Calvin Pringles

When buying a home, it's all about getting your ducks in a row early. Start saving as soon as possible for the down payment and those pesky closing costs. Trust me, having a financial cushion will make everything smoother. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you dive into house hunting. It shows sellers you're serious and ready to go. Also, find yourself a savvy realtor who knows the local market inside and out—they’ll be your guide through the whole process. And remember, in hot markets, be ready to pounce when you find the right place. Homes can fly off the shelves faster than you think

For sellers, it’s crucial to know what buyers might be expecting. Be aware of common contingencies like inspection and financing. Set a price that's competitive based on recent sales around you; overpricing can scare buyers away. Consider getting your home professionally staged to show it in the best light. And don’t skimp on marketing—use a mix of online and offline methods to get the word out. Your realtor can help craft a killer marketing strategy to attract potential buyers

I've worked with all sorts of clients—first-time homebuyers, people relocating to the Tampa Bay area, investors, and sellers. Each client has unique needs, and I love tailoring my approach to meet those needs. One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a young family move to the area for a new job. We did a few virtual tours and found the perfect home in a great neighborhood. The whole process went smoothly, and now they’re happily settled in their new home. It’s moments like these that make my job so rewarding.

One transaction that stands out for me involved a young couple who were first-time homebuyers. They were looking to settle down in the Tampa Bay area and were nervous about the whole process. We started by discussing their needs and budget, then moved on to touring several homes. After a few weeks of searching, we found a charming bungalow in a quiet neighborhood that checked all their boxes. The offer process went smoothly, as we had already prepared all the necessary documentation and were pre-approved for a mortgage. The sellers accepted our offer, and we moved on to the inspection and appraisal stages. There were a few minor issues that came up during the inspection, but we were able to negotiate with the sellers to address these without any major setbacks. Closing day was a mix of excitement and relief for the couple. We went through all the final paperwork, and I handed them the keys to their new home. Seeing their joy and knowing I helped them achieve this milestone was incredibly rewarding. It’s transactions like these that remind me why I love working in real estate.

Getting started in real estate was a journey that began with a great mentor who showed me the ropes of investing. For the first nine months, I worked closely with him, learning everything I could about the industry—from running comps to understanding market trends and negotiating deals. This hands-on experience was invaluable and gave me a solid foundation. After those nine months, I decided to get my real estate license to formalize my knowledge and skills. Once licensed, I joined my mentor’s real estate team, where I continued to learn and grow, eventually carving out my own niche in the market. This blend of mentorship and formal education was the perfect launchpad for my career in real estate.