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<p>Owning investment properties can be a great way to build financial stability. After you purchase a property, the rent payments will cover expenses such as your mortgage - allowing you to build equity over time. But what happens if your tenant doesn’t pay rent?</p>
<p>When a tenant defaults on rent, Hillsborough County landlords must follow a specific legal process to get them to pay up - or move out of your property. Generally, you must give them a written 3-day notice to cure or quit the property and then go through the eviction process if they do not pay their rent or leave. Working with a property management company can reduce the likelihood that you will need to evict tenants or deal with nonpayment of rent.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we offer full-service property management for landlords in West Central Florida. We know that a proactive approach is often key to preventing problems such as nonpayment of rent. <a href="/contact-us">Reachout</a> today to talk to a team member about our property management services in Hillsborough County, Florida.</p>
<p class="phone-cta-button primary"><a href="tel:813-672-8022">Get Professional Help Managing Tenants. Speak With An Experienced Hillsborough County Property Manager › 813-672-8022</a></p>
<h2>How to Handle a Tenant Who Doesn’t Pay Rent</h2>
<p>In Florida, <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Landlord-Tenant-Law-in-Florida">written leases are not required</a>&nbsp;by law. However, a written lease is always advisable because it can avoid misunderstandings, especially when it comes to the payment of rent.</p>
<p>Typically, a lease will include provisions related to the (1) amount of rent and (2) the date it is due. Many leases also include a short grace period to allow tenants to pay the rent before the landlord takes formal action for nonpayment of rent. For example, if the rent is due by the 1st of the month, there might be a 4-day grace period where rent doesn’t incur late fees if paid by the 5th of the month.</p>
<p>If a tenant does not pay rent, a landlord must go through the legal process to take action. In Florida, landlords are prohibited from doing what is known as a “self-help” eviction for residential leases. This means that you cannot change the locks, turn off utilities, physically remove a tenant’s belongings from the unit, or take any similar action designed to force the tenant to leave the property.</p>
<h3>Sending A Notice To Cure</h3>
<p>You must follow the proper legal procedure under <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html">Florida’s landlord-tenant law</a>. Specifically, landlords must provide written notice to tenants and give them a chance to fix the problem by getting current with rent. This is known as a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit.</p>
<p>This notice must state that the tenant has 3 days - excluding weekends and legal holidays - to either pay rent or vacate the rental property. If the tenant fails to pay the rent or move out, you can proceed with an eviction lawsuit.</p>
<h3>Starting An Eviction</h3>
<p>The <a href="/blog/property-management/hillsborough-county-eviction-process">eviction process</a> starts with drafting a complaint and filing it in the Hillsborough County Circuit Court. You must also pay a filing fee and serve the complaint on the tenant. If the tenant doesn’t respond to the lawsuit, you can ask the court for a default judgment. Otherwise, the case will go to a hearing, where a judge will hear evidence from both parties before issuing a ruling.</p>
<p>Importantly, you cannot evict a tenant on your own even if you win in court. The judge will issue a writ of possession, which gives the tenant 24 hours to vacate the property. If they refuse to leave, then the County Sheriff can evict them. The process can take time, but if you violate the law in any way, it could lead to a court refusing to evict the tenant - or even ordering you to pay the tenant damages.</p>
<p>Having to go to the courts to evict a tenant who isn’t paying rent can be incredibly frustrating. After all, they are obligated under the lease to pay rent - and you’re losing money every month that they refuse to do so. But Florida law has certain protections for tenants and the courts take these rules seriously. While it may be tempting to try to take a shortcut, it could cost you more in the long term.</p>
<h2>Avoiding Nonpayment of Rent Issues</h2>
<p>The eviction process can be time-consuming and expensive. If a tenant contests the eviction, it may take months for you to be able to remove them from your property. This can become a huge financial burden, as you might not be receiving rent to pay your mortgage, HOA fees, taxes, insurance, and other expenses.</p>
<p>There is no way to guarantee that a tenant will pay their rent on time and in full every month. However, there are steps that you can take to reduce the likelihood that your tenants won’t leave you holding the proverbial bag when it comes to rent.</p>
<h3>Carefully Screen Tenants</h3>
<p>First, effective <a href="/blog/property-management/finding-right-tenant-importance-tenant-screening">tenant screening</a> can help to decrease the likelihood of renting to an unreliable tenant. While tenant screening cannot and should not include any discriminatory questions (such as the tenant’s religion or sexual orientation), it can be used to evaluate a tenant’s ability to pay the rent. At Eaton Realty, our tenant screening process analyzes a prospective tenant’s:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rental history</li>
<li>Any past evictions</li>
<li>Credit history</li>
<li>Debt to income ratio</li>
<li>Income and employment</li>
</ul>
<p>As <a href="/tampa-property-management">property managers</a>, we believe that getting the right tenant is more important than getting a property rented. This means that even though it might take a bit longer, it is worth the time and effort to identify tenants with a positive rental history and financial status. In this way, you can avoid situations where you are losing out on rent money - and potentially paying a lawyer to handle an eviction.</p>
