If you’ve been watching the Tampa real estate market closely, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: homes aren’t behaving the same way they did a year or two ago. One week you’ll hear about a property selling over asking, and the next you’ll see a price reduction. So what’s really happening right now?
As Tampa real estate experts with more than 40 years of combined experience, we (Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz) can confidently say this: the Tampa market has become more strategic, more segmented, and more neighborhood-specific than ever before.
The Short Answer: It Depends on the Home—and the Strategy
Right now, most Tampa homes are selling at or slightly below asking price, but well-priced, move-in-ready homes in desirable neighborhoods are still capable of selling at or above asking—sometimes with multiple offers.
This isn’t the frenzied seller’s market of the past, but it’s far from a slow market. It’s what we’d call a skill-driven market, where pricing, presentation, and negotiation matter more than ever.
Why Some Homes Are Selling Above Asking
Homes that sell above asking price typically share a few key traits:
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They’re priced correctly from day one
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They’re located in high-demand neighborhoods like South Tampa, Westchase, Carrollwood, parts of Wesley Chapel, and select waterfront or gated communities
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They show beautifully—professional photos, staging, and strong online exposure
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They’re updated or move-in ready, especially with newer roofs, HVAC, and hurricane mitigation features
When a home checks these boxes, buyers recognize value quickly. Even with higher interest rates, serious buyers are still competing for homes they perceive as “worth it.”
Why Other Homes Are Selling Below Asking
On the flip side, we’re seeing many homes sell below asking price due to:
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Overpricing based on past market conditions
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Outdated interiors or deferred maintenance
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Location challenges (busy roads, flood zones, less walkable areas)
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Sellers testing the market instead of responding to it
Buyers today are far more informed and cautious. They’re comparing options, running numbers, and negotiating confidently. That’s why we’re seeing price reductions and seller concessions become more common—especially on homes that miss the mark initially.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling in Tampa right now, success starts with strategy, not optimism.
Pricing a home too high in hopes of “leaving room to negotiate” often backfires. The best results come from:
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Pricing at true market value
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Creating urgency early
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Positioning your home as the best option in its price range
We guide our sellers with hyper-local data, buyer behavior insights, and honest feedback. Our goal isn’t just to sell your home—it’s to help you net the most money with the least amount of stress.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, this market offers opportunity.
You may not face the same bidding wars as before, and in many cases, you can:
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Negotiate price
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Ask for closing cost credits
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Request repairs or concessions
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Take time to make informed decisions
That said, well-priced homes don’t sit for long. Having a local expert who understands which listings are negotiable—and which aren’t—can make a significant difference.
Investors: The Numbers Matter Again
For investors, Tampa is back to being a numbers-driven market. Appreciation alone shouldn’t drive decisions anymore. Cash flow, rent demand, insurance costs, and long-term neighborhood growth all matter.
This is where local knowledge is critical. Some Tampa submarkets still offer strong upside, while others require a much more conservative approach.
Our Final Take
So, are Tampa homes selling above or below asking price right now?
Mostly at or slightly below—but the best homes, priced and marketed correctly, are still commanding top dollar.
This is not a market for guesswork. It’s a market for experience, insight, and precision.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Tampa, we’re here to help you navigate it with clarity and confidence. With decades of local experience and a hands-on approach, we don’t just watch the market—we help shape outcomes for our clients.
