How does Sell-Before-You-Buy work in Tampa Bay?
Short Answer
Sell-Before-You-Buy is a lender convenience path when you need to close the next home before the current one funds. The educational estimate uses a 2.25 percent program fee on price. That fee is not a Realty of America commission. I can originate through PMF and list through Realty of America.
How sell-before-you-buy is structured
You still sell the current home. You still buy the next one. The difference is the financing tool that lets you write a non-contingent offer and move once. The 2.25 percent figure is a lender program fee in the educational math. Ask PMF how it is documented on your file.
What this looks like in Pinellas
A family leaving a Clearwater house for a Largo villa, or leaving a St. Petersburg condo for a site-built home, often wants one move. Tenants, extra occupancy applications, and school calendars make double moves expensive. The fee exists because the calendar is expensive too. If you can stay put, listing first is usually cleaner. See should I sell before I buy.
Step-by-step
- Net sheet the current home. Price to 90-day solds.
- Pre-approve the next home as if this one is not yet sold.
- Ask PMF whether the convenience path is available for this pair of properties.
- Compare the 2.25 percent educational fee versus two moves versus a contingent offer.
- List with Realty of America if you are listing with me.
- Write the next offer only when the letter matches the path.
- Do not stack Homes for Heroes or Buyer Credit on top.
- Close both sides on the dates in the contracts, not on a brochure.
What you control versus what you do not
You control whether you ask for the path and how you price the listing. You do not control underwriting on a delayed sale. You do not control a builder's completion date.
Fee versus commission
The 2.25 percent convenience fee is a lender program figure used for education. It is not a brokerage commission. Listing compensation is negotiated at Realty of America and is a different line. Buyer Credit and Homes for Heroes are separate benefits with their own conditions. They do not stack with this path.
Common mistakes
Calling the fee a discount. Using it when you could list first. Writing the next offer before PMF has a path. Mixing it with Homes for Heroes.
What to do next
Book a consultation. Read the program page at Sell before you buy. Apply if the next purchase needs a loan.
This is consumer education, not legal advice, tax advice, or a commitment to lend. Program terms change. Ask for the current sheet at consult.
Jonathan Loescher, SL3546365 and NMLS 2621894. Realty of America handles the real estate. PMF, Inc. handles the loan. Those stay separate companies.