<h3>Draft &amp; Review Your Lease Agreement</h3>
<p>Second, a written lease agreement reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings about rent. With a written contract, your tenant can’t claim that they don’t know the rent amount or when it is due. It is all there in black and white and enforceable in a court of law. You can also build a late payment fee into your lease.</p>
<h3>Add A Grace Period To Your Agreement</h3>
<p>Third, you may choose to include a grace period in your lease agreements. This can reduce the need to go through the time and expense of an eviction if a tenant just needs an extra day or two to get the rent to you. For example, if a tenant is dealing with a family emergency and doesn’t get the rent to you on the due date, there is a window of time for them to get current without defaulting on rent.</p>
<h3>Work With A Property Management Company</h3>
<p>Fourth - and perhaps most importantly - having a professional property manager can help you avoid evictions. Property managers are adept at analyzing rental applications, have access to various databases, and can note red flags that might signal that a tenant will have trouble paying rent. A property manager will go beyond a credit check and criminal history to truly understand more about a prospective tenant.</p>
<p>Property management companies also tend to have systems in place for rent payment, such as online portals. This eliminates the need for outdated methods of payment - like checks - or relying on the mail. At Eaton Realty, we know instantly whether a tenant is up-to-date on their rent. We can also flag any potential problems, such as a tenant who consistently pays on the last possible day, for monitoring.</p>
<p>We will also address any nonpayment issues immediately. If a tenant is a day late on rent, we can contact them about it and ask for an update and deliver proper notices. This means that if it is necessary to evict the tenant, we can help you get the process started sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>The most effective way to prevent an eviction is by having your rental properties professionally managed. As property managers, it is our job to take preventative measures and be proactive when it comes to your rental homes. We have the ability to devote a substantial amount of time to your properties - and will use our expertise to help increase the odds of renting to great tenants who always pay their rent on time.</p>
<h2>Let Eaton Manage Your Tampa Bay Rentals For You</h2>
<p>Most property investors have little interest in becoming full-time landlords. Managing a rental property is a lot of work - and requires a level of expertise that the average landlord may not have. A professional property management company can take on the work for you and help you avoid many common problems, like nonpayment of rent, that many landlords experience.</p>
<p>Eaton Realty is a <a href="/tampa-property-management/tampa">Tampa property management company</a> that helps landlords in Hillsborough County, Florida effectively manage their rental properties. For each client, our goal is to make sure that their rental properties are profitable - and that their own stress is minimized. To learn more about our property management services, fill out our online <a href="/contact-us">contact form</a> or call our office at 813-672-8022.</p>


Eviction Data

Tenant Not Paying Rent In Florida: Options As A Landlord

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<p>The Tampa housing market has boomed in the last decade. This wasn’t surprising, as many people were looking to relocate to a lower-cost-of-living area, particularly one where they could work remotely. The fact that Tampa also has gorgeous weather was a bonus.</p>
<p>The Tampa housing market has cooled a bit - but remains strong. Several factors - inflation, rising interest rates, and hurricanes - impacted sales, particularly in the fall. Overall, housing prices remained stable, and houses sold well in the Tampa region.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we understand that fluctuations in the market are common - and have ridden out many housing booms and busts over the years. Our goal is to help our clients <a href="/buy">buy</a> or <a href="/sell">sell</a> a house for a great price, using our understanding of the Tampa market and experience in the Florida real estate industry. If you’d like to learn more, <a href="/contact-us">contact us</a> today to talk to a member of our team.</p>
<h2>Month By Month: 2024 Tampa Housing Market Stats</h2>
<p>For years, Tampa has seen a steady increase in population as more people flocked to Hillsborough County to take advantage of its low cost of living, access to beaches and other attractions, and great weather throughout the year. This migration created a demand for housing and a construction boom, particularly during the pandemic.</p>
<p>In 2024, the economy slowed considerably. Many Americans were affected by the rising costs of everyday goods like groceries. Interest rate hikes also made 2024 a less-than-ideal time to buy a new house for anyone who needed to finance the purchase.</p>
<p>Along with the hurricanes that battered West Central Florida in the fall of 2024, these realities impacted the Tampa real estate market. Yet despite these challenges, the housing market remained remarkably consistent. Most months saw only a slight dip in overall sales and an increase in sale prices. These numbers indicate that Tampa’s housing market may have cooled slightly but is still strong.</p>
<p>Data from the MLS and public records provide insight into the Tampa housing market, such as the drop in sales after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Helene">Hurricane Helene</a> hit the region in September 2024. Despite these storms, Tampa remains resilient and is still a wonderful place to live.</p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Month</td>
<td>Median Home Price</td>
<td>Number Of Closed Sales</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>January</td>
<td>$400,000</td>
<td>356</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>February</td>
<td>$421,000</td>
<td>422</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>March</td>
