Jim Malloy

Hi Alina,

Price per square foot has some serious limitations. Materials, construction techniques, finish and condition vary widely and therefore the square foot approach would have to keep all these constant to have real use.

If the property has a rental history the previous reply is helpful, Usually investors try to determine the probable inclone, estimate expenses and then look for other advantages. Investors are interested in the rate of appreciation in the area and the depreciation effect on their taxes. The best economic advantage is generally a buy and hold option which will normally beat the flipping approach. (We know, the TV shows show flipping as a great option.) Sometimes it is.

If you are looking at a property for your own use, consider both the investment advantage and the cost of alternate vacation rentals, entertainment and restaurants. A combination of personal and business use will require a combined approach.

After all that, why not have a local realtor show you several similar properties, compare prices and features and then ask what the discount from list to sale price has been.

Sincerely,
Ann & Jim Malloy - Wed Jul 11 2007, 12:28

It is true that for several years buying speculation is Lewes impacted the market. Over the past year and a half, speculators have dropped from sight. They can no longer give it a coat of paint and make several thousand dollars. Individual speculators have been driven from the market by the largest speculators in the world, major developers. New home development in the area has now slowed and reality is returning to the market.

Both Lewes and Rehoboth have seen a drop of 10-12% in comparable existing homes. We do not anticipate a continuing major drop in homes because the low Delaware taxes and excellent lifestyle continues to attract retirees and professional people who select the area. Major developers become less competitive when they only build one or two homes at a time. The money drain for development infrastructure has tempered developers thurst for building.

The other reason we believe sanity is returning is that material prices have increased dramatically over the past two years. This works to the advantage of existing properties because the long term value is always in the land. The portion of a price that reflects existing construction is therefore declining relative to new construction. (Sorry for the economics lecture.) A quarter acre lot two miles from town and the beach will never be worth more than a quarter acre in town.

Jim Malloy - Wed Jul 11 2007, 12:00