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Rick Fifer, Broker/Owner, Vintage Homes Realty (Vintage Homes Realty) Real Estate Broker/Owner

RAINMAKER

81,442

Rick Fifer
Broker/Owner, Vintage Homes Realty
location_on Tampa, FL — Vintage Homes Realty
BK3121917
Get to Know Rick Fifer

Vintage Homes Realty is finishing it's 2nd year.  Our small office is up to 5 REALTORS (counting myself as Broker). The local housing market has seen values begin to plateau after several years of  sharp increases.  Inventory remains in “Seller’s Market” territory but buyers are beginning to be priced out.  Thank you to the many buyers and seller in central Tampa's historic neighborhoods who trusted me (and now the agents with my company) with what is one of life's most important financial decisions.

Originally from the suburban Philiadelphia area, I came to Tampa in 1983. My undergraduate degree is from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. I have two graduate degrees from the University of South Florida.  Prior to going into real estate, I spent 20 years in social work doing eveything from case management, supervision, contract management, and as a program director.  I currently live in the Seminole Heights neighborhood with my two dogs, Chaucer and Rembrandt (both from the Humane Society).

My first home was in the Hampton Terrace section of Old Seminole Heights and Seminole Heights has remained my home 24 out of the past 26 years.

Along the way I gained a bit of knowledge and learned a lot of new skills while renovating 5 houses and my office.  This has often proven helpful when working with customers since my speciality is historic and vintage homes.   

During my years in the Seminole Heights area I have actively worked with many equally dedicated neighbors to bring positive changes to our central Tampa community through volunteering in a number of ways. As a former President of the Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association (OSHNA), the South Seminole Heights Civic Association (SSHCA) and the Business Guild of Seminole Heights (BGOSH), I have seen tremendous changes made within all of the Heights neighborhoods over the years. 

While I am dedicated to providing excellent service to all of my customers. When you start talking about Seminole Heights is when you really see my passion and commitment to community.  To search for homes in:  Old Seminole Heights , South and Southeast Seminole Heights, and Riverside Heights.   Or maybe you are like me and are drawn to Vintage homes, well I have a search that will match your budget, however modest or grand.  Just visit: Vintage Homes Realty

Certifications

My first and foremost my company and I strive to provide each of our customers with superior customer service. That applies to both my buyers and sellers.  I don't disappear after listing your home but I keep you informed with feedback until your home sells!  As a buyer, it is not about getting you into contract and moving on, I am very hands on involved in making sure everything runs smoothly.  

Tampa has many unique neighborhoods just like any city. My goal is to help you get the home you want in the neighborhood that meets your needs and budget.  However, my speciality is bungalows and vintage homes in historic Tampa neighborhoods like Seminole Heights, Palma Ceia, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, Hyde Park and Ybor City.  These neighborhoods are noted for their historic homes, brick streets, sense of community and historic districts.  Bungalows from the Craftsman era are the most common of the historic homes and can be found each of these neighborhoods.  In  that sense I am selling not just a house but neighborhoods and communities to which I am deeply committed. 

Historic Districts. Tampa has 7 designated historic districts: Hyde Park, Ybor City, Seminole Heights, Tampa Heights, Davis Islands, West Tampa, and Hampton Terrace. I love the charm, character, and craftmanship that can be found in older homes.  Some have been neglected and abused but they have stood the test of time.  And personally, I don't think they still build them the way my great-grandfather and his generation did. But of course he didn't build in hurricane alley or in termite heaven.

First time buyers.  Years ago when trying to buy my first home, the downpayment and closing cost were a hurdle that kept me from buying. I would talk to agents and even some lenders who wouldn't give me the time of day or point me in the right direction. I haven't forgotten those days and so I try to connect my first-time buyers with resources to purchase their first home. Using these programs require a greater investment of time on the part of buyers and mine as their real estate agent; generally take a bit longer to go from contract to closing (one reason many lenders and real estate agents don't get involved with them).  However, for buyers who are really wanting to own instead of rent, I have the resources to help you navigate down payment assistance programs.

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When buying or selling a vintage home would any agent do? I'm your "old house" Realtor for bungalows & vintage homes in Seminole Heights, Palma Ceia, Tampa Heights, Riverside Heights, and beyond.