<td>$420,000</td>
<td>480</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>April</td>
<td>$428,000</td>
<td>497</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>May</td>
<td>$461,000</td>
<td>642</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>June</td>
<td>$499,900</td>
<td>589</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>July</td>
<td>$457,750</td>
<td>535</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>August</td>
<td>$445,000</td>
<td>440</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>September</td>
<td>$444,000</td>
<td>378</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>October</td>
<td>$485,000</td>
<td>393</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>November</td>
<td>$450,000</td>
<td>333</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>December</td>
<td>$462,000</td>
<td>461</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>January</h3>
<p>In January 2024, Tampa had 356 closed sales, an 8.2% drop from the same month in 2023.</p>
<p>The median sale price for January 2024 was $400,000, up 2.8% from 2023.</p>
<p>During January 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 96.6% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 38 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>February</h3>
<p>In February 2024, 422 closed sales were recorded in Tampa, a significant dip of 13.2% from February 2023.</p>
<p>During the same month, the median sale price was $421,000, which was an increase of 9.1% from 2023.</p>
<p>During February 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 97% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 44 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>March</h3>
<p>In March 2024, 480 house sales closed. This was a 15.6% decrease between 2023 and 2024.</p>
<p>In that same time frame, the median sale price for a home was $420,000. The median price increased 3.7% from 2023.</p>
<p>During March 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 97.2% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 31 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>April</h3>
<p>In April 2024, 497 house sales closed in Tampa. That is a 13.9% drop from April 2023.</p>
<p>The median sale price decreased in April. In April 2024, the median sale price for a home was $428,000, which was a 1.6% decrease from 2023.</p>
<p>During April 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 97.6% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 32 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>May</h3>
<p>In May 2024, the Tampa region saw an increase in sales of 2.1% from 2023. 642 house sales closed during this month in 2024.</p>
<p>The median sale price also rose 7.2% from May 2023 to May 2024. In 2024, the median sale price was $461,000.</p>
<p>During May 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 97.4% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 36 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>June</h3>
<p>In June 2024, the total sales dipped by 3.4%. 589 house sales closed in June 2024.</p>
<p>However, the median sale price continued to stay strong. In June 2024, the median sale price for a home in Tampa was $499,900.</p>
<p>During June 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 98% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 26 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>July</h3>
<p>In July 2024, there was an increase of 4.3% in closings for homes from 2023. For July 2024, there were 535 closed sales.</p>
<p>The median sale price during July 2024 was $457,750. This represents just a slight increase (1.7%) from the same time in 2023.</p>
<p>During July 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 97.4% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 27 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>August</h3>
<p>August 2024 saw a decrease of 22% in the number of closings. In this month, there were 440 house sales closed.</p>
<p>For the second time in 2024, the median and average sale price decreased (3.3% decrease) in August 2024. The median sale price was $445,000.</p>
<p>During August 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 96.7% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>September</h3>
<p>In September 2024, there was a significant decrease - 21.7% - in house sales compared to September 2023. There were 378 closings in September 2024.</p>
<p>Despite the slump, housing prices increased 7.5%. The median sale price was $444,000.</p>
<p>During September 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 96.8% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>October</h3>
<p>In October 2024, there was another decrease in home sales - a drop of 9.86% from October 2023. There were 393 closings in October 2024.</p>
<p>The median sale price increased significantly (21.3%) to $485,000 in 2024.</p>
<p>During October 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 96.9% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 50 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>November</h3>
<p>In November 2024, there were 333 closed house sales. This was a 13.7% decrease from 2023.</p>
<p>The median sale price for homes in Tampa was $450,000 in November 2024. The median price was roughly on par with prices in 2023 (0.2% increase).</p>
<p>During November 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 96.8% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 44 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>December</h3>
<p>December finished out the year strong. There were 461 closed sales in the month, which was a 13.5% increase from December of 2023.</p>
<p>The median sale price came in at $462,000. This price was a 10.3% increase from December of the previous year.</p>
<p>During December 2024:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sellers received a median of 96.4% of the original list price.</li>
<li>The median days on market was 45 days.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Market Trends Over Time</h2>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Year</td>
<td>Median Price</td>
<td>Number Of Closed Sales</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2020</td>
