That depends on how much you feel the home is worth and how much you want the home. You could offer the seller in Tampa FLorida full asking price and have him give you back 6% to cover your closing cost and prepaids. Then under FHA guidliness you would only need to come up with a downpayment of 3.5%. Florida home buyer the FHA program can simplify the purchase of a home, making financing easier and less expensive than a conventional mortgage loan product. Some highlights of the Florida FHA loan program include:

•Minimal Down Payment and Closing costs.
•Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price Gifts are allowed
•Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards closing and prepaid costs.
•100% Financing available
•No reserves required.
•FHA regulated closing costs.
•Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as:
◦No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements.
◦FHA will allow a home purchase 1 year after a Bankruptcy.
◦FHA will allow a home purchase2 years after a Foreclosure.

http://www.fhamortgagefhaloan.com/

There are a lot of factors to consider when making an offer on a house. How does it compare to other houses that are the same in the area? What is the condition of this home compared to other houses in the area?, Where is it located? All these and more factor into what an offer should be. You will need to know these things to put in an offer that is fair and reasonable

It's hard to know how much to offer without know what home it is. You need a Realtor to help you find how much the home is worth and how much to offer. A Realtor will also help you during the whole process. You'll have a smoother process, fewer legal troubles and be able to getting a better price on the place with a Realtor.

Hi Archie - that depends on many more factors than the list price and how long it's been listed. If you're not already working with a buyer's agent, feel free to email me some more info about the house at Josh@HernandoLuxuryHomes.com and I'd be happy to help advise you.

Thanks, and I hope this is helpful!

-Josh