Chel Sells Tampa

06/05/2026

Happy National Donut Day!

Real estate and donuts actually have a lot in common.Everyone wants the perfect one.Some people spend months searching for it.You promise yourself you're "just looking" and then suddenly you're completely committed.And occasionally, the one that doesn't look perfect on the outside turns out to be your favorite.
Whether you're hunting for the perfect glazed donut or the perfect Tampa Bay home, the search is part of the fun.

As someone who's gluten-free, I'm always on the lookout for great options. HaleLife Bakery and The Salty are two of my favorite spots because both offer amazing gluten-free donuts that don't taste like you're settling for the gluten-free version.

Now for the important question:

What's the most underrated donut flavor?
I'm a firm believer that the classics are classics for a reason, but I'm willing to be convinced otherwise.

Drop your favorite local donut shop and go-to order in the comments. You might help someone discover their new favorite spot.

06/04/2026

Who's Buying in Tampa Right Now?

The Tampa Bay market has shifted, and today's buyers look a little different than they did a few years ago.

Here's who's actively shopping right now:

• First-time buyers who have been waiting for more inventory and less competition
• Relocating professionals from higher-cost states looking for more value and Florida's lifestyle
• Retirees and snowbirds seeking condos and low-maintenance living near the water
• Investors looking for well-priced properties with strong rental potential
• Move-up buyers who have outgrown their current home and need more space for family, hobbies, or working from home

What are Tampa buyers looking for?

✔ Move-in ready homes
✔ Updated kitchens and bathrooms
✔ Reasonable insurance costs
✔ Flexible floor plans
✔ Outdoor living spaces
✔ Communities with amenities
✔ Homes priced realistically for today's market

One thing hasn't changed: buyers are still willing to pay a premium for homes that are well-maintained, properly marketed, and priced correctly.

Why am I a great resource for today's Tampa buyers?

As a Tampa resident for more than a decade, I don't just sell homes here, I live the lifestyle. I understand the differences between neighborhoods, condo communities, HOA requirements, flood zones, insurance considerations, and the local market trends that can impact your decision.

Whether you're looking in Tampa, Saint Petersburg, or beyond, I help buyers navigate the process with honest advice, strong negotiation skills, local connections, and a focus on finding the right home, not just any home.Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. My goal is to make sure you're informed, protected, and confident every step of the way.

If you're in the market, what would be at the top of your wish list? A waterfront view, a bigger backyard, a home office, or something else?

06/04/2026

If you could wake up anywhere in Tampa Bay tomorrow, where would it be?

1- A waterfront home in Town 'n' Country?
2- A condo overlooking downtown St. Pete?
3- A bungalow in Historic Kenwood?
4- A South Tampa home with room for a pool?
5- Or maybe a place with enough closet space that you don't have to play Tetris every time you buy something new.

The Tampa and St. Petersburg markets have shifted. Buyers have more options, sellers are still making moves, and opportunities exist for both sides when you have the right strategy.

Whether you're thinking about buying this year, selling next year, investing, downsizing, or simply curious about what your home is worth, now is a great time to start the conversation.

Tell me in the comments:
If money and work weren't factors, what neighborhood in Tampa Bay would you choose to live in?

I'm curious to see which area wins.

06/03/2026

Tampa Bay has no shortage of great coffee shops, but these are a few local favorites that consistently make the list:

• Buddy Brew Coffee
• Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters
• King State
• The Lab Coffee
• Spaddy's Coffee Co.
• DI Coffee Bar
• Jet City Espresso
• The Blend

Whether you're looking for a quick caffeine fix before work, a spot to meet clients, or a cozy place to spend a Saturday morning, Tampa has some fantastic options.

As a local realtor, I'm always looking for new places to check out between showings and appointments.

Have you tried any of these coffee shops? Which one is your favorite, or is there another hidden gem in Tampa that deserves a spot on this list?

06/02/2026

Tuesday Tampa Bay Market & Growth Update

What's happening in Town 'n' Country, Tampa right now?