<td>$288,767</td>
<td>8,247</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2021</td>
<td>$328,526</td>
<td>9,120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022</td>
<td>$397,817</td>
<td>6,934</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023</td>
<td>$423,366</td>
<td>6,048</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024</td>
<td>$447,804</td>
<td>5,526</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>When looking at the housing market for the last five years, it’s clear that the Tampa market hit a new peak in 2021. Lower interest rates, the increase of remote work, and Tampa’s relatively affordable housing for a major metropolitan area created the perfect storm for a real estate frenzy. Home sales have slowly decreased in the years following 2021. Total annual sales have decreased 39% between 2021 and 2024.</p>
<p>At the same time, home prices have continued to climb with no end in sight. The median home price has increased each year from 2020 to 2024. Prices have increased 55% since 2020. The price increases may partly be due to inflation but are also likely being fueled by demand. The city has been facing a housing shortage for some time. Tampa’s population has grown 5% since 2020 and builders can’t keep up with growing demand.</p>
<p>House sales may have slowed in the past three years, but the correction is only natural after a large boom. It’s only a matter of time before sales start to pick up again.</p>
<h2>Considering Buying or Selling a Home in Tampa? Call Us First</h2>
<p>Housing markets - like the economy generally - tend to be cyclical. As sure as there is a boom in real estate, there is almost guaranteed to be a bit of a downcycle. While Tampa’s housing market has slowed down slightly, it remains strong - making Tampa a great place for a real estate investment.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we work with buyers, sellers, and <a href="/tampa-property-management">landlords</a> as they navigate real estate transactions in the Tampa region. If you are considering buying or selling property in Hillsborough County, we will provide expert advice and help you get the best possible deal. To learn more about our real estate services, fill out our online <a href="/contact-us">contact form</a> or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a team member.</p>


Tampa House

Tampa Housing Market Statistics & Trends

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<p>If you own a rental property in the greater Tampa area, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed by all that it entails. While being a landlord is a great way to produce a passive income stream, it is also a lot of work. From marketing the property to dealing with maintenance requests to handling problems with your tenants, managing an investment property can be a lot of work.</p>
<p>A <a href="/tampa-property-management">property manager</a> can handle almost every detail related to your rental units, including <a href="/blog/property-management/finding-right-tenant-importance-tenant-screening">screening tenants</a>, listing your property on the MLS, coordinating service, and generating year-end tax statements. Property management companies often work for a percentage of monthly rent, which usually ranges from 8 to 12%. Some companies may also offer flat fee services. Whatever you choose, you will have peace of mind in knowing that your rental properties are being appropriately managed.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we offer comprehensive property management services for landlords in Hillsborough County, Florida. We offer 3 percentage-based packages, plus a DIY assist option for investors who only need marketing and leasing support. <a href="/contact-us">Reach out</a> today to talk to a team member about our property management services in West Central Florida.</p>
<h2>What You Get for the Money: Property Management Services</h2>
<p>At its most basic, property management involves a professional overseeing a rental property on behalf of a landlord. While each property management company is different, most offer the same basic services. This typically includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Marketing rental properties</li>
<li>Screening potential tenants</li>
<li>Drafting, signing, and renewing leases</li>
<li>Collecting rent</li>
<li>Maintaining properties, including services like landscaping</li>
<li>Coordinating repairs with vendors and tenants</li>
<li>Budgeting for property maintenance and improvements</li>
<li>Providing information to clients on <a href="http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099/0083/0083.html">Florida’s landlord-tenant law</a> as well as applicable federal law</li>
<li>Tracking profits and losses</li>
<li>Generating year-end tax statements</li>
</ul>
<p>Of course, the quality of a property management company can vary significantly. Our property managers are members of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (<a href="https://www.narpm.org/">NARPM</a>), which means they are held to the highest standards for property managers.</p>
<p>Eaton Realty’s services go beyond the base-level options provided by most property management companies by including:</p>
<ul>
<li>A competitive market analysis</li>
<li>Professional photography for marketing</li>
<li>An immersive 3D virtual tour for websites</li>
<li>A featured listing on our website, plus direct marketing to our tenant prospect database</li>
<li>Entry on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) plus a premium listing on websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Hotpads</li>
<li>A post, yard sign, and lockbox</li>
<li>Tenant screening, which includes a credit check, rental history, employment verification, pet screening, and more</li>
<li>Drafting of a legally-compliant lease</li>
<li>Monthly rent collection and disbursement</li>
<li>Portal for property owners</li>
<li>A detailed monthly accounting, including owner statements</li>
<li>Submission of HOA lease approval paperwork</li>
<li>Service coordination and invoice payment</li>
<li>Property inspections</li>
<li>Tenant home orientation</li>
<li>Home make-ready management between tenants</li>
