Andres Rios “My business is built on integrity.”
A longtime Wesley Chapel resident with 20 years in banking, Andres Rios brings financial experience, straight answers and a team-first approach to local real estate.
ANDRES RIOS
Senior Real Estate Specialist, 7Blue
Call: 813-451-2559,
Email: AndresR7blue@outlook.com
Instagram @andres_r_realtytampabay
Today, one principle guides every aspect of his work in real estate: “My business is built on integrity.”
For Andres, that means honest conversations, clear communication and keeping his clients informed at every step—from the first pre-approval conversation to inspections, insurance and closing.
Andres Rios has watched Wesley Chapel grow from a quiet community north of Tampa into one of the region’s most active residential and commercial markets. He moved to Wesley Chapel from Chicago in 2000, to be closer to his family, and spent nearly 20 years working in banking and finance, including positions with JPMorgan and Bank of America. About seven years ago, he made the move into real estate.
What led you from banking into real estate?
Through the banking industry, I met various real estate agents who had built very successful careers. Seeing their success gave me the push to give real estate a try. About seven years ago, I decided to make that career change. That was my transition from banking and finance into real estate.
How does your financial background help your real estate clients?
There are many benefits to understanding the financial side of a home purchase, especially when it comes to credit—how to build it, how to protect it, and when not to use it.
It also makes it easier to have open conversations with clients. They know I understand what they may be going through financially. If someone has excellent credit and has managed their finances well, I’m also happy to congratulate them on what they have accomplished.
Why have you chosen to focus on Wesley Chapel?
I have watched Wesley Chapel go through a tremendous transition in growth and development. New communities and places such as Tampa Premium Outlets, Wiregrass Development, future downtown of Wesley Chapel have brought more people and new commercial opportunities into the area.
Tampa has also grown tremendously. When I first arrived, downtown Tampa had only a few major buildings. Today, I couldn’t even count them all.
Many large businesses and corporations are moving or expanding into Florida. Tampa is in the middle of that growth, and Wesley Chapel, as a community north of Tampa, one of the hottest spots in terms of growth and opportunity.
What makes Wesley Chapel attractive to buyers?
We have new communities, good schools, low crime and continued residential and commercial development. We have all the infrastructure we need, including such an important things for Florida like, for example, underground electrical wiring, flood and hurricanes are generally affect the area less then South Tampa or towns near the bay, and, of course you can get a really good place for your money in comparison with some neighborhoods.
New construction has helped keep the housing market active. I believe Wesley Chapel will continue to grow, and that growth will help keeping the local real estate market strong.
With so much development, should buyers purchase now or wait?
I don’t think people should wait if they know they want to own a home and they are financially prepared to do it. Interest rates will go up and down. Home values will go up and down. But you are either paying rent or paying your own mortgage.
When I moved to Florida, I was able to purchase a home early enough to benefit from homeownership and Florida’s homestead tax advantages. You can buy now, or you can wait until next year. You may not necessarily regret waiting, but you could end up saying, “I should have listened to my gut.”
What is the most important principle behind the way you work?
My number one principle is making sure my clients feel completely comfortable being honest with me. I want them to tell me whether they are ready to move forward, what doubts they have and what questions they need answered.
At the end of the day, I am my own business. My business is my face, my reputation and my integrity.
What if a client changes their mind about a property?
I want my clients to feel comfortable picking up the phone and saying, “Hey, Andreas, I changed my mind about this house. Let’s keep looking.” And that is perfectly fine.
My job is to help them make the right decision for themselves. I don’t want a client buying something they may later have to sell or look back on and say, “I shouldn’t have done this.”
What is the first thing a home buyer should do?
The first step is understanding the budget and making sure the finances are in place.
Buyers need to understand what purchasing a property entails financially. A pre-approval helps us to determine what they can actually afford before we begin seriously looking at homes.
Why is pre-approval so important?
It gives the buyer and the real estate agent a clear starting point.
I work with lenders who can guide clients through the pre-approval process and help make sure their finances are in place for the type of home they want to purchase.
What else should buyers consider besides the purchase price?
They need to understand the condition of the property they are buying and the "cost of the ownership", meaning taxes, maintenance, HOA / CDD fees, etc.
Once we find a home and it is under contract, there will be inspections and an appraisal. Those pieces need to align so we can reach the end goal and complete the purchase.
Why should Florida buyers think about insurance early?
Insurance is very important, but many people don’t think about it until the end.
We need to know whether the insurance company will approve the property based on factors such as the roof, water heater and anything that may come up during the inspections.
These issues can affect whether the home qualifies for coverage and what that coverage may cost. I want my clients to understand that before they reach the final stage of the transaction.
What is your work with a client starts with?
I work with a team of trusted professionals, including lenders, inspectors and insurance agents.
That is especially helpful for clients relocating to Wesley Chapel who may not know people in the area. They don’t have to start calling random companies and hoping they find the right person.
Once I know I am working directly with a client, I bring the team together. I create a group chat that includes the client and the professionals involved.
I tell the client, “I’m going to introduce you to our team. If you have any questions, put them here.”
That way, everyone knows what is happening and which phase of the process we are in.
What matters most to you when working with a client?
Clear communication and transparency at every step. Whether someone is buying their first home, an investment property, or a commercial property, I want the process to be organized and clear. I want my clients to feel comfortable asking questions, voicing concerns, and knowing exactly where they stand.
My business is built on integrity. To me, that means my clients can look back long after closing and know I put their interests first.
Thinking about buying or selling?
Contact Andres Rios,
Senior Real Estate Specialist at 7Blue, to discuss your next move.
Call 813-451-2559, or
Email AndresR7blue@outlook.com.
