My New Blog

We have all heard about the awesome deal someone got in a real estate purchase. Stories are endless of people that got the deal of the century.  Phrases like "we got the seller to go down $50,000 on their price" or perhaps this one: "We'll really make a killing when we sell in a year from now!"  The truth is that many buyers lost out on their dream home because it was more important to get "the deal" then it was to own your dream home.

Getting a great deal on a real estate purchase rarely has anything to do with the amount of discount one gets off an asking price. Buying real estate is not like buying a car or a bucket of golf balls at a flea market. Factors such as "where will my kids go to school" and "how long will it take me to get to work from here" will ultimately be more important than negotiating a deal only to loose out because the seller wouldn't cooperate or worse, another buyer bought it out from under you.

So what's the answer? Well, there is no one answer. In my 18+ years in the Tampa bay real estate market I have tried to follow some basic rules. If a home is in a development as many are, I usually avoid  suggesting the biggest or the most expensive home in a community. A home that is smaller to middle sized compared to others is often a safer choice in most neighborhoods.  I also tend to recommend properties in areas where there are villages of various sized and priced homes.  The mindset for this is twofold. The individual neighborhoods tend to be smaller and often better kept and when it comes to selling, you'll usually have less competition.  I also will ask my buyers to consider their day to day needs. Where are the grocery stores? How about the Pharmacy? Schools? Churches? Playgrounds? Ball fields? These are important considerations.

What about CDD fees and home owners associations? Communities that charge these fees usually include a club house, community pools, playgrounds, utility discounts and structured activities. If you have children, it may the cheapest babysitter you ever had. If you don't take advantage of the facilities it may just prove to be expensive. 

Then there's the property condition. Normally a distressed home will cost less than a pristine property. However, it's rarely a good idea for a buyer who doesn't know a screwdriver from a socket wrench to buy a fixer upper.  On the other hand, a buyer who's favorite tv program is "fix this house" or loves the idea of remodeling a bathroom may be able to build equity through some old fashion sweat. Just remember you want to love your house, not hate it.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to find an experienced real estate professional who is truly focused on your needs, not thiers. A genuine professional can assist you in sorting out the real values....your values. Be it location, amenities, size AND price!  Ask your friends, family or co-workers if they worked with a real estate professional they loved! If that doesn't work, take a look at all those initials below their names on their business cards. I proudly display the GRI, Graduate of the Real estate Institute and the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education. Less than 4 percent of all licensed Realtors® are Certified Residential Specialists.  However you decide to buy a home, try to remember this is one of the largest investments you will ever make.....Make sure it's a good one.