<li>Year-end tax statements, plus 1099 forms for owners and vendors</li>
<li>No monthly vacancy fees</li>
<li>$1,000.00 of damage protection</li>
<li>Eviction coordination</li>
<li>Property renovation project management</li>
</ul>
<p>While some of these services have an additional fee, you won’t pay anything extra to have a dedicated property manager for your investment properties. Our goal is to make your experience as a landlord as seamless as possible. You will be able to collect rental income without any of the day-to-day worries and stresses of being a landlord.</p>
<p>Many landlords find that property management services effectively pay for themselves. Not only will you not have to deal with things like taking tenants on showings, having professional pictures taken, or listing your properties for rent, but you also won’t pay a separate fee for these services. Property managers can also keep your vacancy rate low, saving you money over time. Finally, by finding great tenants, property management companies can reduce the risk of losing money through nonpayment of rent or property damage.</p>
<h2>Typical Fee Arrangements for Property Management Companies</h2>
<p>Each property management company works a little differently. However, there are 2 main options for property management fees: a percentage of monthly rent or a flat monthly fee. Below, we explain the difference - and give you the details of our pricing arrangements.</p>
<h3>Percentage of Monthly Rent</h3>
<p>One of the most common fee arrangements between property management companies and landlords is a monthly fee between 8% and 12% of the rent collected. For example, if you have a property with a monthly rent of $1,500 and a 10% property management fee, you will pay $150 per month for property management services. Some property management companies will charge a vacancy fee if the property is not rented.</p>
<p>One of the biggest benefits of a monthly rent-based percentage is that it aligns the property manager’s interests with the landlord’s. If your property generates more income, then the property management company will make more money. This can motivate the property manager to maintain high occupancy rates and ensure that your rent is as high as the market supports.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we offer 3 options with this type of fee: Confidence 8, Confidence 9, and Confidence 10. As the names suggest, the fees are a percentage of rent - 8% for Confidence 8, 9% for Confidence 9, and 10% for Confidence 10. These packages include all of the services listed above, except for eviction fees and renovation project management. Eaton Realty does not charge a monthly vacancy fee.</p>
<p>Eaton Realty generally requires all properties we manage to accept pets. This is due to the popularity of pets and the sheer number of people who want pet-friendly rental properties. We take special precautions and use advanced inspection techniques to ensure that tenants are held responsible for any damage their pets might cause. If you do not want your property to be pet-friendly, we will charge an extra 1% per month, given the extra work required to market “no-pet” properties.</p>
<h3>Fixed Monthly Fee</h3>
<p>The other primary option for property management services is a flat fee arrangement. This involves charging a fixed amount every month, regardless of rental income and other factors. A fixed fee has the advantage of being predictable and consistent, which can make it easier for landlords to build the fees into their budget.</p>
<p>When opting for a fixed fee agreement, it is important to understand what is and is not included. For example, Eaton Realty offers a DIY Assist program for landlords who just need help with marketing and leasing. Our one-time fee covers all services related to marketing your property and leasing it - but not the day-to-day management of the property itself. Read your contract carefully to know exactly what you are - and are not - getting as part of your monthly fee.</p>
<h3>Other Potential Fees</h3>
<p>As noted above, some services fall outside of the standard monthly fee for property management services. This is often for services that require additional work or costs, such as managing an eviction. However, some property management companies charge a lot of what may be considered “junk” fees for onboarding, collecting late fees, and even performing routine inspections and handling maintenance. You should always read your contract carefully to see what is - and is not - included as part of your property management fees.</p>
<p>Outside of evictions and renovation management, Eaton Realty includes all services as part of its monthly rent percentage fee agreements. We only charge extra for services outside of routine property management - like overseeing a renovation of your investment property or attorney fees associated with evictions. We disclose all additional fees upfront so you know exactly what you will pay if you choose to work with our company for evictions and/or renovation management.</p>
<h2>Work with a Top-Tier Tampa Property Manager</h2>
<p>For many landlords, hiring a property management company simply makes good financial sense. While you will pay a monthly fee, that amount is often offset by saving you time and money. A NARPM-certified property management company can provide professional property management services to ease your stress and maximize your investment.</p>
<p>Eaton Realty is a <a href="/tampa-property-management/tampa">Tampa property management company</a> that works with landlords in Hillsborough County, Florida. We take pride in providing our clients with comprehensive, high-quality property management services - all for a fair fee. Our team understands that a good property manager can make a real difference in the profitability of a rental property, which is why we work hard to ensure that we provide the highest level of service to our clients. To learn more about our property management services, fill out our online <a href="/contact-us">contact form</a> or call our office at 813-672-8022.</p>


tampa property management

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Property Manager In Tampa?

