One of the most common questions we hear lately—from buyers, sellers, and investors alike—is: “Is there still room to negotiate in Tampa’s real estate market?”
The short answer? Yes—but how you negotiate matters more than ever.
We’re Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz, and with over 40 combined years of experience helping clients buy, sell, and invest across Tampa Bay, we’ve seen this market evolve through multiple cycles. What’s happening now isn’t a crash or a frenzy—it’s a strategic market, and that’s where experienced guidance makes all the difference.
Tampa’s Market Has Shifted—But It’s Still Competitive
A few years ago, homes were selling in days with multiple offers, waived contingencies, and prices soaring well above asking. While certain neighborhoods and price points are still competitive, the market today is more balanced.
What does that mean for you?
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Buyers have more leverage than they did during the peak
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Sellers need strong pricing and presentation to attract serious offers
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Investors can find opportunities—but only if they know where to look
Negotiation is absolutely possible—but it’s no longer about lowballing or overreaching. It’s about strategy, timing, and local insight.
For Buyers: Yes, You Can Negotiate—Smartly
Buyers often ask us, “Can we ask for a price reduction or concessions without losing the deal?”
In many cases, the answer is yes.
We’re seeing negotiations around:
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Purchase price (especially on homes sitting 30+ days)
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Seller-paid closing costs
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Interest rate buy-downs
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Repairs or credits after inspections
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Flexible closing timelines
That said, not every home is negotiable. A well-priced property in South Tampa, Hyde Park, Westchase, or certain pockets of Tampa Heights can still attract strong interest.
This is where our local knowledge comes in. We help buyers understand when to push, when to pause, and when to move decisively—so you don’t miss the right home or overpay unnecessarily.
For Sellers: Negotiation Doesn’t Mean Losing Value
Many sellers worry that negotiating means giving up too much. In reality, smart negotiation often leads to stronger net proceeds.
Today’s successful sellers are:
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Pricing accurately from day one
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Preparing their homes properly (presentation matters more now)
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Being open to strategic concessions that keep deals together
We often remind our sellers: it’s not just about the headline price—it’s about terms, timing, and certainty. A well-negotiated offer with the right buyer can be far more valuable than holding out and watching momentum fade.
With our guidance, sellers stay in control while still appealing to today’s buyers.
For Investors: Negotiation Is Where Deals Are Made
Investors, this is where experience truly pays off.
We’re seeing opportunities in:
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Properties that need cosmetic updates
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Homes priced too aggressively at first
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Sellers motivated by timing, relocation, or portfolio shifts
But here’s the truth: the best deals rarely jump off the MLS page. They come from local relationships, accurate numbers, and understanding sub-market trends.
We help investors negotiate based on data, not emotion, ensuring the deal makes sense long-term—not just on paper.
Why Experience Matters More Than Ever
Negotiation isn’t about being aggressive—it’s about being informed.
With decades in the Tampa market, we understand:
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Which neighborhoods still command top dollar
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Where price reductions are realistic
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How seasonal trends impact leverage
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What sellers and buyers are truly responding to right now
Every deal is unique, and cookie-cutter advice simply doesn’t work anymore.
The Bottom Line
Yes—you can negotiate in Tampa’s real estate market right now. But success depends on strategy, timing, and having the right team on your side.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a longtime property, or building an investment portfolio, we’re here to guide you through every step—with clarity, confidence, and results.
If you’re wondering how much negotiating power you really have, let’s talk. In today’s market, the right conversation can make all the difference.
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