When was the last time you had an in depth market analysis from a knowledgable agent? What is your motivation? What has your agent done to constantly promote it? Are others selling? If so why?

Do you have you rproperty listed? I just had a call from a Buyer looking for land with home in counrty around Auburndale, Lakeland, Winter Haven area.
Carol Ann Sargeant, e-PRO Realtor
carolann@h-mrealty.com

I don't know Florida, but my personal experience supports JR's point: Not only is more land not always welcomed, but it sometimes works against you.

A while back, I owned a house on 5 acres. In the general area, 5 acres was considered decidely "upscale," where 1/4 acre and 1/3 acre lots were the norm. When we went to sell it (this was way before I became a Realtor), I found that--at least in that geographic area at that time--people cared 90% about the house and at best 10% about the land. Worse, as JR says, there were some people who were perfectly willing to maintain their 1/4 acre lots, but had no interest or intention to take care of 5 acres...even though much of it was wooded.

And we found that many of the prospects wouldn't buy regardless of price. They didn't want to spend all weekend, every weekend, on maintenance. Similarly, the house had a swimming pool. (Aha! Canal front. Maybe you're running into the same problem, too.) Most parents of small children refused to consider buying, regardless of price. They had visions of little Sally falling into the pool and drowning.

There were some other drawbacks to our house, as well, including an unusual floor layout. But the real problems were the amount of land and the water "hazard." (We even modified the listing to say we'd fill in the pool, if requested. Guess you can't do that with a canal!)

Our agent was great. She talked with her broker and other agents and came up with a profile of the most likely buyer. She concentrated her marketing on that target demographic, and she/we succeeded. The house sold.

So, yes, price is important. No argument. But sometimes there are other factors--such as a nearby water hazard, such as too much land for some people to maintain--that price just will not overcome. So, strategize with your agent. Address price and address staging, of course. But also figure out who might be the most likely buyer for your home. Then make sure your marketing efforts are reaching them.

Hope that helps.

The market is not great for Sellers at this time because we have a glut of property on the market. To sell your home has to be price lower than like properties, or have something that is unique that people want. Many of my buyers still want land around their homes. Fewer people are moving in to the state with cash from sale of property "back home", and local home prices are, for the most part, too high for local workers to afford.

There is a buyer out there somewhere, but many buyers are being cautious, others are having difficulty qualifying for a mortgage. Many "would be buyers" are trying to wait for prices to drop even more. If you are in a position to hold the mortgage or do a "contract for deed" or a "lease option", my phone has been ringing with folk who need those alternatives - for various reasons.

Carol Ann Sargeant
H & M Realty of Polk County
carolann@h-mrealty.com
863-585-4740

If you have done everything to spruce up the home and land, then it's the price. Sorry to say, but it is that simple. Ask your REALTOR for his/her opinion.

HJ1129's,

Are you talking about the feed from Lake Hamilton..? .. you really need to do some research in that area, there's not a whole lot going on between you and Plant City, there's not a whole lot going on between you and Bartow .l.o.l.. ... see what homes were doing 15 months ago, 6 months ago and what they're doing now ...

Developers there are using .45 to .75 as build sites ... so I wouldn't think you'd see a big return on 2.5, parcels might do better ... then again, I'm not standing there.

Do you're homework, study the area and knock some doors on some previous sales, you'd be amazed what past and current homeowners will tell you ...


Good luck and happy hunting.!

Dear HJ
How long has your property been on the market?
How many homes, like yours, have sold in the time yours has been on the market?
How many showings has your home had?
Any offers yet?
Properly marketed and priced homes will have showing activity during the first 14 to 21 days of market time. If they do not receive that, then there are some adjustments that need to be made, probably price.

Homes that sell during the first 30 days of market time generally will sell at closer to asking price. The longer homes sit, the greater the gap. In my market within a month the sell price vs. list price ratio is 99.7%, 120 days it's 93.6%.

Also, know the over 90% of the time the buyer that first sees your home was brought there by a Realtor, so if you are not getting any showings, that would be a strong indication that Realtors do not think you home is a good enough value to show.

Good luck!
Keith

A large lot doesn't translate into a large amount or money more than comparable homes. What is your house listed at and what did comparable homes sell for? A large lot can be a liability to a second home buyer who may not want to maintain 2.5 acres. If it were a waterfront community of .2 arce lots, and you had a half acre it would be different, but if you're talking about typically a 1 acre property, and you have 2, unless it can be subdivided you probably won't see a huge amount more.

Hello HJ,

Phil has hit it right on the head.
If the your home is priced agressively, is in good condition, you should ask your agent
how they are marketing your home.
Are there enough and good pictures of the home that are being used?

HJ

Pricing your home agressively, especially in a declining market, is crucial.

Have your realtor re-evaluate your home...use comparable sales no older than 3 months.

2.5 acres canal front is not necessarily a bonus in Haines City

When you have determined the actual current value of your home, price your home at value rather than value +

Best of luck

Hello HJ,

Three reasons why homes do not receive showings in this market. 1. Price 2. Condition 3. Price

Pricing is critical. Homes which are selling are priced under market value. Pricing will attract the buyers, and can result in multiple offers.

What about the condition? Buyers these days want move in ready, upgraded homes. Where is the location? You could be on a canal with a power station as your back drop. How deep is the canal?

If pricing, condition and location are O.K., I woud then ask how is the property being marketed?

What is the location of this property?