.
Fall and the holidays
Fewer listings, serious buyers and less competition for well-presented homes.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Seller Costs
How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in South Tampa?
Sale price and take-home are two different numbers. Here is what South Tampa sellers should plan for so there are no surprises at closing.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Most South Tampa sellers plan for agent compensation as negotiated, Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed, the owner’s title policy (customarily seller-paid in Hillsborough County), closing fees, prorated taxes and HOA dues, repairs or credits, and loan payoffs.
The Main Seller Costs
Cost
What to know
Documentary stamp tax
$0.70 per $100 of the sale price on the deed. On $800,000, that is $5,600.
Owner’s title policy
Customarily paid by the seller in Hillsborough County, though negotiable.
Compensation
Set by your listing agreement and negotiations. Always negotiable.
Closing fees
Settlement, lien search, recording and courier charges.
Prorations
Property taxes and any HOA dues through closing.
Repairs and credits
Negotiated after inspection.
Payoffs
Mortgage, equity lines and liens.
South Tampa Extras to Budget For
Older homes: 4-point and wind mitigation items that insurers flag. See selling a historic home.
Flood zones: elevation certificates and disclosure on Davis Islands and near the bay. See selling on Davis Islands.
Condos and HOAs: estoppel and association document fees.
Estimate Your Net
Start with a realistic price from recent nearby sales
Subtract compensation, doc stamps, title and closing fees
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Sulphur Springs
Selling a Home in Sulphur Springs: As-Is Sales, Investors and Pricing
Sulphur Springs, along the Hillsborough River in north Tampa, has drawn growing interest from buyers, renovators and investors. That gives sellers more options, and more reasons to compare them carefully.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Sulphur Springs sellers can usually choose between listing on the open market, listing as-is, or taking a direct cash offer. With strong investor interest, the key is comparing every option by what you actually net, and making sure any cash buyer is real and not a wholesaler.
Who Is Buying in Sulphur Springs
First-time buyers looking for value close to central Tampa
Renovators who update older homes to resell
Investors building rental portfolios
Buyers drawn to the river, parks and neighborhood history
As-Is or Fix Up?
Fix the basics
Paint, cleanup, landscaping and safety items can widen your buyer pool to financed buyers.
Sell as-is
When roof, electrical or plumbing need major work, an as-is sale can net as much without the hassle.
Insurance matters: buyers using a mortgage need to insure the home, and older roofs and systems can limit that. A pre-listing 4-point inspection tells you where you stand.
Cash Offers and Wholesalers
Sulphur Springs owners often receive “we buy houses” offers. Some are real cash buyers; others are wholesalers who plan to assign the contract. Ask for proof of funds in the buyer’s name, a meaningful deposit with a title company and a short inspection period. Compare any offer against a realistic listing. See cash offer or listing.
Pricing in a Changing Neighborhood
Renovated and original homes can sell at very different prices on the same block. Accurate pricing compares your home with recent sales of similar condition. Request a home value review, and see selling your home in Sulphur Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sell my Sulphur Springs home as-is?
If the home needs major system work, an as-is sale can make sense. Compare it against a repaired, listed sale by net proceeds.
Are cash offers in Sulphur Springs fair?
Some are. Investors price in repairs and profit, so cash offers are usually below market. Verify the buyer and compare by net.
How do I spot a wholesaler?
Watch for “and/or assigns” on the contract, no proof of funds in the buyer’s name, a tiny deposit and long inspection periods.
How fast can I sell in Sulphur Springs?
A verified cash buyer can close in a few weeks. A well-priced listing often draws interest quickly too.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Teardowns & New Construction
Selling an Older South Tampa Home for Lot Value
South Tampa has seen a steady wave of new construction, and many of those new homes replaced older houses on desirable lots. If your home is dated, the land may be the most valuable thing you are selling.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
When an older South Tampa home sits on a strong lot, buyers are often paying for location, lot size and what can be built. Market it to builders and families planning new homes, skip expensive updates, and have the survey, zoning and any historic district information ready.
Who Buys South Tampa Teardowns
Builders
Local builders buying lots for spec or custom homes.
Families
Buyers who want a new home in a specific school zone or street.
Renovators
Buyers who will keep the structure and fully remodel.
Neighbors
Adjacent owners wanting more land.
What Drives Lot Value
Factor
Why it matters
Location and street
Neighborhood, block and proximity to Bayshore, parks and village shopping.
School zone
Many South Tampa buyers focus on specific public school assignments.
Lot size and shape
Width and depth determine what can be built.
Zoning and setbacks
Rules on lot coverage, height and splitting lots.
Flood zone
Elevation requirements affect building cost.
Historic district status
Demolition and new construction can require review in historic districts.
Don’t Over-Improve
New paint or a kitchen update rarely adds value when the buyer plans to rebuild. Clean the property, handle safety issues and focus on documents that help buyers evaluate the lot.
Historic Districts Change the Math
In local historic districts, demolition and new construction generally require approval, which can make a lot less attractive to builders and more attractive to renovators. Know your status before pricing. See selling a historic home.
Pricing for Lot Value
Compare with recent sales of land and teardown properties of similar size and location rather than finished homes. Request a home value review that shows both values: as a home and as a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my South Tampa home is a teardown?
If comparable older homes on similar lots are selling to builders near land value, and updating your home would cost more than it adds, the lot may be the main value.
Should I renovate before selling to a builder?
No. Builders value the land. Focus on information and basic cleanup.