The local market is continuing to normalize. Home values in Town 'n' Country remain strong, with median sale prices hovering around the mid-$400,000s, but buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. Homes are taking longer to sell, which means pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Well-maintained homes that are priced correctly are still attracting strong interest.

On the city planning side, Tampa continues investing heavily in infrastructure and future growth. The city recently announced a major increase in road paving, drainage, crosswalk, and bicycle facility improvements. Tampa is also updating its long-range Comprehensive Plan through 2045 to help guide future development, transportation, housing, and neighborhood growth.

One of the biggest projects to watch is the continued redevelopment connecting Downtown Tampa and Ybor City, bringing new housing, retail, office space, and walkable mixed-use neighborhoods to the area.

The takeaway is that Tampa Bay is still growing, but we're seeing a healthier, more balanced real estate market. For buyers, that means more choices and negotiating power. For sellers, strategy matters more than ever.

Thinking about buying, selling, or just curious what your home is worth in today's market? Let's connect.

06/01/2026

This past weekend, my wife Kelsey ( Star Therapy )and I traded Tampa for Atlanta and packed a lot into a few days.

We started with an incredible (but rainy) concert at Lakewood Ampitheatere, explored the amazing exhibits at the Georgia Aquarium, and made a stop at the World of Coca-Cola. We also spent some time outdoors hiking at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs, which was a great way to unplug and enjoy some beautiful scenery.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was walking along the Atlanta BeltLine. It's easy to see why it's become such a popular destination, with its mix of art, parks, restaurants, and local businesses all connected by a walkable trail.

Of course, no trip is complete without good food and drinks, and Atlanta definitely delivered. We found some fantastic spots along the way and came home with a few new favorites.

As much as I love exploring new places, trips like this always remind me how important it is to find a community that fits your lifestyle. Whether it's walkable neighborhoods, access to outdoor activities, great restaurants, or local attractions, where you live shapes your everyday experience.

Have you been to Atlanta? What's your favorite thing to do there?

06/01/2026

Thinking about moving to or from Tampa Bay?

Whether you’re relocating across the country, moving to Tampa, buying a home in St. Petersburg, selling a condo in Tampa, or searching for waterfront property along Florida’s Gulf Coast, understanding the local market can make all the difference.

Tampa Bay continues to attract buyers from across the country thanks to its year-round sunshine, waterfront lifestyle, strong job market, diverse neighborhoods, and endless entertainment options. At the same time, sellers are still benefiting from continued demand in many Tampa Bay communities.

As a local Tampa Realtor, I help buyers, sellers, investors, and those relocating navigate every step of the process. From Town ‘n’ Country and Carrollwood to South Tampa, St. Petersburg, and beyond, I’m happy to be a resource whether you’re planning a move next month or next year.

What’s the biggest question you have about moving to or from Tampa Bay?

05/28/2026

Hi, I’m Chelsea, and I figured it was probably time for a little reintroduction. I’m originally from New York and moved to Tampa in 2014 with my partner Kelsey. Like a lot of people here, we came for the sunshine and somehow ended up falling in love with everything the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

We have two cats who fully believe they own our house, and in my spare time you’ll usually find me playing tennis, going for walks, trying new restaurants, or exploring different parts of Tampa and St. Pete. There’s always something new popping up around here, which is one of the reasons I love living in this area so much.

Real estate has given me the opportunity to connect with so many great people while helping them navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Whether it’s waterfront homes, condos, first-time buyers, investors, or someone just trying to figure out where they fit in Tampa Bay, I genuinely enjoy being part of that process.

Thanks for following along and supporting my business. It truly means a lot.

05/26/2026

St. Pete may soon eliminate parking minimums near the SunRunner and Central Avenue corridors to encourage more walkable, transit-friendly development.
This could open the door for higher-density housing, new mixed-use projects, and continued growth throughout parts of downtown and west St. Pete.Urban development trends like this are becoming more common as Tampa Bay grows and cities try balancing affordability, traffic, and lifestyle. St. Pete keeps leaning further into its “live-work-bike-to-the-coffee-shop” era. Honestly, I'm not mad about it.

05/25/2026