Tampa Real Estate Seller FAQ: 2025 Market Guide Expert insights for navigating the Tampa, Florida housing market
THE "NEW RULES" OF COMMISSION
Q: Do I need to pay a buyer’s agent commission?
A: The short answer is no, it is not mandatory and it never has been - you are still not required to offer a blanket commission to buyer agents on the MLS. However, in the Tampa market, many sellers do choose to offer buyer agent compensation, and many buyers do choose to ask for it in their offer. The important thing to remember is that you have options and we will discuss the pro’s and con’s so you can choose the strategy that works best for you.
Q: If I don’t offer a set commission, will agents still show my house?
A: Absolutely. Legally, buyer agents are required to show any home that meets their client’s criteria. However, because the MLS no longer displays commission offers, agents will often contact us before a showing to ask about compensation. If you choose not to offer a pre-set commission, the buyer knows upfront they may be responsible for paying some or all of their agent’s fee out of pocket and this MAY influence the buyer's decision to view the property or not. To keep your options open, many of our sellers choose a strategy of being "open to negotiation." This signals to the market that you are willing to consider requests for compensation as part of an overall strong offer. This shifts the buyer agent fee into the negotiation process - just like repairs or closing dates - allowing you to evaluate the total "net" of an offer before you make a decision.
Q: What is an EBBA and why is it important to me as a seller?
A: An EBBA (Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement) is a contract between a buyer and their agent. Under the new (August 2025) rules, a buyer must sign this agreement before they can even tour your home with an agent. It outlines exactly what the agent will do and, crucially, how much that buyer has agreed to pay their agent in the event the seller (you) are not offering buyer agent commission. If you choose not to pay the buyer’s agent commission, the buyer is responsible for it - which is why they may ask for a "credit" or "concession" in their offer to cover that expense. You can click on these links to read the summary for a seller and a buyer.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY & VISUALS
Q: Does professional photography affect my sale price in Tampa?
A: Absolutely. According to National Association of Realtors (NAR) and various other industry sources, high-quality photography can increase online views by over 118%. In a digital-first competitive market like Tampa Bay, professional images can help a home sell up to 50% faster and often net a price premium of 1% to 3% over amateur listings.
Q: What is "Twilight Photography" and is it necessary?
A: Twilight photography captures your home during the "golden hour" when the interior lights glow against a deep blue sky. I like to use it for listings where it makes sense to highlight outdoor living spaces, pool lighting, and architectural silhouettes, which are major selling points here in Florida.
Q: Can we use drone footage if my home isn't on the water?
A: Yes. Even if you aren't on water, drone shots provide a "birds-eye" view of the neighborhood, proximity to local amenities, and the overall scale of your lot.
Q: What about video? Does it make a difference in marketing?
A: It makes a massive difference. Today, your home isn't just competing with the house down the street; it’s competing for attention in a digital feed. According to recent NAR and ReSimpli data, listings that include a professional video receive 403% more inquiries than those without.
Gone are the days of simple "virtual tours" that just pan across static photos. We use high-impact, high-energy cinematic video to tell a story. This does two things:
Q: Will you provide a floorplan of my home for buyers to see?
A: Yes. Many buyers find having a floorplan makes understanding the layout much easier. If it makes sense, I’ll also include a 3D Virtual Walkthrough (Matterport).
Q: How much does all this cost?
A: I include all marketing and visuals as part of my listing fee. A seller should never have to pay out of pocket, for any marketing, in my opinion.
Q: Why should I stage my home?
A: Staging isn't just about furniture; it's about creating a model home worthy visual so a buyer can see themselves in the space. For optimal photography and videography and ultimately for my ADTV and ABC segments, we need the home to look like a high-end showroom to ensure the camera captures all the attributes that make your home shine.
Q: What if I’m still living in the home? How will we handle staging?
A: In that case, I’ll help you determine what needs to be packed away in preparation for moving and I’ll bring in some decorative staging items. This will help ensure the home photographs well and sparkles in video.
Q: Do I have to leave for showings?
A: Yes. Absolutely. Buyers can’t focus if they feel they’re being watched. Plan to leave about 15 minutes prior to any showing and I’ll notify you when the showing is done.
Q: Will you be there for showings?
A: It depends. If you want me to be there, I’m happy to accompany buyers and their agents however much like having the homeowner there during showings, buyers can feel cramped if the listing agent is there. Let’s determine the right strategy for your home.
ADVANCED MARKETING
Q: How does being featured on ADTV or ABC help me as a seller?
A: It provides "Social Proof" and massive reach getting your home in front of multitudes of people, compared to just being online. These spots aren't just commercials; they are lifestyle features that position your home as a premier property in the region. This exposure often attracts out-of-state buyers moving to Florida who may not be otherwise exposed to a "TV-featured" home.
Q: Can we mention specific "Tampa Perks" during the TV spot?
A: Definitely. We tailor the script to highlight local advantages: proximity to top-tier schools, golf cart friendly, guard gated, or the boat-friendly lifestyle – whatever the selling attributes, they’ll be highlighted. I sell the neighborhood and the lifestyle as much as the house.
Q: Will you also use social media to advertise my home?
A: Absolutely! All social media channels will be optimized to ensure your home is in front of as many people as possible. A lot of my sphere eagerly anticipates my new listings and it’s not uncommon for there to be a connection between buyer and seeing your home on social media.
Q: Will you hold open houses to promote my home?
A: As long as you want me to do open houses, I’ll do them. To be transparent, it is rare for a home to sell because of an open house, but it’s a great way to ensure it is accessible to all potential buyers.
INSPECTIONS & RISK MANAGEMENT
Q: Should I do a pre-inspection before listing my home?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended. There is no less expensive time to learn about and fix issues in a home than before it goes on the market. A pre-inspection allows us to take care of minor repairs beforehand or disclose them upfront, giving you more leverage during negotiations. It also demonstrates your pride of ownership and gives buyers peace of mind that the home has been well-maintained.
Q: What are the "Four-Point" and "Wind Mitigation" Inspections and, do I need them now?
A: In the Tampa market, these two reports are often more important to a buyer than the general inspection. A Four-Point covers the roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, while a Wind Mitigation can significantly lower insurance premiums. Having these completed and "clean" before listing prevents a deal from falling through at the last minute because a buyer couldn't secure affordable homeowners’ insurance.
Q: How do we determine the "right" listing price?
A: We will look at more than just what the neighbor's house sold for six months ago. I will analyze "Active" listings (your competition), "Pending" sales (where the market is moving), and "Sold" data (the historical floor). We also consider current market conditions and neighborhood-specific demand. Ultimately, we will work together to price your home to "create a market" for it - aiming to attract the maximum number of qualified buyers in the shortest amount of time.
Q: When will we determine the final list price?
A: In the week before the house goes “live” on MLS using current market data. We can have a price range before then, but we won’t know the exact price until we consider the current market conditions and the right pricing strategy response.
Whether working with buyers or sellers, Honey provides outstanding professionalism into making her client’s real estate dreams a reality.