Can I tear down a house in a Tampa historic district?
Demolition in local historic districts generally requires review and approval, which affects how builders value those lots.
Do teardowns sell quickly?
Well-located lots priced correctly often attract builders and families quickly.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Davis Islands
Selling a Home on Davis Islands: Flood Zones, Insurance and What Buyers Ask
Davis Islands combines waterfront living, Mediterranean Revival architecture and a short drive to downtown Tampa. It also sits low on Hillsborough Bay, so flood questions are part of every sale.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Selling on Davis Islands goes smoothly when you know your flood zone and elevation, complete Florida’s flood disclosure carefully, and have insurance and repair records ready. Buyers price in flood insurance, so clear information protects your price.
What Makes Davis Islands Different
Developed in the 1920s, Davis Islands has historic Mediterranean Revival homes, newer elevated construction, waterfront lots and condos, with Tampa General Hospital and Peter O. Knight Airport on the island. Buyers range from medical professionals to boaters to downtown commuters.
Flood Zones and Florida’s Flood Disclosure
Much of the island is in a designated flood zone, and recent storm surge flooded parts of Davis Islands. Florida requires sellers of residential property to provide a flood disclosure at or before contract, covering flood insurance claims, federal flood assistance and known flood damage. See selling your home on Davis Islands for how Scott handles island listings.
Documents That Help Buyers
Elevation certificate
Can significantly affect a buyer’s flood insurance quote.
Current flood policy
Some flood policies can be assumed by the buyer.
Repair records
Permits, receipts and photos for any storm repairs.
Mitigation features
Flood vents, elevated equipment and impact windows.
Elevated vs. Older Ground-Level Homes
An elevated newer home and an original ground-level home on the same street can sell very differently. Pricing must compare homes with similar elevation, flood history and condition. For older homes on strong lots, buyers may be valuing the land. See selling for lot value.
Island Seller Checklist
Find or order an elevation certificate
Gather flood and homeowners insurance declarations
Collect permits and records for any repairs or mitigation
Complete the flood disclosure carefully
Price with comparable island sales of similar elevation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to disclose flooding when selling on Davis Islands?
Yes. Florida requires a flood disclosure for residential sales, and sellers must also disclose known material defects.
Will buyers need flood insurance on Davis Islands?
Financed buyers in high-risk flood zones are typically required by their lender to carry flood insurance.
Does an elevation certificate help me sell?
Often, yes. It gives buyers an accurate basis for flood insurance quotes.
Can I sell a flood-damaged home on Davis Islands as-is?
Yes, with full disclosure. Pricing should reflect condition and expected repair costs.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.
General information for Tampa homeowners, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with the appropriate professional about your situation.
Historic Homes
Selling a Historic Home in Hyde Park or Seminole Heights
Hyde Park’s early-1900s homes and Seminole Heights’ Craftsman bungalows are some of the most loved houses in Tampa. Selling one well means showing off its character while answering the practical questions historic buyers always ask.
By Scott Mayhew, Realtor® · RE/MAX Champions · Tampa, FL
The Short Answer
Historic homes in Hyde Park and Seminole Heights sell best when you lead with character and back it with documentation: permits and approvals for past exterior work, the age and condition of the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and clear disclosure of anything original that still needs updating. Price against similar historic homes, not new construction.
Why Historic Homes Need a Different Approach
Buyers drawn to Hyde Park and Seminole Heights often want original details: wood floors, front porches, built-ins, transoms and period windows. At the same time, insurers and lenders care about the age of the systems behind the walls. The best sales balance both stories.
Historic District Rules Buyers Will Ask About
Parts of Hyde Park and Seminole Heights are within City of Tampa local historic districts, where exterior changes generally require review and approval before work begins. Buyers planning additions, new windows or demolition will want to know what is allowed. Having records of past approvals ready makes your home easier to buy.
Before you list: gather permits, any historic review approvals and contractor records for past exterior work, additions, roofing and window replacements.
Systems That Matter Most
Roof
Age and condition affect insurability for every buyer using a mortgage.
Electrical
Older wiring and panels are a common 4-point inspection issue.
Plumbing
Original supply and drain lines come up often in older Tampa homes.
Foundation and wood
Piers, framing and wood-destroying organism reports matter to buyers of older homes.
Updates That Pay Off, and Ones That Don’t
Worth it: fresh paint, porch and trim repair, refinishing original floors, addressing insurance-related items
Usually not: trendy remodels that erase original character right before listing
Compare with recently sold homes of similar age, style, size and condition in the same historic area. Original character can add value, while outdated systems subtract it, so the adjustments matter more than square footage alone. For lots where buyers are thinking about rebuilding, see selling an older South Tampa home for lot value.
Do I need historic approval to sell my Hyde Park home?
No approval is needed to sell. Historic review applies to exterior changes and demolition, which is why buyers ask about what has been approved and what they could change.
Do historic homes sell for more in Tampa?
Well-kept historic homes with updated systems often command strong prices from buyers who value character. Outdated systems or unpermitted work can reduce value.
Should I update an old bungalow before selling?
Focus on repairs, presentation and insurance-related items. Major remodels rarely pay back right before a sale.
What inspections do older Tampa homes need?
Buyers commonly order a full home inspection, a 4-point inspection for insurance, a wind mitigation report and a wood-destroying organism inspection.
Thinking About Selling?
Get a Clear Plan for Your Tampa Home
Scott Mayhew will give you an honest value, a realistic timeline and the selling option that nets you the most.