Real Estate FAQs

Your monthly mortgage payment in Tampa typically includes four things, often called PITI: Principal (paying down the loan), Interest (the cost of borrowing), Taxes (Hillsborough or Pinellas County property taxes), and Insurance (homeowners insurance and, if applicable, PMI and flood insurance). Many Tampa Bay homes also require HOA dues, which are paid separately or escrowed into your monthly payment.

In Tampa Bay, buyer closing costs typically run 2-5% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that's between $8,000 and $20,000 — covering loan origination fees, title insurance, appraisal, recording fees, inspections, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Sellers usually pay 6-8% of the sale price, mostly in real estate commissions. Some buyer closing costs can be negotiated or paid by the seller.

Your credit score directly impacts your mortgage interest rate — higher scores mean lower rates and lower monthly payments. In today's market, scores above 740 usually qualify for the best rates. A 740 credit score might get you 6.5%, while a 640 score on the same loan might be 7.5% or higher. Over a 30-year $400,000 mortgage, that 1% difference can mean $80,000+ in extra interest paid.

I serve all of Tampa Bay across three Florida counties. In Hillsborough County: Tampa (including Hyde Park, South Tampa, Seminole Heights, Wellswood, Carrollwood, Ybor City), Brandon, and Apollo Beach. In Pinellas County: St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and Dunedin. In Pasco County: Wesley Chapel. I also help out-of-state relocation clients via remote video tours and neighborhood walk-throughs.

Yes — first-time buyers are some of my favorite clients to work with. The home buying process can feel overwhelming the first time through, from down payments and inspections to closing costs and mortgage types. I take time to walk you through every step at your pace. There's no pressure, no rushed decisions, and no hidden costs. My free consultations are especially helpful for first-time buyers who want to understand the full process before committing to anything.

Download my free Home Buyer Guide for a complete walk-through.

I'm a musical theatre actor turned REALTOR®, and somewhere along the way I figured out I could combine those skills. For every home I list in Tampa Bay, I write a custom parody song about the house — its quirks, its charm, and its personality. It's marketing that buyers actually remember and share. The nickname "The Singing Realtor" stuck because, well, it's literal. You can learn more about my story here.

In most Tampa Bay transactions, working with me as a buyer costs you nothing out of pocket — the seller's listing agreement typically covers the buyer's agent commission. The 2024 changes to NAR commission rules mean buyers now sign a representation agreement upfront that spells out compensation, but in practice most Tampa Bay sellers still cover the buyer's side. I walk every buyer through exactly how this works at our first consultation, with full transparency. No surprises.

Yes — investment real estate is in my DNA. Before getting licensed, my husband and I spent 12+ years buying, financing, managing, and selling investment properties of our own. I help clients evaluate single-family rentals, small multifamily properties, and fix-and-flip opportunities across Tampa Bay. I also handle rental placements for landlords filling vacancies through Makita Home. If you're an investor, you'll find I speak the language fluently.

Yes — home valuations are completely free with no pressure to list. I provide a personalized Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on recent sales in your specific neighborhood, current market trends, and the unique features of your home. Most CMAs take 24-48 hours to prepare after I have your home's details. You can request one through my Home Valuation page or send me a direct text at (813) 334-6560.