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What Can You Do if the Odds Are Against You?

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Real Estate Agent

Selling a home in today's market is a challenge.  In Leon County, FL,  both Sales and prices for single detached homes are lower this year than last.  Experts are now saying that prices may bottom out in 2011 (heard that one before?), then show small increases until 2015, when prices may increase 3.47 % (one wonders how they can be so exact).   Source Realtor.Org: Real Estate is at a Turning Point

Prices down in Leon County

Sales down in Leon County

With our many national issues, complicated with international crises, it's anyone's guess what will happen in the next four years and what life will be like in 2015.

Here's some advice for operating in today's market you may also have heard before, but is still true:

  • Sellers who don't need to sell should take their home off the market. 
  • Sellers who must sell should do whatever it takes (most likely lowering the price) to get the house sold quickly (because prices are falling) or consider other options, like renting - consult a professional before taking this step to understand the expenses and risks of  being a landlord.
  • Buyers who plan to stay in a house for 5-10 years should jump on the many great buys and low interest. Otherwise, it probably makes more sense to rent.

Comments(9)

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Daniel H. Fisher
www.FisherHermanRealty.com (704) 617-3544 - Charlotte, NC
MCRP - Charlotte Real Estate, NC or SC

We have seen sellers bringing cash to the table to sell, not because they have to, but because, while they are selling slightly below what they could get in the past, they are also able to buy far below what they were in the past and the net gain is substantial.

Jul 08, 2011 12:54 AM
Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

I'm experiencing the same thing where I am. I was pretty sure we had hit rock bottom, but no... they've dropped again.

Jul 08, 2011 01:00 AM
Retired Notworking
Tallahassee, FL

Yes, sellers who can make up the difference by buying another home at a greatly reduced price should be added to this list.

Jul 08, 2011 02:12 AM
Retired Notworking
Tallahassee, FL

We can listen to the experts, but not count on their predictions. There are too many variables involved.

Jul 08, 2011 02:13 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

We're seeing a different trend....muptiple offers on homes that are priced right and in good condition/location. Just about everything I write on is a multiple bid.  Real Estate is local.

Jul 08, 2011 02:26 AM
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Colleen, superb advice with great graphics.

   As a fellow Tallahasseean, I am aware that with cuts to State Government, our Real Estate Prices are going to trend downward.

 

Jul 08, 2011 05:50 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

It's not that multiple offers abound here on Long Island, but when a house is priced right and a seller is not unrealistic, the activity is brisk ~ Real Estate is certainly local!

Jul 08, 2011 10:41 PM
Retired Notworking
Tallahassee, FL

Even in Tallahassee, we get multiple bids if the house is seen by buyers to be a great value. One problem is that not enough of the inventory are great values and competition from foreclosures and short sales is fierce.

Jul 09, 2011 02:22 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Colleen -- your list sounds like solid advice.  Sellers/Buyers in any market that do not "have" to buy/sell should not be in the market.  Our area has multiple offers on properties that are well-priced, well-presented and of course, well-located.   Sellers need to make the necessary changes in order to best "showcase" their home and buyers need to be really ready to buy to participate in today's market.   

Jul 10, 2011 01:43 AM