Start Your Home Search: A Step-by-Step Plan for Tampa Bay Buyers

Buying a home in Tampa Bay starts with a pre-approval and a check of down payment assistance options, then a written buyer agreement before you tour. From there we set up your search, tour homes, write and negotiate an offer, and guide you through inspection, appraisal and closing.

Your path to closing, step by step

1. Get pre-approved

A lender reviews your income, credit, debts and savings and tells you how much you can borrow and roughly what your payment would be. Sellers expect a pre-approval letter with an offer. If you plan to use down payment assistance, choose a lender that participates in that program.

2. Check your down payment assistance eligibility

Each program has its own income limits, purchase price limits, location rules and homebuyer education requirements, and funding can open and close during the year. Carmine Petruzziello is on the City of Tampa's Dare to Own the Dream Approved Realtor List (updated Oct 20, 2026).

City of Tampa Dare to Own the Dream: up to $50,000 for eligible buyers purchasing within Tampa city limits, depending on household income ($50,000 at 50.01–80% of area median income, $40,000 at 80.01–120%, $30,000 at 120.01–140%). The assistance is forgiven after 20 years, and the purchase price can be up to $450,000 (City of Tampa 2026 program flyer, checked Oct 28, 2026).
Tampa CRA down payment assistance: up to $50,000 for homes inside eligible Tampa Community Redevelopment Area boundaries, with the same income tiers and no maximum purchase price (City of Tampa CRA program page and July 2026 flyer, checked Oct 28, 2026).
Pasco County Down Payment Assistance: up to $65,000 for very-low-income households (50% of area median income) and $50,000 for low-income households (80%), deferred for 30 years and then forgiven. The maximum purchase price is $330,000. Homes in special flood hazard areas, homes with sinkhole or ground-settlement history (including repaired ones) and mobile homes are not eligible (Pasco County program page, checked Oct 28, 2026).

See our Down Payment Assistance page for details.

3. Sign a written buyer agreement

Before we tour homes together, including live virtual tours, we sign a written buyer agreement. This has been required for MLS participants since August 17, 2024. It spells out what we do for you and how we are paid. Compensation is negotiable, and the agreement says so.

4. Set up your search

We set up a saved search on cehomestampa.com with your price range, must-haves and areas, so new listings reach you as soon as they hit the MLS. We also flag new-construction communities that fit.

5. Tour homes

We tour in person or by live video. For each home we look at the condition, roof age, flood zone, insurance factors, and any HOA or CDD fees, so you can compare total monthly cost, not just price.

6. Make an offer

We review recent comparable sales, write your offer on a Florida Realtors contract, and negotiate price, closing costs, inspection period and closing date. Your escrow deposit is due shortly after acceptance.

7. Inspect

During the inspection period you can order a general home inspection, plus a pool, termite (WDO) or sewer inspection where needed. We also check for any recorded sinkhole claim or repair. See our Tampa Bay Sinkhole FAQ.

8. Insurance and appraisal

Get homeowners insurance quotes early, and flood insurance quotes if the home is in or near a flood zone. Your lender orders the appraisal to confirm the value supports the loan.

9. Close

You receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. We do a final walkthrough, you sign with the title company, and you get your keys.

Ready to start?

Book a 20-minute intro call and we will map out your first steps. Call or text (813) 513-1001 or email info@cehomestampa.com.

FAQs

Do I need to sign a buyer agreement before touring homes?

Yes. Since August 17, 2024, under the NAR settlement practice changes, an MLS participant working with a buyer must have a written agreement with that buyer before touring a home, including live virtual tours. The agreement states the services and compensation, which are negotiable.

Who pays the buyer's agent?

It is negotiable. Your buyer agreement states what we are paid. A seller or builder may offer to cover some or all of it, which can be requested in your offer, but you agree to the amount up front in writing.

Can I get help with my down payment in Tampa or Pasco County?

Possibly. The City of Tampa's Dare to Own the Dream program offers up to $50,000 within city limits, Tampa CRA assistance offers up to $50,000 inside eligible CRA boundaries, and Pasco County offers up to $65,000 (checked Oct 28, 2026). Each has income, price and location limits, so we check eligibility with you and your lender.

How much money do I need to buy my first home?

Plan for your down payment, closing costs, the inspection, appraisal, insurance and moving costs. The amounts depend on your loan type and price range, so your lender's pre-approval and loan estimate are the place to get real numbers.

Should I get a home inspection in Florida?

Yes, we recommend it. We schedule your inspections inside the inspection period in your contract so you can negotiate repairs or walk away if the contract allows.

Brokered by The Somerday Group PL

Equal Housing Opportunity.