We have all heard the great “renting vs buying” debate for years. Some people love renting because, if something in the home breaks, they’re not responsible for fixing it. And I get it. I own property and have had some particularly bad experiences when something went wrong (at the worst possible time). And it’s true, when you rent, you have fewer responsibilities. However, renting isn’t as hands off as many people think, and to be honest, you’ve probably already been paying for those costly repairs without even knowing it. In fact, you’ll probably pay more as a renter than you would as an owner. Let me explain… #1 Owning Will Yield A Return On Your Investment When you own a home, you get tax deductions, which is a big incentive. And unlike renting, your mortgage can’t go up due to inflation or deflation. You’re also building up tons of equity, which means that, when you sell, you’ll have more cash for retirement or more cash to put down on your next home. #2 Renting Makes Your Landlord Rich (Not You) People who own homes are essentially paying into a huge investment every month, so although they have a house payment, it’s going to their mortgage - not to their landlord’s pocket. Additionally, most landlords raise the rent every year, to adjust for the cost of appreciation, which means that the renter is actually the one who’s paying for the depreciation (and future repairs) on all of the appliances of the home. If you’re going to pay that cost anyway, it’s probably better for you to pay them on a home you actually own. #3 Rent Costs are Up Generally speaking, rent in sought-after areas can be massive. Right now, most rent costs are up 5% or more - But while interest rates are in flux. It still means that, for about the same price as renting, you can have more space, freedom, and peace of mind in a home you own. #4 Owning Has More Stability The tenant landlord relationship is notoriously tricky. Landlords write the contract, name their price, and control pretty much everything about the place you call home. They can enter your home, hire their own repairmen (however sketchy and DELAYED they may be), or even sell the home... and there’s very little you can do about it. When you own, you have greater control over all of these things. #5 You can’t make it your own One of the worst things about renting is that you can’t personalize, decorate, or improve the space. So renters are typically stuck with the paint, flooring, hardware, and appliances as the day they moved in… And sometimes, decades before they moved in! (Hello shag carpets!) The sad thing is, most renters rent because they don’t even know that they can comfortably afford a home. They just need a great team who can help calculate the math behind renting vs. owning. If that sounds like you (or someone you know), we can help. No pressure, no sales tactics, just helpful advice and the guidance you need! Our team includes no pressure mortgage brokers who will work with you to see what makes sense for YOU! And finally, if you’re not thinking about making a move just yet, feel free to save this blog for future reference, so you can come back to it! Have a great week!

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Relocating to Greater Tampa Bay: Your Guide to New Construction Homes and Virtual Showings

The real estate market is ever changing. We are sharing our thoughts on recent market trends, new communities in the area and more!

Buying a new home is an exciting journey, but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. While new construction homes often provide peace of mind with their modern amenities and warranties, the process from start to finish isn't always smooth. Here are some common hiccups that buyers might encounter, from inspections to securing the right mortgage, and even navigating bridge loans.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at Seaire, one of the newest lagoon communities by MetroPlaces, located in the charming town of Parrish, Florida. If you’re unfamiliar with the lagoon lifestyle, Seaire offers an experience that redefines coastal living—without the need to be right on the ocean. Imagine having sandy beaches just steps from your home, where you can start your day with yoga under swaying palm trees or take a refreshing swim up to the pool bar. Seaire truly encapsulates a coastal lifestyle, bringing the essence of the beach to your backyard. Dream Finders Homes During our visit, we focused on Dream Finders Homes, one of the premier builders in this community. Dream Finders Homes has a unique connection to Florida, as they were founded right here in the Sunshine State. This local origin plays a significant role in their approach to home design, ensuring that each home is perfectly suited for Florida’s distinctive climate and lifestyle. From expansive open floor plans that maximize natural light to outdoor living spaces designed for year-round enjoyment, Dream Finders Homes puts the Florida lifestyle at the forefront of their designs. What truly sets Dream Finders Homes apart, however, is their commitment to personalized customer service. Building a home with them is a collaborative process, where your vision is at the center of every decision. From selecting the perfect floor plan to choosing the finishes that reflect your style, Dream Finders Homes ensures that your new home is a true reflection of you. Parrish Florida Seaire’s location in Parrish offers the best of both worlds. It’s about 30 miles from Tampa, providing easy access to the city’s vibrant cultural and dining scenes. At the same time, you’re just 11 miles from Bradenton and a short drive from the stunning Gulf Coast beaches. This central location means you can enjoy the perks of coastal living without the higher costs typically associated with beachside properties. If you’re dreaming of a beach-inspired lifestyle but prefer to avoid the coastal price tags, Seaire in Parrish is an ideal location. With Dream Finders Homes, you can build a home that embodies the essence of Florida living, all within a community that offers unparalleled amenities and a true sense of paradise.

Discover why the Greater Tampa Bay Area is the top choice for new construction homes in 2024.

Discover a curated list of new construction communities in the Greater Tampa Bay area with no CDD fees. Find your dream home without extra costs today!

Here’s why new construction homes are the best financial option in the Greater Tampa Bay market right now