10 Things to Look For When Searching for Homes in Hyde Park

Searching for a home is never easy, much less when you’re determined to find the perfect home for you and your family. Hyde Park is a historic Tampa neighborhood known for its upscale lifestyle and vibrant nightlife scene and includes iconic Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park Village, and SoHo. It's adjacent to the University of Tampa and Downtown and is home to many shopping and dining establishments, including the open air shopping promenade of Hyde Park Village which contains many local boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect neighborhood for everyone in search of a slice of paradise. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should settle for the first Hyde Park home you find. Consult your family and put together a list of everything you need and want in your new home. Homes in Hyde Park may be limited, but your dream home is still waiting to be found. Take a look at this list for everything you need to keep in mind as you go about searching for homes in Hyde Park.

The most important thing to keep in mind is the location of the home. How far is it from your workplace? Your children’s school? What about restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies? If you prefer to live closer to one location over the other, you need to search for homes within that general vicinity. The convenience ultimately comes down to your needs — what part of your everyday life do you want to prioritize?

Keep in mind that the closer you are to Hyde Park’s most popular hot spots, the higher the price tag you’ll see on nearby homes.

What are you looking for in regard to size? A multi-level mansion? A two-story townhome? A cozy cottage with enough room for you and your spouse? The size of the home you buy depends on the size of your household — and your household’s needs. For example, if you or someone else in your family works from home, they’ll need a home office or some sort of private study removed from the rowdier parts of the home. Size is also important if you plan to implement an entertainment room, personal gym, guest rooms, and other designated spaces.

Curb appeal is the first impression a home makes on everyone looking at it for the first time. This includes buyers, neighbors, and guests coming over for a visit. Your ideal home should make a good first impression on you most of all. Does it look well-attended overall? A homeowner who cares for the exterior of their home is more likely to devote that same attention to the interior.

The size of the yard is an important thing to take note of. Is it fenced or open? Would it require a lot of work to keep it in good condition? How much of the terrain is actually legally yours? If a property doesn’t have a clearly defined boundary, be sure to ask the homeowner about it.

In line with curb appeal, you want to have the roof and home exterior inspected for any damages or issues. A damaged roof and even old home exteriors can lead to bigger problems, like water leaks and high air conditioning costs. Never neglect the importance of a good, sturdy roof!

The number of bedrooms may seem like a straightforward requirement, but there are a couple of things to consider. Do you have college-age children or family that will live with you or will be moving out in the near-future? If so, you may need a different number of bedrooms than you think. A large family often desires more than one bathroom. Two or three bathrooms tend to be the sweet spot for most families, but it never hurts to have more. The primary bedroom should come with its own en-suite bathroom in addition to the other bathrooms in the home.

The living room is one of the two most used communal spaces in any home. Does the home’s living room suit your family? For example, if you want an open floor plan, the living room should connect seamlessly to the kitchen and dining room. If you prefer closed-off, designated spaces, the living room should be defined as its own distinct room.

The kitchen is the second of the two most used communal spaces. Are the appliances and countertops functional and clean enough to be considered new? Are the appliances energy-efficient? Is there enough counter space for everything you need? Remember — this is where your family will come together to eat.

The cooling, heating, plumbing, gas, and electrical systems of a home should be in excellent condition before you buy. You should invest in a home inspection to verify the condition of these systems. Faulty, outdated systems are no good, and replacements can be costly.

Never underestimate the amount of storage you need. Every bedroom should have ample closet space, and bathrooms should have enough room for a cabinet or two. Kitchen pantry space is also essential. You don’t want to end up with cluttered closets or a garage full of things you can’t fit in the home.

Nobody wants a dimly lit home that relies on too much artificial lighting. Is there enough natural light to keep the space properly lit? Does the space feel open and inviting — the kind of area you want to relax in? Your home should always feel like a home and not just a building to take shelter in. Natural lighting and windows are a great way to enhance the ambiance of any home and make it feel comfortable.

For more information about homes in Hyde Park and the neighborhood itself, reach out to the South Tampa specialists at 360 Realty, a dedicated team of real estate experts equipped with the skills every home buyer needs. Offering licensed real estate attorneys, financial counsel, and marketing and sales strategies, 360 Realty is prepared to fulfill your every need. Get in touch with them today to get started!