Are there affordable ocean view homes near Tampa? (Apollo Beach: for sale, credit)

[PhotoProIP]

Originally Posted by jsun556

You will have to have a very tall building constructed because the ocean is on the other side of the state.

You know, I was going to point that out too...LOL

[BucFan]

I think Mira Bay @ Apollo Beach has homes on Tampa Bay, but not the gulf.

[jambo101]

If you dont mind being on a canal leading to open water or dont mind the intra coastal waterway theres plenty of homes in your price range around St Petes Coquina Key or out on the eastern side of St Pete Beach/Treasure Island areas , but if its ocean/Gulf view you want and a single family detached dwelling probably somewhere between Tarpon Springs and Crystal River is your best bet,perhaps something on a river like Weeki Wachee or Homossassa River.But Clearwater will be your closest beach of any major size and do price insurance costs of waterfront property

[tonyff67]

If you're willing to live in a condo, you can get a beautiful place with water views for that price.

[chi_tino]

There are numerous properties with wide open Tampa Bay water views for much, much less than $1 million in the Tampa Bay area. My neighborhood, Shore Acres, has a large supply of open waterfront properties for sale, many at reasonable prices. My insurance (Citizens for wind and FEMA for flood) cost about 0.7% of my home's value annually. One of my neighbors is selling a 2800-3000 sq ft house on three levels for about $600k. Smaller homes still sell for $400k.

If you want Gulf views, though, there are considerably fewer of them. $300k will get you a nice condo.

"the MLS is the MLS": there are a lot of properties for sale right now as FSBOs (for sale by owner). In fact, three on my street are being sold that way right now. Why they don't spend a couple hundred bucks to advertise on the MLS is anyone's guess, so they may be sitting there for a while.

[BucFan]

Your insurance is much less than others that I've talked to. I stand corrected. Maybe you can find a place on the water where you won't pay and arm/leg for annual insurance.

[DUNNDFRNT]

Originally Posted by chi_tino

There are numerous properties with wide open Tampa Bay water views for much, much less than $1 million in the Tampa Bay area. My neighborhood, Shore Acres, has a large supply of open waterfront properties for sale, many at reasonable prices. My insurance (Citizens for wind and FEMA for flood) cost about 0.7% of my home's value annually. One of my neighbors is selling a 2800-3000 sq ft house on three levels for about $600k. Smaller homes still sell for $400k.

If you want Gulf views, though, there are considerably fewer of them. $300k will get you a nice condo.

"the MLS is the MLS": there are a lot of properties for sale right now as FSBOs (for sale by owner). In fact, three on my street are being sold that way right now. Why they don't spend a couple hundred bucks to advertise on the MLS is anyone's guess, so they may be sitting there for a while.

I thought even FSBO properties were listed on the MLS, seems crazy to limit your market to people driving by, even if you don't want to pay RE commissions.
My dad and brother bought a gulf front house back in 09, a 3/2 for less than 400k in Placida, but you have to take a water taxi there is no cars on the island, you would have to work from home, what is surprising about that is the taxes, is close to 12k a year.

[Not_liking_FL]

Originally Posted by chi_tino

There are numerous properties with wide open Tampa Bay water views for much, much less than $1 million in the Tampa Bay area. My neighborhood, Shore Acres, has a large supply of open waterfront properties for sale, many at reasonable prices. My insurance (Citizens for wind and FEMA for flood) cost about 0.7% of my home's value annually. One of my neighbors is selling a 2800-3000 sq ft house on three levels for about $600k. Smaller homes still sell for $400k.

If you want Gulf views, though, there are considerably fewer of them. $300k will get you a nice condo.

"the MLS is the MLS": there are a lot of properties for sale right now as FSBOs (for sale by owner). In fact, three on my street are being sold that way right now. Why they don't spend a couple hundred bucks to advertise on the MLS is anyone's guess, so they may be sitting there for a while.

What's the condition of these houses? I've seen a lot of waterfront(canal, bay) homes on the MLS under $600k, but most need major upgrades.

[chi_tino]

That particular house is a renovation. They bought it a couple years ago for $100k less, and are trying to squeeze out a few bucks. Maybe they will, maybe they won't.

Smart FSBO sellers put their properties on the MLS, but there's no law against putting a sign up in your yard that says "FOR SALE".

Check out 33702 and 33703 for some decently priced waterfront homes. Asking prices are probably up 40% in the past 3 years, but remember: asking price does not equal selling price. As I noted on city-data at the time, there were 1/4 acre lots on open water with old 1200 sq ft homes selling for $200k a few years ago.

[sara8888]

Originally Posted by BucFan

Curious, OP, what profession are you and your husband in to afford such a nice home?

I'm an engineer and my husband does consulting. We are in the DC area now so it's much easier to find jobs of that sort up here. That was another issue with the Tampa area, not as many of these types of jobs, but we did see several defense contractors and other technology based companies but not sure what the salary difference would be.

And to those who pointed out my use of the word "ocean" instead of "gulf", thanks for the correction. I was using the word very loosely but I should be using the proper term if I'm going to live there (maybe) haha.