🎤 Interview with a South Tampa Realtor: Insider Tips for Buying & Selling in 2025

Real Advice from Someone Who Knows the Neighborhood Like Home

South Tampa is one of the most sought-after areas in all of Florida — known for its charm, vibrant lifestyle, top-rated schools, and close proximity to downtown. But what’s it really like to navigate this market? To get the inside scoop, we sat down with a local expert to uncover what buyers and sellers should know before making their next big move.

Whether you’re considering a move to the area or thinking about selling your South Tampa home, this interview is packed with helpful advice, pro tips, and real talk about the current market.

🏡 Meet the Realtor:

Fernanda Stucken, South Tampa Realtor
Email: contact@fernandastucken.com
Phone: (347) 216-6620

Fernanda is known for her deep knowledge of Tampa’s neighborhoods, her eye for value, and her ability to guide clients through competitive deals with clarity and confidence.

🔎 Q1: What Makes South Tampa So Special?

Fernanda:
“South Tampa is really one of those rare places where you can have it all — historic homes, walkability, great schools, and a strong sense of community. You can live just minutes from Bayshore Boulevard, be close to the airport and downtown, and still enjoy quiet, tree-lined streets. It attracts everyone from young professionals and military families to retirees and investors.”

💸 Q2: What Should Buyers Know Before Jumping In?

Fernanda:
“Inventory moves fast here. You have to be prepared. That means getting pre-approved, knowing your must-haves, and being ready to make strong offers. The best homes — especially in neighborhoods like Palma Ceia, Virginia Park, or Hyde Park — rarely last more than a few days on the market.”

👉 Insider Tip: “Cash isn’t king like it used to be. Sellers are valuing certainty — solid financing, fast closings, and flexibility with inspection timelines.”

🏠 Q3: Is It a Good Time to Sell in 2025?

Fernanda:
“Absolutely. We’re still seeing strong demand for South Tampa homes. While the market has cooled slightly from its 2021 frenzy, well-staged, correctly priced homes are selling fast — often with multiple offers. If you’ve been thinking about upsizing, downsizing, or cashing out, now is a smart time to explore your options.”

👉 Insider Tip: “Don’t guess on your home’s value. Have a professional run a local market analysis — Zillow estimates can be off by tens of thousands.”

🎯 Q4: What Mistakes Do You See Buyers & Sellers Make?

Fernanda:
“For buyers, I often see hesitation at the wrong time. They wait too long to make a decision and lose out on the home. For sellers, it’s either overpricing or under-preparing the home to show. Presentation matters — professional photos, decluttering, light staging — all of it makes a big difference.”

👉 Insider Tip: “Buyers should have a clear max budget and focus on lifestyle fit, not just square footage. Sellers should walk through their home as if they’re a buyer seeing it for the first time.”

🛠 Q5: What Adds the Most Value When Selling?

Fernanda:
“Simple updates can go a long way. Fresh paint, clean landscaping, and modern light fixtures often make a bigger impact than full remodels. Buyers love clean, move-in-ready homes. Also, anything that adds usable space — like an updated outdoor area or bonus room — can really increase appeal.”

🗺 Q6: Favorite Hidden-Gem Neighborhood?

Fernanda:
“I love the North Hyde Park area — it’s up-and-coming, walkable, and still has a lot of untapped potential. Also, Virginia Park offers larger lots and quiet charm while still being central. Both are smart long-term plays for buyers looking to grow equity.”

🏁 Final Thoughts

Fernanda:
“South Tampa isn’t just a great place to buy and sell — it’s a great place to live. I always tell my clients: You’re not just buying a house, you’re buying into a lifestyle. Whether that means morning runs on Bayshore, Sunday brunch in Hyde Park, or walking your kids to A-rated schools — it’s all here.”

📞 Ready to Make Your Move?

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just exploring your options, working with a local expert can make all the difference.

📩 Contact Fernanda Stucken
📧 Email: contact@fernandastucken.com
📞 Phone: (347) 216-6620

Let’s talk about your goals and create a plan that works for you.