<p><img alt src="//cms.eatonrealty.com/sites/default/files/images/article/2025/01/best-tampa-real-estate-appraisers.jpg" style="width:100%;height:auto;"></p>
<p>When you are buying or selling a house, there is a lot that you have to learn. There are a lot of technical legal steps involved in the process, particularly when you need to get financing for your house. One of these steps is getting a real estate appraisal.</p>
<p>Appraisals happen in almost every real estate transaction, as they are typically a contingency in sales contracts, and banks require them as a condition for approving a mortgage. An appraisal involves an inspection of a piece of property and researching market conditions to determine fair market value. Our list of 15 of the best Tampa property appraisers can help you choose a professional when buying or selling a house.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, we represent both <a href="/buy">buyers</a> and <a href="/sell">sellers</a> in West Central Florida real estate transactions. We work collaboratively with our clients to help them get the information and support that they need for a successful sale or purchase - such as by giving them recommendations on professionals to use. Reach out today to <a href="/contact-us">talk to a member of our real estate team</a>.</p>
<h2>Why Do I Need a Real Estate Appraiser?</h2>
<p>A real estate appraisal is a common step in the home buying and selling process. It involves a real estate professional - a certified appraiser - determining the fair market value of a property.</p>
<p>To determine the fair market value, an appraiser will examine factors such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>The overall condition of the home, such as the number of bedrooms, the functionality of major systems, and the presence or absence of any hazards.</li>
<li>Any improvements to the home, such as installing a pool or renovating your kitchen</li>
<li>How your home compares to other houses in your area (real estate comps)</li>
</ul>
<p>The inspection portion of the appraisal might take as little as an hour. The appraiser will then spend time researching things like property tax records, FEMA flood zones, and sales comps to develop a fair market value for the property.</p>
<p>Once the appraiser completes their visual inspection of your home and their research, they will make a final valuation of the property in a report. They will then deliver the report to the entity or person who ordered and paid for it (such as the bank, the prospective homebuyer, a real estate agent, or an attorney).</p>
<p>One of the most common reasons to get a property appraisal is when getting a mortgage. Banks won’t lend money to a prospective homebuyer if a property is appraised for less than the amount of the loan. However, there are other times when obtaining a property appraisal may be a good idea, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Before selling your house, homeowners considering listing their property for sale can have an appraisal done to better understand its market value. This can help them set an asking price that is realistic for the house's condition and the market, increasing the likelihood of a quick sale.</li>
<li>Refinancing your house: homeowners may choose to refinance their home due to changes in the value of the home and/or interest rates. Refinancing involves replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, so banks will require an appraisal to ensure that they are making a good investment.</li>
<li>Obtaining a home equity loan: this type of loan is essentially a second loan taken against the equity in your home. An appraisal is necessary to determine how much equity you have in your house based on its current value and the amount outstanding on your mortgage.</li>
<li>Divorce: in a divorce, a couple’s assets and liabilities are divided, necessitating a valuation of any property. An appraisal can be used as evidence in divorce settlements or a divorce trial.</li>
<li>FEMA appraisals: if your home is located in an area where flood insurance is required, then FEMA limits the amount that the property can be improved (known as the 50% rule). A property appraisal can challenge the limitations on construction set by the county.</li>
<li>Seeking other types of loans: if you use your house as collateral for a different type of loan, the bank will likely require an appraisal.</li>
<li>Estate matters: various issues related to estates that may require a property appraisal, such as determining the value of a home at the time of a person's death for tax purposes.</li>
<li>Appealing a tax assessment: property taxes are typically based on the fair market value of your home. If you believe your property taxes should be lower, you may have an independent appraisal of your house performed for evidence in your appeal.</li>
<li>Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) removal: if you did not make a 20% down payment on your house, your bank likely required you to purchase PMI to protect their interests. Once your home equity hits 20%, you can have the PMI removed. An appraisal can help to show that you have paid 20% of the value of your home.</li>
</ul>
<p>For most people, having your home appraised isn’t a matter of choice. If you want a mortgage, your lender will perform one before issuing a loan. However, as outlined above, there are many situations where you may choose to have an appraisal performed for your own purposes.</p>
<p>Many real estate sales contacts will also include an appraisal as a contingency. This allows you to walk away from a purchase if the appraisal comes back with a value that is too low for the purchase price. If you are in a seller’s market or are paying cash for a home, you may choose to skip this contingency - but it is almost always a good idea to have an appraisal done so that you know you are not paying too much for a property.</p>
<p>A real estate appraisal may cost from $500 to $2,000, with appraisals of larger properties or with more complex issues (such as determining property lines) costing more. The buyer of a home in a real estate transaction is usually required to pay for the appraisal unless they negotiate for the seller to pay for the appraisal.</p>
