JUAN N CASTRO JR PA

Here is a little checklist: Get ultra-clear on your budget and stress test it. Don’t just consider the mortgage payment - factor in property taxes, insurance (especially flood/hurricane), maintenance, HOA fees, utilities. With rates still elevated, small changes in interest rate or insurance can push a property from “manageable” to “painful.” Have a buffer. Don’t stretch to your absolute max: Work with a local agent who’s dialed into micro-markets Neighborhoods in Tampa behave differently (South Tampa, Seminole Heights, New Tampa, etc.). A great local agent knows which streets are overheating, which are cooling, and where the deals might hide. Be ready to act - but with discipline: Because supply is higher than before, the “make-fast decisions or lose” urgency has eased - but good homes still won’t stick around forever. Have your loan pre-approval (or proof of funds) locked in before you start aggressive hunting. Leverage seller’s flexibility: Ask for concessions: closing costs, repairs, seller credit for inspection issues. Be aggressive (within reason) on contingencies and inspections. If a home has been on market a long time, there may be more wiggle room. Don’t overpay for “potential” unless you're ready to put real work in: Homes needing heavy repairs or massive updates often have hidden costs (structural, roof, systems, wiring) - and with Florida’s insurance and climate, surprises are costly. That said - if you have a deep vetting process (good inspectors, cost estimates, contractor relationships), you can find value. Watch for condo risk especially in Florida: Many older condo buildings are facing expensive structural or safety repair mandates. That can mean big assessments. Check the condo association’s financials, reserve fund, deferred maintenance. If a building is in “critical repair” status, it might be hard (or impossible) to get traditional financing. (This is particularly relevant given Florida’s sensitivity to coastal risk & condo safety mandates.) Think long term - choose for resilience: Homes in flood zones or with poor drainage are more vulnerable as storms intensify. Focus on elevation, build quality, and drainage. Also think about resale: buyers later may penalize you for being in a tricky area. Don’t try to time the bottom - but don’t buy recklessly either. Some forecasts expect slight declines or flat performance in parts of Tampa, especially entry level. If you wait too long, prices may rebound; if you rush, you might overpay. Balance is key.

Don’t count on bidding wars - they’re rarer now. You might not get multiple offers; so your offer should be your “best, clean, competitive” one. Avoid long price drops - a big cut later makes buyers question your valuation or condition. It’s better to start in the right zone and adjust modestly. Know your buyer pool - in Tampa, many buyers are local, many are relocating from out of state. Tailor your listing and language to appeal to those groups (e.g. “move-in ready,” “no flood risk,” “low maintenance”). Be ready for renegotiation or backing out - more deals are failing now than in the frenzy years. Business Insider If you budget your margin and structure your contract to protect yourself (e.g. inspection/financing contingencies, earnest money) you’ll reduce your downside. Don’t over-renovate - improvements should give good ROI (kitchens, bathrooms, curb appeal) but don’t overspend chasing “designer” looks unless you're sure the local buyer demographic demands it. Disclose transparently - any known issues (roof, drainage, termites) should be disclosed upfront. It’s better to control the narrative than have it emerge later and blow up your deal.

Anyone from a buyer with a $20,000 budget in 2014 to sellers in the $1.255 MM arena.

I just had a couple sell their townhome. They were a referral from a referral of great friends of mine. They were the perfect client. They listened to what I had to offer in expertise, they did what I recommended to prepare the home for the sale. They kept the home immaculate and smelling great. They were reasonable with the offer coming in and were flexible in their terms. I was able to negotiate hard for them because of their pliability. They closed right on time and with no hick-ups. Great clients of mine to this day.

I was introduced to it via a good fiend due to his observation of my experience in finance, customer service, negotiation skillsets and communications.

I have multiple certifications including negotiations, luxury listings staging, luxury listing marketing, AI certification and specialize in helping my customers sell their homes for top dollar with little to no issues during or after the sale.