Tampa Bay Is a Buyer's Market in 2026 — Here's How to Use That

## What does a buyer's market mean for first-time buyers?

Sellers are motivated, inventory is up, and you have leverage. Combine that with down payment assistance and you have the strongest buying position in 5 years.

What can you negotiate?

• FHA: up to 6% of price ($21,000 on $350K)
• Conventional: up to 3%
• VA: up to 4%

• 2-1 temporary: saves ~$400/month year 1
• Permanent points: ~$3,500 per 0.25% reduction

• Closing credits: $5,000-15,000
• Rate buydowns paid by builder
• $10,000-30,000 in upgrades

The full stack on a $350K home

| Source | Amount | Covers | |--------|--------|--------| | Hometown Heroes | $17,500 | Down payment | | Seller concessions (3%) | $10,500 | Closing costs | | HFA PLUS | $10,500-17,500 | Additional costs | | Total | $38,500-45,500 | Everything |

Your out-of-pocket: $0.

Should I wait for prices to drop?

No. Here's why: 1. DPA funds are finite — Hometown Heroes is first-come, first-served 2. If rates drop, competition surges — you lose leverage overnight 3. Rent keeps climbing — every month is $2,000+ building zero wealth 4. Today's price + $35K assistance beats tomorrow's lower price with depleted programs

The bottom line

2026 gives you buyer's market leverage + available DPA funding + program stacking. Barrett works both angles — matching programs AND negotiating terms.

Check your eligibility to see your program matches. Call Barrett: (813) 733-7907.