<p>A real estate appraisal is distinct from a home inspection. An appraisal concerns the value of a piece of property, not the structural integrity and condition of the home’s system. An inspection involves examining every aspect of the physical home to determine its condition and identify potential issues.</p>
<h2>Top 15 Tampa Real Estate Appraisers</h2>
<p>Whatever your reason for needing or wanting a home appraiser, you will want to make sure that you get the best possible person for the job. As a Tampa real estate agency with decades of experience helping clients buy and sell homes, we have worked with dozens of real estate appraisers. Below are our recommendations for some of the best property appraisers in the Tampa region.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen height="350" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3522.868769187398!2d-82.58400082491453!3d27.997911112616865!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2e9f2cf62bae7%3A0xb8dadd6d144e35c7!2sChampions%20Real%20Estate%20Appraisals!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829679784!5m2!1sen!2sus" style="border:0;" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<h3>Champions Real Estate Appraisals</h3>
<p>Based in Tampa, <a href="https://championsrealestateappraisals.com/">Champions Real Estate Appraisals</a> serves Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas County. Led by Juan Long, this team has provided appraisal services for both buyers and sellers since 2010.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3524.6322321178786!2d-82.46014292491637!3d27.943917615018478!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c33ff273c7229b%3A0x2bb92665bf95f8f2!2sTYKE%20Appraisals%2C%20Inc.!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829768090!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>TYKE Appraisals, Inc.</h3>
<p><a href="https://tykeappraisals.com">TYKE Appraisals, Inc.</a> works out of Tampa, providing appraisals throughout the West Coast of Florida. They offer both residential and commercial appraisal services, plus consulting on real estate matters.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3525.9529732785127!2d-82.49811232491781!3d27.903416416817127!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x239e435f295aefcb%3A0xf9ed9b71beacff42!2sAccurate%20Appraisal%20and%20Realty%20Services!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829808571!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Accurate Appraisal and Realty Services</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.accurateappraisalsflorida.com/home">Accurate Appraisals and Realty Services</a> offers a range of appraisal services in the greater Tampa area, including realtor listings, for sale by owner listings, divorce settlement and estate valuation matters, and mortgage lending. They also offer appraisals for the FEMA/ACV 50% construction rule in flood zones.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3525.2477504324092!2d-82.45610531987579!3d27.92504915414467!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2c50e4ba559bb%3A0x68cff8da5d1d0374!2sCandid%20Appraisals!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829848810!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>CandidAppraisals</h3>
<p>Working out of their Naples, Fort Myers, and Tampa offices, <a href="https://candidappraisals.com/">CandidAppraisals</a> has performed over 20,000 residential valuations. They have 6 appraisers working to provide valuations for investors, homeowners, attorneys, and other interested parties.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3529.4636490195835!2d-82.65427392492157!3d27.795495921598796!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2e3dee7e3ffff%3A0xef90ecb2fc92d2af!2sSunshine%20Real%20Estate%20Appraisals%2C%20Inc.!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829879528!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Sunshine Real Estate Appraisals</h3>
<p>From St. Petersburg, <a href="https://tampahomeappraiser.com/">Sunshine Real Estate Appraisals</a> offers a variety of appraisal services for Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties. Owners Shari and Brent Kludt have more than 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and are both certified appraisers.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3520.987911747547!2d-82.47972292491254!3d28.055393710055572!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2c0d25552bbbf%3A0xb78f18691ca72775!2sNolen%20Appraisal%20Services%2C%20Inc.!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829905738!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Nolen Appraisal Services</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NolenAppraisalServices/">Nolen Appraisal Services, Inc.</a> is a full-service property appraisal company based in Tampa. They offer appraisals in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties, where they have worked for more than 20 years.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3519.9098333107777!2d-82.5808895249114!3d28.088293108587536!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c295e8d00591af%3A0xacd3f18cd9562f21!2sIntegrity%20Real%20Estate%20Advisors!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735829930954!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Integrity Real Estate Advisors</h3>
<p><a href="https://ireafl.com/">Integrity Real Estate Advisors</a> offers both commercial and residential real estate appraisals, litigation support, and consulting services in the Tampa region. Led by Brad Saucier, their team offers expert analysis and valuation services.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d902246.841241086!2d-83.1409246735454!3d27.950980744697898!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x20fa21306d467fc7%3A0xfdf85a09e5ab9eb4!2sMJS%20Appraisals%20%26%20Real%20Estate%20Consultants!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830073233!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>MJS Appraisals</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.mjsrealestateservices.com/">MJS Appraisals</a> is led by Michael Scarpa and specializes in providing valuations for single-family homes, condos, and investment properties. They also provide appraisal reviews and consultations throughout Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3514.871172992199!2d-82.24218702490604!3d28.241589601727014!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2b2eb26875601%3A0xc510c7fa5400ee75!2sAccuQuick%20Appraisals%2C%20Inc!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830105993!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>AccuQuick Appraisals</h3>
