Your Trusted Tampa Bay Real Estate Team at Keller Williams

Absolutely. If you have remaining VA entitlement, you can use a VA loan with zero down payment — even if you’ve used your VA benefit before. We work with VA-experienced lenders in Tampa Bay who understand military timelines and can often move fast. Your BAH is counted as qualifying income, which can significantly boost what you’re approved for. Reach out and we’ll connect you with a trusted lender right away.

BAH rates for Tampa Bay (Military Housing Area FL066) in 2026 are: E-5 with dependents ~$2,709/month, E-6 with dependents ~$3,042/month. These rates can cover solid housing in many desirable Tampa Bay neighborhoods. We help you align your BAH with the right home so your allowance is working for you — not just covering rent.

A VA assumable loan lets a qualified buyer take over a seller’s existing VA mortgage — including their original interest rate. In today’s higher-rate market, some sellers still have rates from 2020–2022 (as low as 2.5%–3.5%). Assuming one of these loans can save you hundreds of dollars per month compared to current rates. We’ve helped clients close on assumable loans in Tampa Bay and it can be a total game-changer. Ask us if a home you’re interested in has an assumable VA loan.

It’s tight but doable. Ideally, start the process 60–90 days before your report date. Get your VA pre-approval first (1–2 weeks), then we can search and write offers quickly. Closings typically take 30–45 days with a VA loan. We’ve helped families close on PCS timelines many times and know how to keep things moving. The earlier you reach out, the more options you’ll have.

South Tampa is the closest (10–25 min rush hour), followed by Seminole Heights (20–35 min). For families wanting more space and value, Riverview and Westchase are popular (25–45 min via Selmon or Veterans Expressway). We always recommend driving the route during rush hour — traffic can vary significantly. Check our Neighborhoods page for a full breakdown with commute times and median prices.

Not at all. We regularly work with families who are still at their current duty station. We can conduct live virtual tours via FaceTime or Zoom, send detailed video walkthroughs, and even help you write an offer remotely. Many of our military clients have bought their Tampa Bay home without visiting first — and been thrilled with the result.

Hillsborough County Schools serve most of the Tampa area and has some excellent options. For families with specific needs, South Tampa (Plant High School district) is highly rated. Riverview, Westchase, and Carrollwood also have strong school options. We always suggest researching individual schools at GreatSchools.org and checking with the district about magnet program availability and waitlists. Happy to share what we know about specific neighborhoods.

Florida insurance — especially in coastal areas — has changed a lot in recent years. Flood insurance (separate from homeowners) is required in many flood zones and can add $100–$500+/month depending on location. Wind mitigation and sinkhole coverage also factor in. We always advise buyers to get insurance quotes before going under contract so there are no surprises at closing. We can refer you to brokers who specialize in military buyers and Tampa Bay properties.

•  Last 2 months LES or Pay Stubs
• Last 2 months bank statements
• Last 2 years federal tax returns
• Authorization for lender to pull credit report

• Master-planned communities are neighborhoods designed with amenities like pools, clubhouses, gyms, parks, and sometimes even schools or shops. In the Tampa area, you’ll find many newer communities like this, especially in Wesley Chapel, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Lakewood Ranch and Land O Lakes.
• They typically include HOA fees, and some may also have CDD fees (a community development district fee that helps pay for infrastructure). These can vary quite a bit depending on the community and amenities, so it’s important to factor them into your monthly budget when buying.

Florida insurance — especially in coastal areas — has changed a lot in recent years. Insurance premiums average $2–4,000. If your home is located in a flood zone, you may be required to have flood insurance (separate from homeowners) and can add $100–$500+/month depending on location. Wind mitigation and sinkhole coverage also factor in but the four-point inspection can often help lower costs. We always advise buyers to get insurance quotes before going under contract so there are no surprises at closing. We can refer you to brokers who specialize in military buyers and Tampa Bay properties.