Ann Benigno

My team partner lives in Country Walk and is very happy there. Will you be stationed at MacDill? Your trip in and out of Country Walk could add quite a bit of time to your commute. You would either have to get onto State Road 54, which is currently a nightmare, or drive through the Meadowpointe community which is huge, and 30 mph, or go north and east, to get to Morris Bridge Road which takes you south to I-75. Be sure to do a test drive during rush hour, from any community you consider. The Wesley Chapel, New Tampa area is definitely growing. We will be experiencing lots of road work in the coming years, and probably a lot of growing pains in the meantime. But, we have some beautiful communities, many amenities, and a huge inventory to choose from at the moment!
I would be happy to help if you're not already associated with a realtor. My husband is retired from the Navy, so I understand the difficulties of finding a house from afar. Another consideration is, how long would you be in the area? Are you sure you would want to PURCHASE a home or if you'll only be here a short time, would renting make more sense. We also have a property management department, with rental properties.
Ann Benigno, Realtor, Prudential Tropical Realty, 813-857-3262 - Fri May 9 2008, 19:35

Would this be your residence? If so, consider where you'll be working or where you have family. There are many beautiful areas in Hillsborough and Pasco, but there are many traffic concerns so you should place yourself strategically to avoid a lengthy commute. I also suggest you investigate whether all infrastructure and amenities have been completed if you look at newer communities. Some builders are pulling out of neighborhoods before completion, leaving residents looking at vacant lots. Some of the older communities are looking more attractive now, because their HOA's are established, the communities are completed, and they have a track record of being working communities. If you begin a relationship with a realtor, he or she will be able to help you determine the best area based on your specific needs. I'd be happy to help in the New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, or Lutz/LOL areas.
Good luck! Ann Benigno, Prudential Tropical Realty, 813-857-3262 - Fri May 9 2008, 19:19

Hi Patti: I'm a realtor with Prudential Tropical Realty in Wesley Chapel, which is very close to the Lutz area. If you need help in Lutz, I'd be happy to help. As Brigitte mentioned, it would be a good idea to get preapproved with a lender first, and give your realtor all the information about what features you are seeking in a home (proximity to work or family, bedrooms, baths, pool, one or two stories, time frame, schools, etc.) Call me if I can help! Ann Benigno, Prudential Tropical Realty, 813-857-3262 - Fri May 9 2008, 18:57

Often buyers who approach FSBO listings are buyers who don't want to work with a realtor. Since SELLERS pay the realtors, why would a buyer be reluctant to use a realtor? Perhaps the buyer is not willing to be prequalified with a lender and hopes to find a FSBO seller who will work with him on financing. If you work with a realtor, they should screen the buyers carefully to be sure that the buyer is qualified to actually purchase your home before they waste your time showing the home. You won't have that same screening process if you deal directly with the buyers. If you are willing to take on all the responsibilities of listing your own home, remember to use caution when allowing strangers into your home. Also, keep in mind that 85% of home buyers use the internet to look for homes, so be sure to have a strong presence on the internet. GOOD LUCK! - Fri May 9 2008, 18:44

I'd like to add to the previous answers...think about how long you plan to stay in the home. If you think you'll be staying for several years, then this could be a GREAT time to buy. If you think you'll be moving in a year or two, it might not be such a good time. 6.25% is still a great rate, historically. - Fri May 9 2008, 18:29