<p><a href="https://accuquickappraisals.com/">AccuQuick Appraisals</a> has appraised more than 10,000 residential properties over 17 years in the Tampa Bay region. Led by Jeffrey Donaldson, they offer appraisals for home sales, divorce, bankruptcy, IRS liens, estate planning, and other common situations.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d112744.89821905356!2d-82.67147008364564!3d27.98538774300899!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2c489506ecf67%3A0x50e04bd57a0b2a4e!2sAppraisal%20Development%20International%2C%20Inc!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830149985!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Appraisal Development International, Inc.</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.appraisaldevelopment.com/">Appraisal Development International, Inc.</a> has operated out of the Tampa Bay area since 1979. They perform appraisals of commercial properties throughout Florida and appraise residential properties in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Manatee Counties.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d7240790.193200717!2d-89.09875828220883!3d27.607722974336657!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2c06a808fffff%3A0xc834a2435a5f2fae!2sMeridian%20Property%20Appraisers%20Inc!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830173904!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Meridian Property Appraisers, Inc.</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.mpaconnect.co/">Meridian Property Appraisers, Inc.</a> is a family and veteran-owned property appraisal company founded in 2002. They specialize in private appraisals for realtors, homeowners, attorneys, and accountants.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3524.306364412312!2d-82.46230282491605!3d27.953902214574626!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2c489646cb22d%3A0x469b0580607c75ef!2sDohring%20Ahern!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830194625!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Dohring Ahern</h3>
<p><a href="https://dohringahern.com/">Dohring Ahern</a> was founded in Tampa in 1992 as an appraisal company and later expanded to add brokerage services. They offer full-service property appraisals for bank financing, due diligence, divorce cases, estate disputes, and more.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3522.8962248275175!2d-82.53766772491458!3d27.99707121265431!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88dd38b59684c4a3%3A0xe207404f9f328f33!2sCliggitt%20Valuation%2C%20Inc!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830221176!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Cliggitt Valuation, Inc.</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.cliggitt.com/">Cliggitt Valuation, Inc.</a> is a Tampa-based appraisal company that specializes in commercial, industrial, and investment real estate. Run by Michael Cliggitt, the firm also performs appraisals for other types of property, including single-family homes, apartments, and condos.</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d225464.51081303402!2d-82.83996435076114!3d27.997476345754112!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2ebbba29d8c03%3A0x363ccb3e846ad6b4!2sCapital%20View%20Appraisals!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830312928!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>Capital View Appraisals</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.capitalviewappraisals.com/">Capital View Appraisals</a> serves customers throughout Pasco and Hillsborough Counties in West Central Florida. They offer a full range of appraisal services, including appraisals specifically for obtaining private mortgage insurance (PMI).</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3608107.3237745254!2d-85.31667243940944!3d27.977300076326188!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88c2f0f10f79a697%3A0xdd5f7f3f4d789aaa!2sMy%20Florida%20Home%20Appraisal!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1735830340159!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="100%" height="350" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe><h3>My Florida Home Appraisal</h3>
<p>With offices in Clearwater and Cape Coral, <a href="https://myfloridahomeappraisal.com/">My Florida Home Appraisal</a> is one of the leading providers of real estate valuations for both mortgage lending and non-lending property sales. They have more than 22 years of experience in the market, providing well-written valuations that are thorough and accurate.</p>
<p>When it comes to property appraisers, <a href="/blog/buying/best-tampa-home-inspectors">home inspectors</a>, and every other professional, you should always use your best judgment regarding who you hire. Your house is one of the biggest investments that you will ever make. Be sure to research and choose a property appraiser you trust.</p>
<h2>Buy or Sell a House in Tampa with Eaton Realty</h2>
<p>Many steps are involved in buying or selling a house in the greater Tampa Bay area. In addition to finding the right home, you must ensure that you - or your buyer - can get financing for the property. A property appraisal is a key document that can be used as proof in a variety of situations - including obtaining a mortgage.</p>
<p>At Eaton Realty, our <a href="/city/tampa">Tampa real estate agents</a> understand how stressful the process of buying or selling a home can be. We work with our clients to support them with everything from recommendations for the best professionals to suggestions on <a href="/how-to-stage-a-home">how to stage a house</a>. If you’re interested in buying a home in Hillsborough County, fill out our o<a href="/contact-us">nline contact form</a>, or call us at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our team.</p>


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