Selling a home in South Tampa’s ZIP Code 33629 can be an exciting opportunity—but what happens when a buyer loves your property and wants to make an offer that depends on selling their current home first?
That’s known as a contingent offer, and it can require a little more strategy from the seller.
At The Lewkowicz Group, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz have more than 40 years of combined experience helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate Tampa real estate. One thing we've learned is that a contingent offer isn't automatically something sellers should accept or reject. The important question is: How strong is the buyer's overall position, and how much risk does the contingency create for your transaction?
Understand Exactly What the Buyer Is Contingent On
First, determine what the contingency actually involves.
Is the buyer waiting to sell an existing home? Are they waiting for that property to close? Or is their purchase dependent on another financing or contractual condition?
For a seller, these distinctions matter.
If the buyer has already listed their existing property, ask for information about its status, including the asking price, days on market, whether there is already an accepted offer, and the expected closing timeline.
“Don't just look at the price the buyer is offering,” Emeri says. “Look at the entire transaction behind that offer. A strong offer is about certainty as well as dollars.”
That is particularly important in 33629, where current market conditions can vary considerably from property to property. Realtor.com reported a median listing price of approximately $1.7 million in August 2026, with homes spending a median of about 80 days on the market.
Negotiate Protection Into the Contract
A contingent offer should have clearly defined timelines and responsibilities.
Sellers should work with their real estate professional and legal advisors to understand provisions addressing the buyer's contingency, including deadlines for listing, receiving an acceptable offer, removing the contingency, and ultimately closing.
One important consideration is what happens if the buyer's home doesn't sell within the agreed timeframe.
Joe often reminds sellers that time is part of the transaction.
“You don't want to find yourself several weeks or months later with your plans on hold because the buyer hasn't been able to sell their property,” Joe explains.
The exact contractual protections available will depend on the terms of the offer and the applicable Florida contract.
Keep Marketing Your 33629 Property
Another important consideration: accepting a contingent offer doesn't necessarily mean you should mentally take your home off the market.
Depending on the contract terms, sellers may be able to continue marketing the property and potentially consider other offers. Your agent can explain the applicable provisions and how any subsequent offer would be handled.
This can be particularly relevant in a market as diverse as 33629. The ZIP code includes highly sought-after areas such as Palma Ceia, Sunset Park, Virginia Park, and portions of the Bayshore area, where buyers can have very different expectations depending on the property's location, condition, lot, and price point.
Look Beyond the Contingency
For sellers, it's tempting to focus entirely on the word “contingent.” Instead, evaluate the buyer's complete financial picture.
Consider the buyer's financing, down payment, closing timeline, existing-home situation, and the likelihood that their current property can sell within the required timeframe.
A slightly different offer with fewer contingencies may provide a different level of transaction certainty than a higher-priced offer dependent on several events occurring first.
That's where local experience becomes invaluable.
The Lewkowicz Group's South Tampa Perspective
After more than four decades of combined experience, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz understand that every South Tampa transaction has its own set of circumstances.
For a seller in ZIP Code 33629, the right strategy isn't simply about accepting the highest number on the page. It's about understanding the offer, identifying the risks, negotiating appropriate protections, and keeping the transaction moving toward a successful closing.
“Every offer tells a story,” says Emeri. “Our job is to help sellers understand that story and make sure the contract supports their goals.”
Whether you're selling a longtime family home, a renovated South Tampa property, a luxury residence, or an investment property, a contingent offer deserves careful analysis—not an automatic reaction.
With The Lewkowicz Group's deep knowledge of South Tampa and 33629, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz help sellers look beyond the offer price and understand the complete transaction before making an informed decision.
