The New Tampa Downsizing Guide
Downsizing Without the Overwhelm
A step-by-step guide to sorting, selling, and moving on to your next chapter, from New Tampa's downsizing specialist.
What's inside
Six steps to a calmer move
Start early and get everyone on the same page.
Give yourself time and bring the family in before the first box is packed.
Plan for the hard-to-move pieces
The piano, the pool table, the heirloom armoire — a clear plan for each one.
Go room by room
A simple system for deciding what stays, what goes, and what gets passed down.
Time your sale and your next move
Line up selling and buying so you're never stuck in between.
Price it right and make it shine
Staging and pricing strategies that help your home sell with confidence.
Find your next home, near or far
Whether it's down the street or across the country, map out what comes next.
Free download
Get your copy of the guide
Tell us where to send it. No pressure, no obligation — just a clear plan for your next chapter.
One quick step
What happens next
Fill in the form and your guide arrives from Whitney and the Florida Living Group team, along with a clear next step for your home.
Moving near or far
Stay close to home, or start fresh somewhere new
Whether your next home is right here in New Tampa or closer to family anywhere in the country, Whitney guides the whole move. Through her nationwide agent referral network, she connects you with a trusted local expert wherever you're headed.
Questions
Downsizing in New Tampa: Your Questions Answered
Who helps homeowners downsize in New Tampa?
Whitney Lohr, REALTOR® with Florida Living Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group, specializes in helping New Tampa homeowners move to a smaller home. I’ve lived in Hunter’s Green for about 20 years, I’m the #1 listing agent there, and I’m a Certified Home Stager. I guide the whole process: sorting, preparing, pricing, selling, and finding what comes next.
How long does downsizing take?
Most people do best starting 6 to 12 months before they want to move. That gives you time to sort belongings without rushing, make simple updates, and line up your sale with your next home. If your timeline is shorter, it can absolutely be done. We’ll just build a tighter plan together so nothing feels overwhelming.
Should I sell my current home or buy my next one first?
It depends on your finances, your timing, and how much certainty you want. Selling first gives you a clear budget and a stronger offer on your next home. Buying first avoids a temporary move. Options like a contingent offer, a rent-back after closing, or bridge financing can help close the gap. I’ll walk through the pros and cons with you so you’re never stuck in between.
Can I keep my Florida homestead tax savings if I downsize?
Often, yes. Under Florida’s current portability rules, you can transfer up to $500,000 of your accumulated Save Our Homes savings to a new Florida homestead. When you move to a lower-value home, you carry over a proportional share. You have to apply when you file for your new homestead exemption, and timing rules apply. A measure on the November 2026 ballot could change these rules, so confirm the details with your county property appraiser.
What should I do with furniture that won’t fit in a smaller home?
Start by measuring your next home’s rooms, then keep the pieces you love that actually fit. For the rest, you can pass pieces down, sell, consign or donate them. Plan early for large items like a piano, pool table or armoire. Some of your furniture may also help stage your current home for sale before it moves or finds a new owner.
Do I need to stage or update my home before selling?
Usually you don’t need a big renovation. What makes the most difference is decluttering, bright lighting, fresh neutral touches, small repairs, and furniture arranged so each room feels open. As a Certified Home Stager, I’ll show you exactly which changes are worth it and which ones to skip.
What is my New Tampa home worth?
Your home’s value depends on your neighborhood, its size and condition, and what similar homes nearby have recently sold for. I’ll prepare a free, no-obligation home valuation using current local sales, so you can plan your move with real numbers. Just fill out the form on this page.
What if I’m moving out of the Tampa Bay area?
I’ll handle the sale of your New Tampa home and connect you with a trusted, vetted agent wherever you’re headed through my nationwide agent referral network. You’ll have one point of contact here who stays with you through the whole move, near or far.
About Whitney
Whitney Lohr, REALTOR®
For about 20 years, Whitney has called New Tampa home — she lives in Hunter's Green, where she's the #1 listing agent. As a Certified Home Stager, she knows how to help a home look its best and sell with ease.
- ~20 years in New Tampa
- #1 listing agent in Hunter's Green
- Certified Home Stager
Kind words
What clients say
“Whitney helped us to prepare our home for sale, marketed it everywhere, and it sold in less than 24 hours during a traditionally slow holiday season. She stayed connected with us through every stage.”
“Whitney was very professional, attentive, conscientious and caring. She helped us with everything from roofers, electricians, plumbers etc., to the junk man and the HOA... the property sold in a couple days and above asking price!”
“Whitney sold our home in Hunter's Green. She was professional in every way and went beyond our high expectations. She was also very involved in getting the house ready for sale and lining up the necessary contractors.”
Curious what your home is worth?
Get a free, no-obligation home valuation from Whitney.
Request a Free Home Valuation