Just Sold: A Riverside Heights Dream Comes to Life
When the Right Time to Start is “Now”
I met this couple in July of 2024, during one of my open houses in South Tampa. They were warm, thoughtful, and upfront about their timeline—they weren’t planning to buy until 2025.
Some realtors get discouraged when they hear that. But me? I love it.
When people give themselves the space to explore early, it opens the door to a deeper understanding of the market. It also gives me the chance to get to know my clients beyond the transaction—which is genuinely one of my favorite parts of the job.
Starting with a Vision and a Wishlist
From the start, they had a clear idea of what they were looking for: a modern home with room to grow, in a walkable, character-rich neighborhood. Riverside Heights quickly rose to the top of their list.
One specific feature they were hoping to find was gas service—something many buyers value for cooking or tankless water heating. But, as anyone who’s searched in South Tampa knows, it’s a bit of a wildcard. Some streets have it, others don’t, and it’s not always easy to check off that box.
We talked through their must-haves and nice-to-haves, and I encouraged them to use this time as a chance to see the full landscape—to get a feel for what truly mattered most to them.
A Chance Encounter Leads to the Perfect Home
We stayed in touch and toured many homes together throughout 2024. True to their word, once 2025 came along, they got more serious. Then one day, they called after visiting an open house that caught their attention.
It was a stunning modern 5-bedroom home in Riverside Heights. We went to see it together, and it immediately stood out. Clean lines, lots of natural light, and a smart layout that offered both functionality and style.
It didn’t have everything on their list—gas service wasn’t included—but by that point, they had a clear perspective on what mattered most. The home felt like them. With a few small upgrades, it would be the perfect fit.
Making It Their Own
We submitted an offer that included a few personalized touches:
Adding classic shutters for curb appeal
Installing a custom chandelier to showcase the stairwell to the second floor
Ensuring a washer and dryer would be ready for move-in
Negotiations with the builder went smoothly, and within a couple of days, we had a signed agreement. From there, we moved through the home inspection, appraisal, and final walkthroughs without a hitch. The builder delivered right on time.
And just like that, we were at the closing table—celebrating the end of a journey that had begun months earlier with a simple conversation at an open house.
Why Patience Pays Off
This experience reminded me how powerful it is to start the home search early—even if you're not ready to buy right away.
When clients take time to get familiar with the market, they become more confident. They recognize what’s rare, what’s worth waiting for, and what compromises are okay to make. And as their Realtor, I get to be more than just a guide—I become part of the process of shaping their vision.
One Chapter Ends, Another Begins
Today, my clients are settling into their new home in Riverside Heights, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Their story is a perfect example of how thoughtful planning, flexibility, and trust can lead to something amazing.
For me, real estate is never just about the sale. It’s about relationships, timing, and helping people step into the next season of life with confidence.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
Whether you’re planning for next month or next year, let’s start the conversation.
Call Kevin Freel at 727-410-8599
Put my 39 years of experience to work for you.
Contact Information:
Kevin Freel
Email: KevinFreel@c21be.com
Phone: (727) 410-8599
2024 #1 Realtor at Century 21 Beggins – Trusted, Proven, Sold
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